(a) It is the policy of the city of Dallas to bring about through fair, orderly, and lawful procedures the opportunity for every person to obtain employment, access to all places of public accommodation, and housing, without regard to sexual orientation or gender identity and expression. The city of Dallas is proud of the diversity of its employees, as reflected in Section 34-35 of this Code, and is proud of the diversity of its citizens. The city strongly encourages all entities within the city, including those who are excepted from the requirements of this chapter, to recognize the rights of every individual to work and earn wages through gainful employment, to obtain and enjoy goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, and accommodations in all places of public accommodation, and to obtain housing.
(b) The denial or deprivation of these rights because of a person's actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity and expression is detrimental to the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of Dallas and is within the power and responsibility of the city to prevent. (Ord. Nos. 24927; 29942)