Referendum Ballot Language

On November 3, 2009, registered voters in the City of Kalamazoo will be able to vote "yes" or "no" on the following question:

A REFERENDUM ON ORDINANCE NO. 1856

Question:  Shall Ordinance No. 1856, adopted by the City Commission June 29, 2009, which amended Chapter 18 of the City Code of Ordinances to generally prohibit discriminatory practices on the basis of an individual’s race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, height, weight, marital status, physical or mental disability, family status, sexual orientation or gender identity in the provision of housing, public accommodations, and employment, take effect?

Background

This referendum question is on the ballot because a group of citizens filed a valid referendum petition for Ordinance 1856.  Under the Kalamazoo City Charter, the City Commission had the option to repeal the ordinance as requested by the petition or put the ordinance to a vote of the people.  On August 3, 2009 the City Commission adopted a resolution supporting the ordinance and determining to set the question before the electors of the City.  On August 17, 2009 the City Commission adopted a resolution placing the referendum question on the November 3rd ballot and approving the ballot language.

You can view and print the complete text of Ordinance 1856 by clicking the link. 

Additional Information

For additional background information on the Anti-Discrimination Ordinance, please refer to the webpage for the City Commission's Anti-Discrimination Ordinance Subcommittee.