Westwood Hills city council adopts non-discrimination ordinance with protections for sexual orientation, gender identity

The city of Westwood Hills this week became the sixth city in the Shawnee Mission area to enact a non-discrimination ordinance with legal protections for LGBTQ+ residents and employees.

The city council on Monday approved an ordinance that makes it a violation to, “discriminate against individuals in employment, housing, and public accommodations based on race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, age, disability, marital status, familial status or military status,” according to a release from the city.

“The goal of the council is to contribute to the creation of a diverse, welcoming community that promotes harmony and mutual respect,” reads the release. “While the ordinance provides for civil penalties, it also allows the city to suspend or revoke city-issued business licenses, including rental property licenses, if a violation of employment or public accommodations or housing provisions of the ordinance is found.”