Scottsdale Becomes 8th City in Arizona to Pass LGBTQ Inclusive Anti-Discrimination Ordinance
Council Votes Unanimously to Adopt Ordinance
(Scottsdale ARIZ. April 20, 2021) - Tonight, the Scottsdale City Council took a historic step and became the eighth city in Arizona to pass an LGBTQ inclusive anti-discrimination ordinance. The Council vote was unanimous. This ordinance will fully protect LGBTQ families and individuals from discrimination in public accommodations, employment, and housing in the City of Scottsdale. This ordinance is the result of the leadership of Mayor David Ortega and Council and years of collaboration between city leaders, business, faith and community stakeholders.
In his comments in favor of the ordinance, Mayor Ortega said, “Tonight’s passage of the anti-discrimination ordinance confirms our commitment to a Scottsdale that is inclusive of all people. No matter who you are or who you love, you are welcome in Scottsdale."
The City of Scottsdale joins Winslow, Flagstaff, Sedona, Phoenix, Tempe and Tucson as municipalities with LGBTQ inclusive anti-discrimination ordinances in Arizona. The state has no statewide law barring discrimination against LGBTQ people in employment, housing or public accommodations.
“Tonight is a victory for Scottsdale and a victory for equality. Adopting this ordinance makes it clear that all our welcome here,” said Councilwoman Linda Milhaven.
"The adoption of the anti-discrimination ordinance puts Scottsdale in a position to succeed. It is not only the right thing to do but provides one more tool in our toolbox to attract talent, business, visitors and the events we need to thrive," said Kari Archer, General Manager of the Scottsdale Marriott Old Town and Chair of the Marriott Business Council.
"Scottsdale is a world-class city with amazing cultural amenities and all the natural beauty Arizona has to offer. And thanks to the Mayor and Council we can now also offer equality to all who live, work and visit our beautiful city,” said Rachel Sacco, President & CEO, Experience Scottsdale.
“All hard-working people, including those who are LGBTQ, want to do their jobs and provide for their families. LGBTQ people want the same thing as everyone else - the freedom to work hard, access basic services, and take care of themselves and their loved ones without fear of discrimination. We are grateful to the Mayor and Council for their leadership and willingness to work with stakeholders across the community,” said Angela Hughey, President of ONE Community.
“Inclusion and equal rights are universal values, central to the beliefs of Arizonans, faith communities, and to good business practice,” said Michael Soto, Executive Director of Equality Arizona. “We all deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, without exception, and this ordinance is a historic step forward for Scottsdale and Arizona.”
Tonight’s City Council meeting was full of passionate testimony from business leaders, faith leaders, and LGBTQ people and families speaking about the benefits and immediate impact this ordinance will have on their lives and the lives of their loved ones. While changing the law will not end all unfair treatment overnight, it is essential to ensuring that all people, including LGBTQ people, who want to work and make their homes in the City of Scottsdale are treated fairly, treated equally, and have the same opportunities as every other resident.
