After public hearing and receipt of testimony, the city council finds and declares:
That a significant barrier to the advancement of women and minorities in the business and professional life of the city exists by virtue of the discriminatory practices of certain clubs or organizations which are not distinctly private and where business is frequently conducted.
That while such clubs or organizations may avowedly be formed for social or civic purposes, the extent to which many of the activities therein have had a prejudicial impact on the business, professional and employment opportunities of women and minorities cannot be ignored or minimized.
That business activity most frequently occurs in clubs or organizations having more than two hundred (200) members and provide regular meal services, which facilitates conducting such business.
That the dues and expenses of members at such clubs or organizations are often paid by their employers because the employees' activities at said clubs or organizations serve to develop and enhance the employer's business.
That such clubs or organizations also rent their facilities for use as conference rooms for business meetings attended by nonmembers.
That the city has a compelling interest in eradicating discrimination based on sex, race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, handicap, sexual orientation, or gender identity in order to assure all of its citizens a fair and equal opportunity to participate in the business and professional life of the city. Conduct and practices which exclude persons from entry or consideration for membership in or the full advantages and privileges of such membership on these bases are discriminatory and unacceptable, are injurious to the body politic and to the business community in the city. Accordingly, the city's interest in eliminating such practices in clubs or organizations covered by this chapter outweighs the interest of their members in private association. (Ord. 2013-0038 § 20; prior code § 76.01.100)