Seattle may give veterans anti-discrimination protection

Seattle may give veterans anti-discrimination protection
By SCOTT GUTIERREZ
SEATTLEPI.COM STAFF

The Seattle City Council is considering legislation that would add veterans to a list of protected classes under the city's anti-discrimination law.

State and federal law already prohibits discrimination against veterans in areas such as employment and housing. The proposed ordinance would give veterans an option within local government for filing a complaint, and possibly a more convenient route if they've been denied a job or housing in Seattle due to their military status.

City Councilmember Nick Licata, who is co-sponsoring the legislation, said the war in Iraq has raised the profile of veterans returning from duty and that it is important "to make sure that their needs are met" after serving their country.

A hearing on the legislation is set for Wednesday before the City Council's committee on Culture, Civil Rights, Health and Personnel. Licata, the committee's chairman, said the idea for the legislation came through discussions with veteran advocates.

Any active duty member, reservist or honorably discharged veteran of the U.S. Armed Services would be included under the legislation, which prohibits discrimination in housing, employment, contracting or public accommodation. Other categories protected under the law include race, color, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, political ideology, age, creed, religion, ancestry and disabilities.

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