(A) Rights created under this chapter may be enforced by civil action in the state or local courts of general jurisdiction by aggrieved individuals by bringing an action within one hundred eighty (180) days after the alleged discriminatory practice has occurred. Provided, however, that upon the bringing of such civil action, the court shall continue the case from time to time before bringing it to trial, and direct the parties to submit themselves to conciliation efforts of the Human Rights Commission, and shall bring the matter to trial only upon certification by the chairman of the Human Rights Commission that all reasonable efforts have been brought to bear to informally resolve the complaint, and that, in the opinion of the chairman, the matter cannot be resolved to the satisfaction of the parties involved.
(B) The court may grant as relief, as it deems appropriate, any permanent or temporary injunction, temporary restraining order, or other order, and may award to the plaintiff actual damages and not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) punitive damages, together with court costs and reasonable attorney’s fees in the case of prevailing plaintiff.
(Ord. passed 2-14-83; Am. Ord. 29:2013, passed 12-9-13)