On May 7, the Berkeley City Council will hold their first vote on a proposed ordinance prohibiting discrimination on the basis of family or relationship structure. A similar ordinance was just adopted in Oakland on April 16! The proposal in Berkeley was introduced by Councilmember Terry Taplin (District 2), and is co-sponsored by Councilmember Susan Wengraf (District 6)

In advance of the vote on May 7, we’re asking Berkeley residents to reach out to their councilmember to express their support for these protections, omitting the bill’s sponsors and councilmembers who have already committed their support. You can look up your City Council district here or via the map below.

Use the call script on the right to contact your councilmember. You can also send an email, although phone calls are more impactful. Finally, consider joining us at the City Council meeting at 6:00pm on Tuesday, May 7.

What

A city council district map of Berkeley

Take action!

Contact

Councilmember Rashi Kesarwani (District 1)

Phone: (510) 981-7110
Email: rkesarwani@berkeleyca.gov

Councilmember Sophie Hahn (District 5)

Phone: (510) 981-7150
Email: shahn@cityofberkeley.info

Councilmember Mark Humbert (District 8)

Phone: (510) 981-7180
Email: mhumbert@berkeleyca.gov

Call Script

Hi there, my name is [________] and I live at [________] in Berkeley [in Councilmember Hahn/Wengraf’s district].

I’m calling today to ask you to support the “Ordinance Prohibiting Discrimination on the Basis of Family or Relationship Structure,” sponsored by councilmembers Taplin and Wengraf. This legislation would update Chapter 13.22 of Berkeley Municipal Code to prohibit discrimination on the basis of family or relationship structure.

Many Berkeley residents just like me have family or relationship structures outside the norm, whether they’re polyamorous, a single parent by choice, in a blended family with step-parents and step-children, and so on. Unfortunately, even in Berkeley, people like me still face stigma and discrimination when it comes to housing, business establishments, and more. [Add a personal story if you have one!]

This bill recognizes that diverse family and relationship structures enrich Berkeley, and ensures that all of the city’s residents are treated fairly and with respect. It mirrors legislation adopted on April 16 just next door in Oakland! I hope we can count on your support to adopt these important protections