Spokane City Council considers outlawing employers discriminating against the homeless

The Spokane City Council is set to consider a new ordinance known as "Ban the Address," which aims to combat discrimination against homeless job seekers. This law would prohibit employers from firing or rejecting applicants solely based on their homelessness, a significant step toward protecting vulnerable populations in the job market. Furthermore, it would restrict employers from asking about housing status until after a job offer has been made. The current proposal is a scaled-down version of a more comprehensive "homeless bill of rights" that faced considerable opposition last year. Critics had raised concerns that the broader bill could inadvertently protect criminal behavior and complicate business operations.

However, supporters argue that the new ordinance is a necessary measure to ensure fair treatment in employment. The council is expected to vote on this important legislation in April. If passed, this ordinance could influence future discussions around homelessness and employment rights in Spokane.