Civil Rights Enforcement offered at Seattle Office for Civil Rights

Investigates and resolves complaints regarding discrimination or discriminatory harassment in employment, contracting, places of public accommodation, and housing occurring within the city of Seattle. The Fair Employment Practices Ordinance of Seattle prohibits discrimination in employment based on race, color, gender identity, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability (physical, mental, or sensory), the use of a guide dog, sexual orientation, ancestry, political ideology, creed, marital status, genetic information and veteran status.    The Unfair Housing Practices Ordinance of Seattle prohibits discrimination in housing based on :

• Age
• Race
• Color
• National origin
• Ancestry
• Religion
• Gender
• Sexual orientation
• Political ideology
• Marital status
• Parental status
• Disability
• Veteran status
• Creed
• Use of a service animal
• Criminal History (use of background check prohibited)
• Source of income (includes use of Section 8 voucher and public benefits)

Discrimination related to AIDS/HIV is prohibited under the disabilities provisions of Seattle ordinances and state law. This includes people who have or are perceived to have AIDS.    Ordinances for Landlord/Tenants also include:

• Screening criteria must be provided to tenants
• Units must be rented to first applicant that submits a completed application unless there is a legitimate denial reason
• When denied, written notice that includes registry of denial basis must be provided to tenants

The Public Accommodations Ordinance of Seattle prohibits discrimination in any public accommodation based on race, color, gender identity, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, sex, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, women breastfeeding in public, use of a trained guide or service dog, or the presence of any disability (sensory, mental, physical, or veteran status).   The Fair Contracting Ordinance of Seattle prohibits discrimination in contracting based on race, color sex, marital status, gender identity, sexual orientation, political ideology, age, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, or the presence of any disability (sensory, mental or physical. )   These laws also protect against harassment and retaliation due to involvement in a discrimination complaint. Advance notice needed for an interpreter.