Statement of purpose
Seattle Mun. Code § 14.10.010
in effect14.10.010 - Statement of purpose
A. This Chapter 14.10 is an exercise of the police power for the protection of the public welfare, health, peace, and safety of the residents of The City of Seattle and in fulfillment of the provisions of the Constitution of this state. The City Council finds and declares that practices of discrimination in public or private contracting against any person on the basis of race, color, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, political ideology, age, creed, religion, ancestry, caste, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, honorably discharged veteran or military status, an individual's actual, potential, perceived, or alleged pregnancy outcomes as defined in Section 14.04.030, or the presence of any disability constitute matters of local concern and are contrary to the public welfare, health, peace, and safety of the residents of Seattle. However, to the extent that distinction or differential treatment on the basis of citizenship or immigration status is authorized by federal or state law, regulation, rule, or government contract, it is not unfair practice. The provisions of this Chapter 14.10 shall apply to the City when acting as a contractor and to other contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, material suppliers, bonding agencies, contract agencies, and other business entities doing business in the City, and shall be liberally construed for accomplishment of its policies and purposes.
B. Nothing in this Chapter 14.10 shall be deemed to deny any persons the right to institute any action or to pursue any civil or criminal remedy for the violation of such person's civil rights. Nothing contained in this Chapter 14.10 is intended to be nor shall be construed to create or form the basis for any liability on the part of the City, or its officers or agents, for any injury or damage resulting from or by reason of any act or omission in connection with the implementation or enforcement of this Chapter 14.10 on the part of the City by its officers, employees, or agents. Nothing in this Chapter 14.10 shall be presumed to toll the statute of limitations for any claims under federal or state statute. Nothing in this Chapter 14.10 shall be construed to prohibit or apply to actions taken in good faith against any person by a contractor based solely upon their performance, qualifications, or ability to perform in accordance with the terms of a contract or for other nondiscriminatory reasons.
(Ord. No. 126767, § 18, 2023; Ord. 126649, § 17, 2022; Ord. 126514, § 18, 2021; Ord. 123527, § 11, 2011; Ord. 123014, § 11, 2009; Ord. 119601, § 1, 1999.)
Source: City of Seattle, Seattle Municipal Code and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/wa/seattle/codes/municipal_code?nodeId=TIT14HURI_CH14.10FACOPR_14.10.010STPUFetched: 11/1/2026