NON-DISCRIMINATION IN CITY EMPLOYMENT, CITY SERVICES AND CONTRACTING PRACTICES

Houston Code of Ordinances ch. 2, art. XIV

in effect

Houston Code of Ordinances § 2-451 Definitions.

Sec. 2-451. - Definitions. As used in this article, the following words and terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, unless the context of their usage clearly indicates another meaning: City employment and employment opportunities shall include city job application procedures, recruitment, referrals for employment, selection and hiring, placements, compensation, promotions, demotions, transfers, layoffs, recalls, training, educational opportunities, and all forms of discipline, including indefinite suspensions/terminations. Discriminate, discriminates, discrimination shall mean to distinguish, differentiate, separate, or segregate, to either the advantage or disadvantage of any person, on the basis of race, color, national origin, marital status, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation and gender identity, disability, military service, except as required by federal or state law or court order. Sexual orientation and gender identity shall mean having or being perceived as having an emotional, physical, or sexual attachment to another person without regard to the sex of tha person or having or being perceived as having an orientation for such attachment, or having or being perceived as having a self-image or identity not traditionally associated with one's biological maleness or femaleness. Sexual orientation and gender identity does not include pedophilia, exhibitionism, voyeurism, or any unlawful conduct. (Ord. No. 01-699, § 2, 7-25-01; Ord. No. 2015-1129, §§ 7, 8(Exh. A), 11-13-2015, election of 11-3-2015)

Houston Code of Ordinances § 2-452 Prohibition against discrimination in employment.

Sec. 2-452. - Prohibition against discrimination in employment. It is the policy of the city that the city will not discriminate in city employment and employment opportunities. (Ord. No. 01-699, § 2, 7-25-01; Ord. No. 2015-1129, §§ 7, 8(Exh. A), 11-13-2015, election of 11-3-2015)

Houston Code of Ordinances § 2-453 Prohibition against discrimination in awarding contracts.

Sec. 2-453. - Prohibition against discrimination in awarding contracts. It is the policy of the city that the city will not discriminate in the consideration, award, or administration of any contract entered into between the city and any person (including, but not limited to, any contractor, vendor, supplier, lessee, or lessor) for the provision of any works, goods, or services of any type to the city. (Ord. No. 01-699, § 2, 7-25-01; Ord. No. 2015-1129, §§ 7, 8(Exh. A), 11-13-2015, election of 11-3-2015)

Houston Code of Ordinances § 2-454 Prohibition against discrimination in city services.

Sec. 2-454. - Prohibition against discrimination in city services. It is the policy of the city that the city will not discriminate in authorizing or making available the use of city facilities or in the delivery of city services. (Ord. No. 01-699, § 2, 7-25-01; Ord. No. 2015-1129, §§ 7, 8(Exh. A), 11-13-2015, election of 11-3-2015)

Houston Code of Ordinances § 2-455 Enforcement.

Sec. 2-455. - Enforcement. (a) It is the policy of the city that no employee or officer of the city shall engage in any act or practice prohibited by this article. (b) An employee or officer found in violation of this article shall be subject to disciplinary action up to and including indefinite suspension/termination or removal from office pursuant to applicable city ordinances, city Charter provisions, executive orders, administrative procedures, laws, and policies. (c) The provisions of this article shall be enforced pursuant to applicable city ordinances, city Charter provisions, executive orders, administrative procedures, laws, and policies. (Ord. No. 01-699, § 2, 7-25-01; Ord. No. 2015-1129, §§ 7, 8(Exh. A), 11-13-2015, election of 11-3-2015)

Houston Code of Ordinances § 2-456 This article inapplicable to certain fringe benefits.

Sec. 2-456. - This article inapplicable to certain fringe benefits. The provisions of this article are not in any manner applicable to those city provided fringe benefits (including, but not limited to, plans or programs of life, health, dental, disability coverage, or pension benefits) that are furnished by or through contracts between the city and third party vendors or administrators or are furnished under the terms of state laws governing pensions and benefits. Those fringe benefits shall instead be governed under the terms of the programs, plans, contracts, and laws under which they are furnished. (Ord. No. 01-699, § 2, 7-25-01; Ord. No. 2015-1129, §§ 7, 8(Exh. A), 11-13-2015, election of 11-3-2015)

Source: City of Houston, Code of Ordinances and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/tx/houston/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH2AD_ARTXIVNSCEMSECOPRFetched: 10/26/2026