In May 2021 the Chandler Chamber's Board of Directors voted unanimously to send a letter urging the Chandler City Council to pass an anti-discrimination ordinance in our City.
We invite you to join us as we clearly signal to businesses and individuals that we are committed to protecting the rights of all people.
Chandler is now the largest city in Arizona without such an ordinance, putting our community at a competitive disadvantage with other communities, as we compete globally for businesses who rely on a diverse workforce.
We believe this measure not only fits our mission, but it is also quite simply the right thing to do. Additionally, the Chamber is encouraging an anti-discrimination statute to build on the significant measures Chandler’s Diversity Office and the Chamber's DE&I committee have taken to promote an inclusive community.
For the Chamber, which represents the interests of more than 170,000 people employed by businesses operating in Chandler, instituting an anti-discrimination statute is essential to the continued vitality and competitiveness of our City within the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. Entrepreneurs and businesses consider many factors in deciding where to invest, and the city of Chandler should continue to meet those needs through its leadership and policy.
If being an inclusive community is important to you, please let our Mayor and Council know. We encourage a personally written email encouraging Mayor and Council to pass Non-Discrimination Ordinance and not a Resolution. They want to hear from you.
Meanwhile, please read the FAQs which will help dispel some of the misinformation about this ordinance. And of course, we welcome your questions and comments on this issue.
Terri Kimble, President/CEO, Chandler Chamber
Jane Poston, Board Chair, J2 Media
Rick Heumann, Committee Chair
If being an inclusive community is important to you, please let our Mayor and Council know. We encourage a personally written email encouraging Mayor and Council to pass Non-Discrimination Ordinance and not a Resolution. They want to hear from you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Would this ordinance require business owners to provide specialized bathrooms?
A: No. This ordinance prohibits discriminatory treatment in employment, housing, and places of public accommodation. Bathroom design is not mentioned in the model ordinances.
Q: Does this ordinance require churches or other faith-based organizations to accept gay and lesbian members?
A: No. The model ordinance contains carefully crafted exceptions for bona fide faith organizations. However, it should be noted that many faith-based organizations are supportive of this.
Q: Will the ordinance impose any additional regulations or legal requirements on businesses?
A: No. The ordinance only makes discriminatory behavior illegal.
Q: Would this ordinance require police enforcement?
A: No. This is a civil ordinance and does not involve law enforcement. All enforcement actions would come from the City of Chandler.
Q: Can businesses be sued under this ordinance?
A: No. Only the City of Chandler can bring enforcement actions against a business that breaks the rules.
"Creating an Inclusive Community" Panel
This panel discussion highlighted some of the benefits of implementing an LGBTQ-inclusive non-discrimination ordinance, and dispelled some of the misconceptions. Featured speakers included:
- Angela Hughey, ONE Community
- Neil Giuliano, Greater Phoenix Leadership
- Tim Bourcet, Greater Phoenix Economic Council
- Robert Heidt, Glendale Chamber of Commerce
Sign the Petition
Let your voice be heard by signing the Change.org petition for a Non-Discrimination Ordinance.
Download Our Business Sign
Show your business's support of the LBGTQ+ community by displaying this sign
Important Links
- Our letter to Mayor and City Council
- Letter from LD 17 & LD 18 to Mayor and City Council
- Change.org Petition for Chandler Non-Discrimination Ordinance
- One Community
- Chandler PRIDE
- Chandler4Change
- Other Cities in Arizona that have adopted Non-Discrimination Ordinances:
- City of Tempe Ordinance No. 02016.25
- City of Scottsdale Ordinance No. 4497
- City of Glendale Ordinance
- City of Flagstaff Ordinance No. 2013-08
- City of Tucson Ordinance No. 2.05-8
- City of Mesa Ordinance No. 5609
- City of Phoenix Ordinance No. G-6422
- City of Winslow Ordinance No. 1327
- City of Sedona Ordinance No. (Ordinances only archived on-site back to 2017, passed in 2015. Hyperlink is to article from Tucson Weekly)