Title
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A First Reading of an Ordinance Amending Chapter 13 (“Human Rights”) of the Oak Park Village Code By Adding A New Article 9 (“Gender Affirming Care”)
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Introduction
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This item is a first reading of a proposed ordinance incorporating Gender Affirming Care specifically into the Village’s Human Rights Ordinance.
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Recommended Action
Adopt the Ordinance.
Prior Board Action
The Board of Trustees has periodically amended Chapter 13 (“Human Rights”) of the Village Code, with major revisions occurring in 2022 and 2017. These revisions incorporated Reproductive Health Rights protections and the Village’s Welcoming Village Ordinance in the Human Rights Ordinance.
The Board has taken the following prior action(s):
• The Board adopted an ordinance amending the Human Rights Ordinance by incorporating Reproductive Health Rights on July 11, 2022.
• The Board adopted an ordinance amending the Human Rights Ordinance by creating a Welcoming Village Ordinance on February 6, 2017.
Background
In 1968, the Village of Oak Park became one of the first municipalities in the country to adopt and enforce a Human Rights Ordinance. Chapter 13 of Village Code, which serves as the Village’s Human Rights Ordinance, was created to serve as a comprehensive set of protections designed to ensure a welcoming and inclusive community for all residents, regardless of their background or characteristics. While originally focused on fair housing, the Ordinance has been periodically amended to incorporate additional protections aligned with the Village’s values.
The most recent significant updates to the Human Rights Ordinance addressed reproductive rights and immigration enforcement. Both updates were made in alignment with State statute.
Recent federal actions, primarily through executive orders, have impacted LGBTQ+ rights and gender affirming care, and community members and advocates have shared such concerns with the Village, and the interest in local affirmation and protections. One of the Board’s Goals is to “Evaluate [the] Village[‘s] historic commitment to protecting human rights…”
The proposed amendments to the Human Rights Ordinance recognize gender affirming care as a human right and incorporate the Illinois Lawful Health Care Activity Act into Village ordinance.
Timing Considerations
There are no specific timing considerations associated with this item.
Budget Impact
There is no budget impact associated with this item.
Staffing Impact
There is no staffing impact associated with this item.
DEI Impact
Adoption of this ordinance codifies protections for transgender community members to receive equitable care access and safeguards healthcare providers who provide gender affirming care. The amendments to the Village’s Human Rights Code affirms the Village’s commitment to protecting vulnerable community members and upholding core human rights for all.
Community Input
Community members have advocated strongly for additional protections for Oak Park’s LGBTQ+ community.
Staff Recommendation
Adopt the Ordinance
Advantages:
• Codifies protections for transgender community members and those who provide gender affirming care.
Disadvantages:
• There are no disadvantages to this action.
Alternatives
This is a first reading. The Board may provide feedback to enhance the ordinance.
Alternative 1:
The Board could assign review of this amendment to the Community Relations Commission
Advantages:
• This action provides a pathway to additional community input.
Disadvantages:
• This action may delay codification of protections.
Anticipated Future Actions
Following the first reading, staff will incorporate Board feedback or direction and bring the Ordinance back to the Board for adoption.
Prepared By: Kira Tchang, Assistant Village Manager/HR Director
Reviewed By: Jack Malec, Assistant to the Village Manager
Approved By: Kevin J. Jackson, Village Manager
Attachment(s):
1. Draft Ordinance