There is created an affirmative action plan for the city of Shelby. It is the policy of the city and the law of the state of Montana to provide equal opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment. All persons have the right to obtain and hold employment and the right to be free from discrimination because of race, creed, religion, color, sex, physical and mental handicap, age, or national origin. (1975 Code § 2.52.010)