title
Ordinance amending the Pittsburgh Code, Title Six: Conduct, Article V: Discrimination, Chapter 651: Findings and Policy, and Chapter 659: Unlawful Practices to make medical marijuana patients a protected class and restrict discrimination against them.
Body
The Council of the City of Pittsburgh hereby enacts as follows:
Section 1. Amending and supplementing the Pittsburgh City Code, Title Six: Conduct, Article V: Discrimination, Chapter 651: Findings and Policy, and Chapter 659: Unlawful Practices, are hereby amended as follows:
§651.02 <https://library.municode.com/pa/pittsburgh/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_TITSIXCO_ARTVDI_CH651FIPO_S651.02DEPO> - Declaration of Policy
(a) It is hereby declared to be the policy of the city, in the exercise of its powers for the protection of the public safety and the general welfare, for the maintenance of peace and good government and for the promotion of the City's trade, commerce and manufacturers, to assure the right and opportunity of all persons to participate in the social, cultural, recreational and economic life of the city, and to assure equal opportunity for all persons to live in decent housing facilities, free from restrictions because of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, place of birth, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, familial status, age, status as a victim of domestic violence, handicap or disability or use of support animals, because of the handicap or disability of the user; and
(b) It shall be the public policy of the City to prohibit discrimination because of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, place of birth, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, familial status, status of a victim of domestic violence, age, nonjob-related handicap, or disability in employment, or status as a medical marijuana patient, and;
(c) It shall be the public policy of the City to prohibit discrimination because of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, place of birth, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, familial status, handicap or disability or use of support animals because of the handicap or disability of the user, in places of public accommodation, resort, recreation or amusement.
(d) Nothing in this Chapter shall be construed as supporting or advocating any particular doctrine, position, point of view, life style or religious view. To the contrary, it is the intention of this Chapter that all persons are treated fairly and equally and it is the express intent of this Chapter to guarantee fair and equal treatment under law to all people of the city.
(Ord. 2-1990, eff. 4-3-90; Ord. 20-1992, eff. 5-28-92; Am. Ord. 3-1997, eff. 2-7-97; Ord. No. 16-2016, § 1, eff. 6-21-16; Ord. No. 27-2019, § 1, eff. 7-9-19; Ord. No. 52-2021, § 1, eff. 12-6-21)
§651.04 <https://library.municode.com/pa/pittsburgh/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_TITSIXCO_ARTVDI_CH651FIPO_S651.04DE> - Definitions
As used in this Article, the following terms shall have the meaning indicated, unless a different meaning clearly appears from the context:
(a) COMMISSION. The Commission on Human Relations as established by the Pittsburgh Home Rule Charter. (Ord. 29-1980, eff. 12-31-80)
(b) DISCRIMINATE OR DISCRIMINATION. Any difference in treatment based on race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, place of birth, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, familial status, age, status as a victim of domestic violence, handicap or disability, or use of support animals, or status as a medical marijuana patient, as specified.
(c) EMPLOYER. Any person who employs five (5) or more employees, exclusive of the parents, spouse or children of such person, including the City of Pittsburgh, its departments, boards, commissions and authorities, and any other governmental agency within its jurisdiction, but excluding any religious, fraternal, charitable or sectarian organization which is not supported in whole or part by any governmental appropriations.
(d) EMPLOYMENT. Shall not include the employment of individuals in domestic service.
(e) EMPLOYMENT AGENCY. Any person regularly undertaking with or without compensation to procure opportunities for employment or to procure, recruit, refer or place employees.
(f) LABOR ORGANIZATION. Any organization which exists for the purpose in whole or in part of collective bargaining or of dealing with employers concerning grievances, terms or conditions of employment, or of other mutual aid or protection in relation to employment.
(g) LENDING INSTITUTION. Any bank, insurance company, saving and loan association, or any other person whose business consists in whole or in part in lending money or guaranteeing loans. (Ord. 1-1997, eff. 2-7-97)
(h) Reserved.
(i) OWNER. Includes the owner, co-owner, lessee, sublessee, mortgagee, assignee, manager, agent or any other person having the right of ownership or possession or the authority to sell, rent or lease any dwelling, or any person having an equitable or security interest in any dwelling, including the City of Pittsburgh and its departments, boards, commissions and authorities. (Am. Ord. 3-1997, eff. 2-7-97)
(j) REAL ESTATE BROKER. Any natural person, partnership, corporation or other association which for a fee or other valuable consideration manages, sells, purchases, exchanges or rents or negotiates, or offers or attempts to negotiate the sale, purchase, exchange or rental of the real property of another, or holds itself out as engaged in the business of managing, selling, purchasing, exchanging or renting the real property of another, or collects rent for the use of the real property of another, and includes real estate salespersons or agents or any other person employed by a real estate broker to perform or to assist in the performance of their business. (Am. Ord. 1-1997, eff. 2-7-97)
(k) PUBLIC ACCOMMODATION, RESORT, RECREATION OR AMUSEMENT. Includes any place, business or activity which is open to, accepts or solicits the patronage of the general public or offers goods, services or recreation to the general public. (Ord. 29-1980, eff. 12-31-80; Am. Ord. 4-1997, eff. 2-7-97)
(l) Repealed (By Ord. 34-1993, eff. December 28, 1993).
(m) Repealed (By Ord. 34-1993, eff. December 28, 1993).
(n) SEXUAL ORIENTATION. A person's identified or perceived engagement in, or desire for, sexual, physical, or romantic relationships with a person or persons of a particular sex, gender, gender identity, or gender expression. (Ord. 2-1990, eff. 4-3-90)
(o) ACCESSIBLE. When used with respect to the public and common use areas of a building containing covered multifamily dwellings, means:
(1) That the public or common use areas of the building can be approached, entered and used by individuals with physical handicaps. The phrase "readily accessible to and usable by" is synonymous with accessible. A public or common use area that complies with the appropriate requirements of ANSI A117.1-1986 or a comparable standard is ACCESSIBLE within the meaning of this subsection; or
(2) Being in compliance with the applicable standards set forth in the following:
A. The Fair Housing Act (Public Law 90-284, 42 U.S.C. Section 3601, et seq.);
B. The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (Public Law 101-336, 42 U.S.C. Section 12101 et seq.); and
C. The Act of September 1, 1965 (P.L. 459, No. 235), entitled, as amended, "An act requiring that certain buildings and facilities adhere to certain principles, standards and specifications to make the same accessible to and usable by persons with physical handicaps, and providing for enforcement;" and
D. Any other applicable Federal or State law or regulation, or any local ordinance or resolution, relating to accessibility or accommodations.
(p) AGE. Includes any person forty (40) years of age or older and shall also include any other person so protected by further amendment to the Federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act.
(q) AGGRIEVED PERSON. Any person who:
(1) Claims to have been injured by an unlawful practice under Chapter 659; or
(2) Believes that such person will be injured by an unlawful practice under Chapter 659.
(r) ANSI A117.1-1986. The 1986 edition of the American National Standard Institute for buildings and facilities providing accessibility and usability for physically handicapped people.
(s) CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION. An organization, institution, association or corporation which is dedicated to philanthropic pursuits and provides goods, services and financial aid to the public free of charge.
(t) COMMON USE AREAS. Rooms, spaces or elements inside or outside of a building that are made available for the use of residents of a building or the guest thereof. These areas include, but are not limited to, hallways, lounges, lobbies, laundry rooms, refuse rooms, mail rooms, recreational areas and passageways among and between buildings.
(u) CONCILIATION. The attempted resolution of issues raised by a complaint, or by the investigation of such complaint, through informal negotiations involving the aggrieved person, the respondent and the Commission.
(v) CONCILIATION AGREEMENT. A written agreement setting forth the resolution of the issues in conciliation.
(w) COVERED MULTIFAMILY DWELLINGS. Buildings consisting of four (4) or more units if such buildings have one (1) or more elevators; and ground floor units in other buildings consisting of four (4) or more units.
(x) DISABILITY. The term DISABILITY is synonymous with the term HANDICAP.
(y) DISCRIMINATORY HOUSING PRACTICE. Any act that is unlawful under Section 659.03.
(z) DWELLING. Any building, structure or portion thereof which is occupied as or designed or is intended for occupancy as, a residence by an individual or one (1) or more families, or by a group of persons living together, and any vacant land which is offered for sale or lease for the construction or location thereon of any such building, structure, or portion thereof. (Am. Ord. 1-1997, eff. 2-7-97)
(aa) DWELLING UNIT. A single unit of residence for a family of one (1) or more persons.
(bb) FAIR HOUSING ACT. Public Law 90-284, 42 U.S.C. Section 3601 et seq., as amended.
(cc) FAMILIAL STATUS. one (1) or more individuals who have not attained the age of eighteen (18) years being domiciled with:
(1) A parent or other person having legal custody of such individual or individuals; or
(2) The designee of such parent or other person having such custody, with the written permission of such parent or other person.
The protection afforded against discrimination on the basis of familial status shall apply to any person who is pregnant or is in the process of securing legal custody of any individual who has not attained the age of eighteen (18) years.
(dd) HANDICAP. The term handicap or disability, with respect to a person, means:
(1) A physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one (1) or more of such person's major life activities; or
(2) A record of having such an impairment; or
(3) Being regarded as having such an impairment, but such term does not include current, illegal use of or addiction to a controlled substance, as defined in Section 102 of the Controlled Substances Act (Public Law 91-513, 21 U.S.C. Section 802).
(ee) HOUSING FOR OLDER PERSONS.
(1) Housing:
A. Provided under any state or federal program that the U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development determines is specifically designed and operated to assist elderly persons as defined in the state or federal program; or
B. Intended for, and solely occupied by, persons sixty-two (62) years of age or older; or
C. Intended and operated for at least one (1) person fifty-five (55) years of age or older per unit as determined by the Secretary of U.S. Housing and Urban Development.
(2) In determining whether housing qualifies as housing for older persons under this Article, the Commission shall follow the standards set forth in the Fair Housing Act and regulations pertaining to housing for older persons as promulgated by the U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
(3) Housing shall not fail to meet the requirements for housing for older persons by reason of unoccupied units provided that such units are reserved for occupancy by persons who meet the age requirements of this subsection.
(ff) INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR. Includes any person who is subject to the provisions governing any of the professions and occupations regulated by State licensing laws enforced by the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs in the Department of State, or is included in the Fair Housing Act.
(gg) NONJOB-RELATED HANDICAP OR DISABILITY. Any handicap or disability which does not substantially interfere with the ability to perform the essential functions of the employment which a handicapped person applies for, is engaged in or has been engaged in.
(hh) RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE-RELATED TRANSACTION. Any of the following:
(1) The making or purchasing of loans or providing other financial assistance and any terms and conditions of such a transaction:
A. For purchasing, constructing, improving, repairing or maintaining a dwelling; or
B. Secured by residential real estate.
(2) The selling, brokering or appraising of residential real property.
(Ord. 20-1992, eff. 5-28-92; Am. Ord. 1-1997, eff. 2-7-97)
(ii) SEX. A person's identified or perceived biological traits as they relate to that person's reproductive system, secondary sex characteristics, or genetic composition including physical anatomy, chromosomal sex, or sex assigned at birth. (Ord. 1-1997, eff. 2-7-97)
(jj) SOURCE OF INCOME. All lawful sources of income or rental assistance program, including, but not limited to, earned income, child support, alimony, insurance and pension proceeds, and all forms of public assistance including federal, state and local housing assistance programs. This includes the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program.
(kk) DOMESTIC VIOLENCE. The occurrence of one (1) or more of the following acts between family or household members, current or former dating partners, sexual or intimate partners, or persons who share biological parenthood:
(1) Attempting to cause or intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing bodily injury, serious bodily injury, emotional distress, substantial emotional distress, rape, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, sexual assault, statutory sexual assault, aggravated indecent assault, or incest, with or without a deadly weapon.
(2) Placing another in reasonable fear of imminent serious bodily injury including but not limited to making threats of harm or intimidation.
(3) The infliction of false imprisonment pursuant to 18 Pa. C.S. § 2903 (relating to false imprisonment).
(4) Physically or sexually abusing minor children, including sexual abuse as defined at 23 Pa. C.S. § 6303.
(5) Stalking.
(ll) STALKING. Engaging in a course of conduct or repeatedly committing acts toward another person, including following the person without proper authority, under circumstances which demonstrate either an intent to place such other person in reasonable fear of bodily injury or to cause substantial emotional distress to such other person; or engaging in a course of conduct or repeatedly communicating to another person under circumstances which demonstrate or communicate either an intent to place such other person in reasonable fear of bodily injury or to cause substantial emotional distress to such other person.
(mm) VICTIM OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE. An individual who has been subjected to domestic violence. The term "survivor of domestic violence" may be used interchangeably with "victim of domestic violence."
(nn) PREGNANCY. The state of being pregnant, including the partner of a pregnant person, seeking to become pregnant, and related symptoms of pregnancy.
(oo) CHILDBIRTH. Labor or childbirth, whether or not it results in a live birth.
(pp) RELATED MEDICAL CONDITIONS AND EVENTS. Any medical condition and events that are related to or caused by pregnancy or childbirth, which can occur before, during, or after the gestation period, or after childbirth, whether or not it results in a live birth, including being the partner of a person affected by any such related medical condition or event.
(qq) GENDER IDENTITY. A person's actual or perceived identity as it relates to the gender spectra.
(rr) GENDER EXPRESSION. A person's actual or perceived expression of gender identity through appearance, dress, behavior, mannerisms, or other traits.
(ss) CITIZENSHIP OR IMMIGRATION STATUS. Perceived or actual matters regarding questions of citizenship of the United States or any other country, the authority to reside in or otherwise be present in the United States, the time or manner of a person's entry into the United States, or any other immigration matter enforced by the United States Department of Homeland Security or a successor or other federal agency charged with the enforcement of civil immigration laws.
(tt) PREFERRED LANGUAGE. Perceived or actual spoken or written language or form of sign language most preferred by the individual as means of communication.
(uu) HAIRSTYLE. Hair texture and styles of hair of any length, such as protective or cultural hairstyles, and natural hairstyles.
(vv) PROTECTIVE AND CULTURAL HAIR TEXTURES AND HAIRSTYLES. Hairstyles and hair textures most commonly associated with race, including, but not limited to braids, cornrows, locs, Bantu knots, Afros, and twists, whether or not hair extensions or treatments are used to create or maintain any such style, and whether or not hair is adorned by hair ornaments, beads, or headwraps.
(ww) INCITING INCIDENT. An act of domestic violence or an action, event or circumstance related to an act of domestic violence that puts a tenant in reasonable fear of further harm from the responsible party.
(xx) FAMILY OR HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS. Spouses or persons who have been spouses, persons living as spouses or who lived as spouses, parents and children, other persons related by consanguinity or affinity, current or former sexual or intimate partners or persons who share biological parenthood.
(yy) RESPONSIBLE PARTY. An individual who commits, or is alleged to have committed, an act of domestic violence.
(zz) LANDLORD. Any person who owns or controls a dwelling, dwelling unit, or rental unit and rents such unit, either personally or through a designated agent, to any person.
(aaa) MEDICAL MARIJUANA PATIENT. An individual who has a serious medical condition, disability or handicap such that qualifies them for medical marijuana use and who is certified under the Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Act of 2016 to access marijuana for a certified medical use.
(Ord. No. 59-2015, § 1, eff. 12-18-15; Ord. No. 16-2016, § 1, eff. 6-21-16; Ord. No. 11-2019, § 1, eff. 3-15-19; Ord. No. 27-2019, § 1, eff. 7-9-19; Ord. No. 15-2020, § 1, eff. 5-13-2020; Ord. No. 35-2020, § 1, eff. 10-23-20; Ord. No. 4-2021, eff. 2-23-21; Ord. No. 52-2021, § 1, eff. 12-6-21; Ord. No. 27-2023, § 1, eff. 10-31-2023)
§659.02 <https://library.municode.com/pa/pittsburgh/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_TITSIXCO_ARTVDI_CH659UNPR_S659.02UNEMPR> - Unlawful Employment Practices
It shall be an unlawful employment practice, except where based upon applicable national security regulations established by the United States, the Commonwealth or any political subdivisions thereof, or except where based upon a bona fide occupational exemption certified by the Commission in accordance with Section 653.05 <https://library.municode.com/pa/pittsburgh/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_TITSIXCO_ARTVDI_CH653HURECO_S653.05PODU>(d):
(a) For any employer to refuse to hire any person or otherwise to discriminate against any person with respect to hiring, tenure, compensation, promotion, discharge or any other terms, conditions or privileges directly or indirectly related to employment because of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, place of birth, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions and events, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, nonjob-related handicap or disability, status as a victim of domestic violence, or hairstyles and protective and cultural hair textures and hairstyles.
(b) For any employer, employment agency or labor organization to establish, announce or follow a policy of denying or limiting, through a quota system or otherwise, the employment or membership opportunities of any person or group of persons because of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, place of birth, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions and events, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, nonjob-related handicap or disability, status as a victim of domestic violence, or hairstyles and protective and cultural hair textures and hairstyles.
(c) For any employer, labor organization, employment agency or any joint labor management committee controlling apprentice training programs to deny to or withhold from any person the right to be admitted to or participate in a guidance program, an apprenticeship training program, an on-the-job training program or any other occupational training program because of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, place of birth, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions and events, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, nonjob-related handicap or disability, status as a victim of domestic violence, or hairstyles and protective and cultural hair textures and hairstyles.
(d) For any employer, employment agency or labor organization to require of any applicant for employment or membership any information concerning race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, place of birth, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions and events, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, nonjob-related handicap or disability, status as a victim of domestic violence, or hairstyles and protective and cultural hair textures and hairstyles.
(e) For any employer, employment agency or labor organization to publish or circulate, or to cause to be published or circulated, any notice or advertisement relating to employment or membership which indicates any discrimination because of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, place of birth, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions and events, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, nonjob-related handicap or disability, status as a victim of domestic violence, or hairstyles and protective and cultural hair textures and hairstyles.
(f) For any employment agency to fail or refuse to classify properly or refer for employment or otherwise to discriminate against any person because of race, color religion, ancestry, national origin, place of birth, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions and events, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, nonjob-related handicap or disability, status as a victim of domestic violence, or hairstyles and protective and cultural hair textures and hairstyles.
(g) For any employer substantially to confine or limit recruitment or hiring of employees, with intent to circumvent the spirit and purpose of this Article, to any employment agency, employment service, labor organization, training school, training center or any other employee-referring source which serves persons who are predominantly of the same race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, place of birth, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions and events, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, nonjob-related handicap or disability, status as a victim of domestic violence, or hairstyles and protective and cultural hair textures and hairstyles.
(h) For any labor organization to discriminate against any person in any way which would deprive or limit their employment opportunities or otherwise adversely affect their status as an applicant for employment or as an employee with regard to tenure, compensation, promotion, discharge or any other terms, conditions or privileges directly or indirectly related to employment because of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, place of birth, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions and events, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, nonjob-related handicap or disability, status as a victim of domestic violence, or hairstyles and protective and cultural hair textures and hairstyles.
(i) For any employer, employment agency or labor organization to discriminate against any person because the individual has opposed any practice forbidden by this Article or because the individual has made a complaint or testifies or assisted in any manner in any investigation or proceeding under this Article.
(j) For any person, whether or not an employer, employment agency or labor organization, to aid, incite, compel, coerce or participate in the doing of any act declared to be an unlawful employment practice by this Article, or to obstruct or prevent any person from enforcing or complying with the provisions of this Article or any rule, regulation or order of the Human Relations Commission, or to attempt directly or indirectly to commit any act declared by this section to be an unlawful employment practice.
(k) Nothing in this Section shall limit the authority of any court to restrict the travel of an abuser into an abused person's place of employment under the Pennsylvania Protection from Abuse Act, Act of December 19, 1990, P.L. 1240, No. 206, § 2 (23 Pa. C.S. § 6101 et seq.).
(l) For any employer, employment agency or labor organization to discriminate in hiring or employment against any employee or prospective employee because of the individual’s lawful status as a medical marijuana patient, including by requiring pre-employment testing for marijuana and such testing during the course of employment as a condition of the employee’s employment.
(1) This prohibition shall not apply to persons working in the following jobs or professions:
(A) Any position which is subject to drug testing due to regulations of the United States Department of Transportation or the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
(B) Any position that requires the employee to carry a firearm
(2) In accordance with the requirements of the Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Act, Section 510, the following prohibitions shall apply:
(A) A patient may not operate or be in physical control of any of the following while under the influence with a blood content of more than 10 nanograms of active tetrahydrocannabis per milliliter of blood in serum:
(i) Chemicals which require a permit issued by the Federal Government or a state government or an agency of the Federal Government or a state government.
(ii) High-voltage electricity or any other public utility.
(B) A patient may not perform any employment duties at heights or in confined spaces, including, but not limited to, mining while under the influence of medical marijuana.
(C) A patient may be prohibited by an employer from performing any task which the employer deems life-threatening, to either the employee or any of the employees of the employer, while under the influence of medical marijuana. The prohibition shall not be deemed an adverse employment decision even if the prohibition results in financial harm for the patient.
(D) A patient may be prohibited by an employer from performing any duty which could result in a public health or safety risk while under the influence of medical marijuana. The prohibition shall not be deemed an adverse employment decision even if the prohibition results in financial harm for the patient.
(3) Employer may take disciplinary action against medical marijuana patient employee if:
(A) Employee is under the influence of medical marijuana in the workplace or is working while under the influence of medical marijuana, where the employee’s conduct falls below the standard of care normally accepted for that position.
(4) Employer is not required to allow use of medical marijuana on the premises or property of the workplace.
(5) This limitation does not apply to testing for illegal use of controlled substances.
(6) This limitation does not apply to for-cause drug testing performed when supervisors have reasonable cause to suspect an employee of being under the influence of a drug while at work.
(7) This limitation does not apply to drug testing performed after a workplace accident.
(8) Nothing in this ordinance shall require an employer to commit any acts that would put the employer or any person acting on its behalf in violation of Pennsylvania or Federal Law.
(9) Nothing in this ordinance shall supersede any existing Pennsylvania or Federal law.
(Ord. 15-1979, eff. 5-29-79; Ord. 13-1980, eff. 8-8-80; Am. Ord. 2-1990, eff. 4-3-90; Ord. No. 21-2014, § 1, eff. 10-14-14; Ord. No. 11-2019, § 1, eff. 3-15-19; Ord. No. 27-2019, § 1, eff. 7-9-19; Ord. No. 35-2020, § 2, eff. 10-23-20; Ord. No. 52-2021, § 1, eff. 12-6-21)