At their June 8th meeting, the Apex Town Council unanimously adopted a comprehensive Non-Discrimination Ordinance with the goal of actively welcoming and protecting all who reside, work, do business, and visit Apex.
The ordinance prohibits discrimination against protected classes in employment, and in public accommodations such as restaurants, retail stores, and more.
Protected classes in the ordinance include: age, race, religion, religious belief or non-belief, ethnicity, color, national origin, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, natural hair style, genetic information, pregnancy, familial status, disability, veteran or military status, or disabled veteran status.
Due to state law, local governments had previously been prohibited from creating such ordinances. This law expired in December 2020. Since that time, many cities and counties have adopted similar ordinances, including Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Hillsborough, Durham, Greensboro, Asheville, Orange County, and Buncombe County.
“There should be no question of whether equitable service and opportunities are offered for all people to thrive. The adoption of this ordinance is to ensure Apex is a welcoming place for all citizens and visitors through equal protections under the law,” said Mayor Jacques Gilbert.
Complaints regarding violations of this ordinance will be filed with the Town Manager’s office. Enforcement will be handled through education, and a process that would facilitate voluntary reconciliation.
The Non-Discrimination Ordinance is in keeping with the Apex Town Council’s mission statement, to “Provide exceptional public service that cultivates opportunity for the individual and community to live, thrive, and reach their peak.”
View the ordinance in full at this link.