Month: August 2014

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August 6, 2014January 6, 2023Councilmember Rasmussen, News Releases

Council Calls for End to Blood Donation Ban for Gay and Bisexual Men

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City of Seattle
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 8/6/2014

Councilmember Sally J. Clark
Councilmember Tom Rasmussen

Council Calls for End to Blood Donation Ban for Gay and Bisexual Men

SEATTLE - City Council sent a letter to the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) yesterday requesting an end to the lifetime ban on blood donations from men who have sex with men.  The Puget Sound Blood Center, Seattle Mayor Edward Murray and the American Medical Association have each made similar requests.

An excerpt from the letter reads, "Denying gay and bisexual men the opportunity to donate blood based on their sexual orientation is an outdated and discriminatory practice.   We've advanced in our medical knowledge of HIV transmission and know transmission depends on behavioral risk factors.  Donor screening for gay and bisexual men should be the same as for all other people and be based on a risk assessment of behaviors, rather than on sexual orientation."

"Sexual orientation shouldn't dictate whether someone is able to help save a life," said Councilmember Sally J. Clark.  "Any other person would be screened based on a risk assessment of their behavior.  We're only asking that gay and bisexual men also have that opportunity."

"The current ban should be repealed," said Councilmember Tom Rasmussen.  "It undermines the understanding of HIV risks and reinforces stereotypes and fear."

"On behalf of the City of Seattle LGBTQ employees for Equality, SEqual, we are encouraged by the action of the City Council to raise awareness of the FDA's discriminatory policy excluding gay men and women that have sexual contact with bisexual men from giving blood.  For nearly 30 years our gay city employees have been unable to donate blood at City co-sponsored blood drives because of this federal policy.  It is long overdue that the FDA enacts a policy based on science and risk factors, not fear and ignorance.  Thank you, Seattle City Council, for recognizing this inequity," said Aretha Alexander and Travis Taylor, Co-chairs of SEqual.

[View in Council Newsroom]

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August 4, 2014January 6, 2023City Clerk, News Releases

Action Summary, Monday, August 4, 2014

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Action Summary of the Seattle City Council Full Council Meeting Monday, August 4, 2014  (Councilmembers Burgess and O’Brien were excused)   FULL COUNCIL: 1. C.B. 118151 Held until August 11, 2014 Relating to the Department of Neighborhoods; authorizing implementation of certain Neighborhood Matching Fund projects in 2014, and specifying that 2014 appropriations for the Neighborhood...

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August 4, 2014January 6, 2023Councilmember Burgess

Night Out Against Crime

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Tomorrow night is the annual Night Out Against Crime, where block parties around the city bring neighbors together and strengthen community efforts to prevent crime. The police department reports that more than 1,400 neighborhood groups organized for Night Out last...

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August 1, 2014January 6, 2023City Clerk

Online Seattle Municipal Code updated

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The current online code incorporates ordinances passed through 13 June 2014 except for Ordinances 124105 and 124490. The most recent codified ordinance is Ordinance 124495. Ordinance No. SMC Section(s) affected 124475 Amended §§ 23.22.062.A, 23.24.045.A, 23.34.086, 23.44.010, 23.44.012, 23.44.022.K, 23.84A.004, 23.84A.024, 23.84A.046, 23.86.010.A; repealed § 23.24.046 124494 Amended ch. 25.32 124495 Amended ch. 25.32

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August 1, 2014January 6, 2023City Clerk

Legislation approved by the Seattle City Council on July 14, 2014, and filed with the City Clerk

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Scanned copies of the signed legislation are available in the database records linked below: Ord. 124524 C.B. 118140 AN ORDINANCE relating to transportation network companies, taxi, and for-hire services and affiliated drivers and vehicles: establishing minimum operating requirements for transportation network companies and affiliated drivers; imposing industry-wide vehicle inspection and driver training processes; imposing insurance […]

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August 1, 2014January 6, 2023City Clerk

Archives Find of the Month: Industrial School of Seattle

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Clerk File 12099 contains a 1901 report about the Industrial School of Seattle, submitted by the Municipal Guardian and Superintendent, Major C. Newell.  The report explains that the school was founded by the Boys and Girls Aid Society of Washington, whose mission was “to help boys and girls of school age that had no earthly […]

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August 1, 2014January 6, 2023Councilmember Harrell, News Releases

Councilmember Harrell Seeks Candidates for Human Rights Commission

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City of Seattle
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 7/31/2014

Councilmember Bruce Harrell

Councilmember Harrell Seeks Candidates for Human Rights Commission

Seattle - The Seattle Human Rights Commission is seeking applicants to fill vacant Commissioner positions. The Commission advises the Mayor and City Council on human rights and social justice issues.

The Commission works with the Director of the Office for Civil Rights to end discrimination based on race, religion, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, political ideology, ancestry, age, marital and parental status, disability and Section 8 status. The Commission works to have an impact on the lives of people in Seattle through its policy work and community outreach.

"I am proud to work with the City's Human Rights Commission," said Councilmember Bruce Harrell, chair of the Public Safety, Civil Rights and Technology Committee. "The Commission continues to play a vital role in hearing discrimination appeals and shaping the City's dialogue on human rights for all Seattle residents."

Participation on the Commission requires a minimum time commitment of 10-15 hours per month. This includes attendance at monthly meetings held the first Thursday of each month in the evening, participation in committee work, meeting with City departments, communicating with state legislators and addressing human rights concerns.

The Commission also hears and adjudicates appeals of discrimination cases from the Seattle Office for Civil Rights. Commissioners are appointed to two-year terms and all appointments are subject to confirmation by the Seattle City Council. Commissioners must reside within the City of Seattle. The Commission is particularly interested in applicants with backgrounds in human rights, education, law, public policy and advocacy. Commissioners serve without compensation.

To be considered, email a letter of interest, resume and SHRC application to marta.idowu@seattle.gov by August 25, 2014. The SHRC application is available at www.seattle.gov/humanrights/archive.htm or by request made to marta.idowu@seattle.gov.

The City is committed to promoting diversity in its commissions. Women, people with disabilities, youth, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, immigrants and people of color are encouraged to apply. All are welcome.

[View in Council Newsroom]