On September 26th, the Birmingham (AL) City Council passed an ordinance prohibiting discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations based on a person’s race, sexual orientation, national origin, gender identity or disability. The ordinance imposes criminal liability only, with offenders being liable for a $100 fine for a first offense, $250 for a second offense and $500 for subsequent offenses. No damages, restitution or other relief would be owed to the affected individual.
Federal laws already prohibit discrimination based on race, gender, religion, age and disability, though it is currently unresolved whether federal protections apply to discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Employers and providers of public accommodations within the city of Birmingham should be mindful of these new requirements and ensure that no discrimination occurs based on a person’s race, sexual orientation, national origin, gender identity or disability.
Attorneys from Carr Allison’s employment team are available to assist with any questions about how this new ordinance applies to your company.
