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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-02-24 20-087 Resolve 02/24/2020 20-087 02/24/2020 20-087 Legal Resolve N/A Title, Resolve Supporting Amending the Constitution of Maine to Explicitly Prohibit Discrimination Based on the Gender of an Individual This Resolve would support the passage of a pending State resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of Maine explicitly prohibiting discrimination based on the "sex" of an individual. LD 433, pending before the State Legislature, is a resolution calling for a constitutional amendment that would prohibit discrimination based on the "sex" of an individual. While legislation and court decisions have increased women's access to education, employment, and public service, the legislation and decisions are not always uniform or comprehensive, and laws can be repealed or reduced. As currently proposed, LD 433 prohibits discrimination based on the "sex" of an individual. In order to protect against discrimination for all, this resolve supports changing the language to prohibit discrimination based on gender as well, including non-binary gender identities. Equality for all, under the law is a fundamental value of the United States of America, Maine, and Bangor. The City of Bangor recognizes that the state and community is enriched when everyone, regardless of gender can participate and contribute equally in all aspects of society. Approval of this amendment to the Maine State Constitution would help ensure that all individuals regardless of gender, have the same protections under the law. Government Operations Committee 02/18/2020 Recommend for passage New Business CITY OF BANGOR RESOLVE 02/24/2020 20-087 02/24/2020 20-087 Nichols Supporting Amending the Constitution of Maine to Explicitly Prohibit Discrimination Based on the Gender of an Individual WHEREAS, equality under the law is a fundamental value of the United States of America, Maine, and Bangor; WHEREAS, legislation and court decisions have increased women's access to education, employment, and public service; WHEREAS, said legislation and decisions are not uniform, federal laws are not comprehensive, and laws can be repealed or reduced; WHEREAS, we value the continued participation of women in education, the military, public service, and all aspects of society; WHEREAS, the Maine Legislature is presently considering a resolution to amend the Constitution of Maine; WHEREAS, said amendment would provide that "Equality of rights under the law may not be denied or abridged by the State or any political subdivision of the State based on the sex of an individual"; WHEREAS, said amendment would help ensure women and men have the same protections under the law; WHEREAS, people who are transgender or non-binary face discrimination in many areas of life, including employment and health care; and WHEREAS, in order to protect against discrimination based on gender, including non-binary gender identities, this Resolve supports amending the resolution to prohibit discrimination based on gender as well; Be it Resolved by the City Council of the City of Bangor that, We, the City Council of the City of Bangor, support the passage of State of Maine LD 433, Resolution, Proposing an Amendment to the Constitution of Maine To Explicitly Prohibit Discrimination Based on the Sex of an Individual, preferably with an amendment prohibiting discrimination on the basis of gender as well. IN CITY COUNCIL FEBRUARY 24,2020 CO 20-087 MOTION MADE AND SECONDED FOR PASSAGE PASSED C CLE