Spokane City Council delays vote on homeless anti-discrimination law amid outrage

The Spokane City Council Delays Vote on Controversial Law to Protect the Homeless

The Spokane City Council has decided to delay voting on a proposed law aimed at protecting the homeless from employment and housing discrimination. The delay comes after receiving significant pushback from prominent business and property owners. The council members believe that more public outreach is necessary before making a decision on the controversial law.

Concerns Over Political Motivation

Councilman Kitty Klitzke initially suggested an indefinite deferral, stating that more time was needed to reach a consensus. However, Councilman Michael Cathcart alleged that the deferral was politically motivated. He claimed that Mayor Lisa Brown pressured for the deferral to avoid potential damage to a proposed sales tax vote in November, which aims to fund public safety investments.

Mayor Brown acknowledged concerns about the implementation of the proposed law and supported the need for more community discussion. However, she did not directly deny the allegations of pressuring for a deferral due to concerns about the impact on the sales tax vote.

The Proposed Law

The proposed law, introduced by Councilwoman Lili Naverette, aims to make it illegal to discriminate against individuals based on their homelessness status. It would prohibit the use of homelessness as a reason to deny employment, housing, or access to public services.

Existing civil rights laws already protect individuals from discrimination based on race, religion, or other protected classes. The proposed law would add homelessness to the list of protected classes, making it illegal to use someone’s lack of residence as a reason to deny them opportunities.

Concerns from Business Owners

Some business owners, particularly those in downtown Spokane, have expressed concerns about the potential implications of the proposed law. They fear that it would prevent the city from enforcing laws related to homeless encampments and could lead to an increase in crime and property damage.

Barbara Woodbridge, president of the East Spokane Business Association, wrote a letter expressing her concerns about the law. She argued that granting anti-discrimination rights to the homeless would encourage lawlessness and harm the city’s businesses and residents.

Reassurances and Opposition

Councilwoman Naverette has tried to address the concerns of business owners, emphasizing that the proposed law does not allow the homeless to commit crimes without consequence. She clarified that it does not impede the city’s ability to enforce existing laws related to homeless encampments.

Despite these reassurances, many business owners remain opposed to the proposed law. They argue that it would make them hire individuals with drug addictions and would negatively impact their businesses.

Public Input and Next Steps

The proposed law has generated significant public interest, with dozens of individuals signing up to speak at the council meeting. Opponents expressed their concerns about the impact of homelessness on their lives and businesses, while supporters argued for more resources and alternative approaches to addressing homelessness.

The Spokane City Council has decided to delay the vote on the proposed law until August 26. This delay will allow for more public outreach and discussion before making a decision.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 1: No Poverty
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

The article discusses issues related to poverty, employment discrimination, housing discrimination, and the impact on the homeless population in the city. These issues are connected to the SDGs mentioned above.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 1.1: By 2030, eradicate extreme poverty for all people everywhere.
• SDG 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.
• SDG 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.
• SDG 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums.

These targets are relevant to the issues discussed in the article, such as eradicating poverty, promoting decent work, reducing inequalities, and ensuring access to adequate housing.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator 1.1.1: Proportion of the population living below the international poverty line, by sex, age, employment status, and geographical location.
• Indicator 8.5.1: Average hourly earnings of female and male employees, by occupation, age group, and persons with disabilities.
• Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by age, sex, and persons with disabilities.
• Indicator 11.1.1: Proportion of urban population living in slums, informal settlements, or inadequate housing.

These indicators can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets, such as measuring the proportion of the population living below the poverty line, average earnings, income inequality, and the proportion of the urban population living in inadequate housing.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: spokesman.com