City of Sandpoint considers anti-discrimination ordinance

SANDPOINT - City officials want to ensure that everyone feels welcome in Sandpoint.

At last Thursday's Administration Committee meeting, Councilman John Reuter sought the committee's approval to work with city attorney Scot Campbell in drafting a city ordinance that would prevent discrimination race, color, disability, age, national origin, sex, religion, creed, veteran status and sexual orientation.

"Sandpoint has a history of leading the way (on anti-discrimination issues), and I'd like to continue that tradition," Reuter said.

According to Reuter, Sandpoint's early adoption of Martin Luther King Jr. Day before the state itself provided the historical basis for local officials to continue efforts against discrimination.

Idaho law currently prohibits discrimination in employment, education, real estate transactions and public accommodations based on age, disability, religion, sex, race, color and national origin. However, Reuter's proposal would bolster and enhance current state law to include additional categories like veteran status and sexual orientation. The ordinance would impact employment opportunities, housing and public accommodations within Sandpoint.

"Not all these classes are protected by the state law," Reuter said. "I think we ought to reinforce the state law."

Campbell said that the draft ordinance will be a tricky one to prepare given its potential impact on many different areas of the city.

"There are a lot of legal issues that this is going to raise," he said.