Number
Version
ORIGINAL
Reference
Sponsor
THE CHAIR
Title
An ordinance relating to discrimination based on a person’s preferred language.
Section
109-5-11.5 cr
109-5-12 am
Analysis
This ordinance prohibits discrimination based on a person’s preferred language. Preferred language means a person’s perceived or actual spoken or written language, or form of sign language most preferred by the person as a means of communication.
Body
Whereas, Immigrants and refugees with limited English proficiency, or individuals who use a form of sign language or non-spoken language, and individuals of differing abilities have been subject to discrimination; and
Whereas, It is essential that businesses provide services to everyone, regardless of a person’s language, to carry out professional, amicable, and financially responsible business relationships with all parties; and
Whereas, Housing discrimination based on the language a person speaks or is perceived to speak, may result in segregation by race or ethnic origin, or unsafe housing conditions; and
Whereas, The City of Milwaukee believes that all residents and visitors should be afforded the same treatment and experience regardless of the languages they speak; now, therefore, be it
The Mayor and Common Council of the City of Milwaukee do ordain as follows:
Part 1. Section 109-5-11.5 of the code is created to read:
109-5 Definitions.
11.5. PREFERRED LANGUAGE means a person’s perceived or actual spoken or written language, or form of sign language most preferred by the person as a means of communication.
Part 2. Section 109-5-12 of the code is amended to read:
12. PROTECTED PERSON means any individual intended to be protected from violations of prohibited discrimination under this chapter. This includes an individual’s sex, race, religion, color, national origin or ancestry, age, disability, lawful source of income, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, victimhood of domestic abuse or sexual assault, protected hairstyle, >>protected language,<< past or present membership in the military service, HIV status, domestic partnership, genetic identity, homelessness, familial status, or an individual’s affiliation or perceived affiliation with any of these categories.
LRB
APPROVED AS TO FORM
____________________________
Legislative Reference Bureau
Date: ______________________
Attorney
IT IS OUR OPINION THAT THE ORDINANCE
IS LEGAL AND ENFORCEABLE
____________________________
Office of the City Attorney
Date: ______________________
Department
Department of Administration
LRB176937-1
Heather Wolfgram
09/08/2021