Anti-discrimination ordinances adopted

Charleston City Council has approved several changes to city regulations to prohibit discrimination in housing, accommodations and services based upon sexual orientation, age and other factors.

No member of council opposed the ordinances, which were introduced this month, but Councilman William Dudley Gregorie abstained from voting Tuesday, saying that some of the potential penalties were not tough enough.

He said that, for example, a potential $500 fine for discriminating against someone based upon sexual orientation seemed too weak.

"Especially for sexual orientation, since it's not a federal or state-protected class, we may be setting a precedent," Gregorie said. "We need to be ready for this one."

All city ordinances with criminal penalties allow for a fine of up to $500 and up to 30 days in jail, unless a different penalty is specified. With court costs and fees, the fine actually is more than $1,000.

The changes approved by City Council amended an existing ordinance dealing with fair housing, and did not change the penalties attached to that ordinance.

Columbia passed a similar anti- discrimination law last year, prompted by advocacy groups.

Council also added a section to the city code that says: "... no person shall be discriminated against in the full and equal enjoyment of the goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, and accommodations of any place of public accommodation on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, familial status, disability, or sexual orientation."

Susan Herdina, an attorney for Charleston, said the city's ordinance was crafted after a group approached the mayor and council members about the idea.

Council members Gary White, Deb Morinelli, Jimmy Gallant and Louis Waring were absent from Tuesday's meeting.

Reach David Slade at 937-5552 or dslade@postandcourier.com.