CITY OF SEATTLE
ORDINANCE __________________
COUNCIL BILL __________________
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AN ORDINANCE changing the name of the Seattle Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Commission to the Seattle Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ) Commission; amending Chapter 3.14 and Section 15.52.005 of the Seattle Municipal Code to reflect the name change.
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WHEREAS, multiple people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender, or otherwise face marginalization due to their sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or gender expression, also use “queer” as an inclusive and umbrella term to describe their communities; and
WHEREAS, in 1973 The City of Seattle included sexual orientation as a protected category when it adopted the Fair Employment Ordinance prohibiting discrimination in employment, and in 1975 added sexual orientation as a protected category for illegal discrimination in housing; and
WHEREAS, beginning in the late 1980s, queer scholars, activists, community members, and workers began to reclaim the term “queer” to establish a sense of community and assert a distinct politicized identity to be civically engaged. Queer identities may be adopted by those who reject traditional gender identities and seek a broader, more inclusive term that encompasses their full humanity; and
WHEREAS, in 1985 The City of Seattle created the Mayor’s Lesbian and Gay Task Force, since renamed the Seattle Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) Commission; and
WHEREAS, “queer” is an umbrella term sometimes used by people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and other identification terms that seek to empower people marginalized within society due to gender identity and sexual orientation; and
WHEREAS, The City of Seattle values being an open and inclusive city for all of its residents, including those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ); and
WHEREAS, The City of Seattle collaborates with multiple non-profit and community organizations that consider the term “LGBTQ” to be a current and inclusive term; and
WHEREAS, The City of Seattle has been an advocate for the legal rights for all individuals, including people that identify as queer; and
WHEREAS; The City of Seattle advocates for greater awareness of discrimination faced by young people who use “queer” as a positive identity in which to feel empowered; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY OF SEATTLE AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Subsection 3.14.535.E of the Seattle Municipal Code, which section was enacted by Ordinance 123822, is amended as follows:
3.14.535 Seattle Immigrant and Refugee Commission-Purposes and ((Duties)) duties ((.))
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E. Meet on a quarterly basis through a designated representative with the Seattle Women’s Commission, the Seattle Human Rights Commission, the Seattle ((LGBT)) LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer) Commission, and the Seattle Commission for People with Disabilities, to ensure coordination and joint project development; and
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Section 2. Section 3.14.900 of the Seattle Municipal Code, last amended by Ordinance 123219, is amended as follows:
3.14.900 Office established-Purpose ((.))
There is established in the Executive Department an Office for Civil Rights to provide citywide leadership and guidance in the areas of civil rights and equal opportunity. It shall promote equal access to services within The City of Seattle and work to eliminate discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodations for Seattle residents; recommend policies to all departments and divisions of City government in matters affecting civil rights and equal opportunity to all people; recommend legislation for the implementation of such programs and policies; promote awareness within City government and The City of Seattle through public education and outreach; and provide staff support for the Seattle Women’s Commission, the Seattle Human Rights Commission, the Seattle ((LGBT)) LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer) Commission, and the Seattle Commission for People with Disabilities.
Section 3. Section 3.14.910 of the Seattle Municipal Code, last amended by Ordinance 123219, is amended as follows:
3.14.910 Director-Appointment ((.))
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D. Provide staff support for the Seattle Women’s Commission, the Seattle Human Rights Commission, the Seattle ((LGBT)) LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer) Commission, and the Seattle Commission for People with Disabilities; ((and)) consult with and report regularly to the Seattle Women’s Commission, the Seattle Human Rights Commission, the Seattle ((LGBT)) LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer) Commission, and the Seattle Commission for People with Disabilities on the workings of the Office for Civil Rights ((,)) ; and attend, either in person or by designated representative, all regular meetings of the Seattle Women’s Commission, the Seattle Human Rights Commission, the Seattle ((LGBT)) LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer) Commission, and the Seattle Commission for People with Disabilities ((.)) ;
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H. Make periodic reports and recommendations to the Mayor and City Council concerning the operations of the Seattle Women’s Commission, the Seattle Human Rights Commission, the Seattle ((LGBT)) LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer) Commission, the Seattle Commission for People with Disabilities, and the Office for Civil Rights;
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Section 4. Section 3.14.920 of the Seattle Municipal Code, last amended by Ordinance 123734, is amended as follows:
3.14.920 Commission-Established-Membership ((.))
There is established a Seattle Women’s Commission, to be composed of ((twenty (20))) 20 members appointed from among those persons who are conscious of the discrimination against and oppression of women in this society, and who are working to eliminate these injustices; a Seattle Human Rights Commission, to be composed of ((fifteen (15))) 15 members who shall be representative residents and shall include representatives of minority communities, other protected classes, and persons with a demonstrated concern and background in human rights; a Seattle ((LGBT)) LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer) Commission, to be composed of ((fifteen (15))) 15 members appointed from among those persons who are conscious of the discrimination against and oppression of lesbians, gays, and sexual minorities in ((the)) this society, and who are working to eliminate these injustices ((,)) ; and a Seattle Commission for People with Disabilities, to be composed of ((fifteen (15))) 15 members appointed from among those persons who are conscious of the discrimination against ((,)) and oppression and neglect of people with disabilities, and who are working to eliminate these injustices. Upon the expiration of existing terms, new appointments to each position on each commission shall be made under this ((section)) Section 3.14.920 by the authority originally appointing persons to that position, as follows:
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B. Seattle Human Rights Commission, Seattle ((LGBT)) LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer) Commission, and Seattle Commission for People with Disabilities: For each of these commissions, seven (((7))) members shall be appointed by the Mayor, seven (((7))) members shall be appointed by the City Council, and the fifteenth member shall be appointed by the Commission as constituted; provided, that such appointments shall be made so as to reflect the diversity of the community.
C. Pursuant to the Get Engaged program, ((SMC)) Chapter 3.51, one (((1))) designated young adult position shall be added to each of these four commissions: the Seattle Women’s Commission, the Seattle Human Rights Commission, the Seattle ((LGBT)) LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer) Commission, and the Seattle Commission for People with Disabilities. The terms of service related to a young adult member’s role on each of these ((Commissions)) commissions shall be as set forth in ((SMC)) Chapter 3.51.
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Section 5. Subsection 3.14.930.F of the Seattle Municipal Code, which section was last amended by Ordinance 123219, is amended as follows:
3.14.930 Seattle Women’s Commission-Duties ((.))
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F. Meet on a quarterly basis through a designated representative with the Seattle Human Rights Commission, the Seattle ((LGBT)) LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer) Commission, and the Seattle Commission for People with Disabilities to ensure coordination and joint project development.
Section 6. Subsection 3.14.931.G of the Seattle Municipal Code, which section was last amended by Ordinance 124960, is amended as follows:
3.14.931 Seattle Human Rights Commission-Duties ((.))
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G. Meet on a quarterly basis through a designated representative with the Seattle Women’s Commission, the Seattle ((LGBT)) LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer) Commission, and the Seattle Commission for People with Disabilities to ensure coordination and joint project development.
Section 7. Section 3.14.932 of the Seattle Municipal Code, last amended by Ordinance 123219, is amended as follows:
3.14.932 Seattle ((LGBT)) LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer) Commission-Duties ((.))
The Seattle ((LGBT)) LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer) Commission shall:
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Section 8. Subsection 3.14.933.F of the Seattle Municipal Code, which section was enacted by Ordinance 123219, is amended as follows:
3.14.933 Seattle Commission for People with Disabilities-Duties ((.))
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F. Meet on a quarterly basis through a designated representative with the Seattle Women’s Commission, the Seattle Human Rights Commission, and the Seattle ((LGBT)) LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer) Commission to ensure coordination and joint project development.
Section 9. Section 3.14.940, last amended by Ordinance 123219, is amended as follows:
3.14.940 Commission-Organization-Adoption of rules ((.))
The Seattle Women’s Commission, the Seattle Human Rights Commission, the Seattle ((LGBT)) LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer) Commission, and the Seattle Commission for People with Disabilities shall each organize itself and shall adopt such rules and administrative procedures for its own governance, consistent with City Charter and ordinances, as are necessary for its functions and responsibilities.
Section 10. Section 15.52.005 of the Seattle Municipal Code, last amended by Ordinance 124860, is amended as follows:
15.52.005 Definitions
The following terms, when used in this Chapter 15.52, shall have the following meanings:
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4. “Community event” means an event with one or more of the following characteristics:
a. The event is free and open to all members of the public;
b. The event provides a public benefit and/or stimulates economic or cultural activity within a neighborhood or neighborhood business district that benefits multiple locally ((-)) owned businesses and/or organizations (including street fairs and block parties in which multiple locally ((-)) owned businesses will participate);
c. The event is organized by neighborhood-based groups, community-based organizations, ad-hoc groups, business groups (such as chambers of commerce), or groups that do not have a geographic base (such as racial or ethnic groups, ((LGBT)) LGBTQ groups, cultural groups, or a disability community);
d. The event has received a government grant to produce the event (not including sponsorships);
e. The event is organized by a non-profit entity; or
f. The event is anticipated to require less than 300 hours of police officer time.
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Section 11. In all ordinances passed prior to this ordinance, including both codified and uncodified ordinances, references to the Seattle LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) Commission shall be deemed references to the Seattle LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer) Commission, except when the historical reference to either the Seattle Commission for Sexual Minorities or Seattle LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) Commission is called for by context.
Section 12. In the event any section or subsection of the Seattle Municipal Code authorized to be amended by this ordinance has previously been repealed, that earlier repeal shall be given full effect, and nothing in this ordinance shall be construed to re-enact or preserve that section or subsection.
Section 13. Severability. The several provisions of this ordinance are declared to be separate and severable and the invalidity of any clause, sentence, paragraph, subdivision, section, or portion of this ordinance, or the invalidity of the application thereof to any person or circumstance, shall not affect the validity of the remainder of this ordinance of the validity of its application to other persons or circumstances.
Section 14. This ordinance shall take effect and be in force 30 days after its approval by the Mayor, but if not approved and returned by the Mayor within ten days after presentation, it shall take effect as provided by Seattle Municipal Code Section 1.04.020.
Passed by the City Council the ________ day of _________________________, 2016, and signed by me in open session in authentication of its passage this _____ day of _________________________, 2016.
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President ____________ of the City Council
Approved by me this ________ day of _________________________, 2016.
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Edward B. Murray, Mayor
Filed by me this ________ day of _________________________, 2016.
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Monica Martinez Simmons, City Clerk
(Seal)