A pioneering step on May 19 saw the West Hollywood City Council directing the City Attorney to evaluate updates to the Nondiscrimination Ordinance (Chapter 9.28) to protect diverse family and relationship structures, including polyamorous, multi-parent, and non-nuclear families. Initiated by Mayor Chelsea Lee Byers, the likely consent agenda item drew strong community support, reinforcing the city’s equity leadership.
The Community Services Department proposed amending the ordinance to address gaps in protecting non-traditional families from discrimination in housing, employment, and services. Citing Berkeley’s 2024 ordinance and models in Somerville, Cambridge, and Oakland, the report noted rising stigma against diverse structures, despite West Hollywood’s protections for sexual orientation and gender identity.
Five residents voiced robust support. Christina Fialho, founder of Rewrite the BiLine, praised Byers’ leadership, urging protections for “consensually non-monogamous relationships, multi-parent families, [and] asexual partnerships.” She cited national trends, noting 4–5% of U.S. adults practice non-monogamy. Ross Victory, a bi+ community advocate, called the update a “model for Los Angeles County,” fostering inclusivity. Nicole Kristal of Still Bisexual emphasized protections for bisexual non-traditional families, while Rose Montoya and Allie Baker echoed calls for fairness, citing Rewrite the BiLine’s advocacy.
Byers’ initiative builds on West Hollywood’s trailblazing history, including early domestic partnership and same-sex marriage support. Fialho highlighted the city’s role amid federal threats to LGBTQ+ rights, aligning with civility efforts (F.1) to ensure inclusive governance. The ordinance review, expected to return with recommendations, requires low to medium staff effort, primarily from City Attorney Lauren Langer, though competing priorities may need Budget Subcommittee review.
No discrimination cases were reported, making this a proactive step, as Quarker’s team noted. The update aims to reduce stigma and ensure dignity, reflecting West Hollywood’s diverse, often LGBTQ+ community. Victory urged equal treatment “regardless of familial arrangements,” while Montoya stressed fairness in city services.
The council’s action, likely unanimous via consent, positions West Hollywood as a leader in family equity, complementing ethics reforms (F.2/F.8). As Fialho wrote, “Our laws must reflect the lived realities of the people they serve.” The review’s outcome will shape protections for West Hollywood’s vibrant, diverse households, setting a precedent for inclusive policy.
