I strongly support this Ordinance as it expands protections for families in whatever configuration they develop. While this Ordinance focuses on extending protections to non-monogamous families, it’s also important to note that it expands protections for extended families and chosen families as well

Many of us are aware that California’s laws have become a light to other states, that automatically enact legislation, identically to, and simply because, that is what California has done. As California goes, so goes much of the United States.

With this legislation, We Oaklanders have an opportunity to be that shining light for California.

We're not the first to protect alternative relationship and family structures. That honor went to Somerville, MA almost a year ago, so of your worried about stepping into this new and growing area of the law, your worries are over.

An estimated [4 to 5 percent of Americans](https://www.journal-fuer-psychologie.de/index.php/jfp/article/view/324) are polyamorous, and 21 percent reported engaging in some form of consensual non-monogamy at some point in their lives, [according to a 2016 study](https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/0092623X.2016.1178675?journalCode=usmt20) in the Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy. 

Equal rights should extend to polyamorous families to ensure fairness and inclusivity. Just as monogamous families have the right to live and work to support themselves without discrimination, polyamorous families should be afforded the same opportunity to secure jobs, services and safe and stable homes based on their familial arrangements. Denying these rights to polyamorous families perpetuates discrimination and inequality, undermining the principles of fairness and justice in society.
Council, please be that light to CA

I am in full support of this ordinance as it protects the residents of Oakland from discrimination when determining and actualizing their chosen family structures.

I'm in support of this bill protecting diverse families, who face significant stigma and discrimination, on behalf of Chosen Family Law Center, of which I am the Executive Director.

Dear Committee Members,

I am writing to express my enthusiastic support for Item 5 on the agenda of the Community and Economic Development (CED) Committee: the Ordinance Prohibiting Discrimination on the Basis of Family and Relationship Structure.

This proposed ordinance is a crucial step forward in protecting the rights and dignity of all Oakland residents, regardless of their family or relationship structure. By extending protections to non-monogamous families and relationships, as well as other non-nuclear family structures, this legislation upholds the values of inclusivity and equality that are integral to our community.

It is essential that our city's laws reflect the diverse makeup of our population and provide equal treatment under the law for all individuals and families. Discrimination based on family or relationship structure has no place in Oakland or any other city, and this ordinance sends a clear message that such discrimination will not be tolerated.

I urge the members of the CED Committee to vote in favor of Item 5 and to support the advancement of this ordinance to a full vote before the city council. By doing so, we can ensure that Oakland remains a welcoming and inclusive place for all residents.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

Sincerely,

Sarah Doggett

Thank you for discussing this item "Prohibiting discrimination on the basis of family and relationship structure". I am in support of this ordinance and appreciate the Committee's attention. Thank you!