Augusta will benefit from proposed anti-discrimination ordinance.
Augusta is one of the last major cities in Georgia not to pass a comprehensive anti-discrimination
ordinance. The Augusta Commission is now considering a proposal that would create such
protections in Augusta-Richmond County in circumstances not covered by existing federal or
state law. I’m writing today to urge the readers of the Augusta Press to support it.
The anti-discrimination ordinance would prohibit discrimination in employment, housing, and
public accommodations based on several categories, including religion, race, sexual orientation,
and veteran status. Its passage would also send a strong message that Augusta is a growing and
welcoming place to live and work.
Despite assertions made in a recent Augusta Press editorial, Georgia has no comprehensive
anti-discrimination law. Under current state law, it is entirely legal for a private employer to fire
someone for being a Christian, for being gay, for being black, or for being of Irish descent. A
person who is denied housing or a meal at a lunch counter for the same or similar reasons will
find no recourse under Georgia law. Simply put, Georgia law does not protect people from forms
of discrimination that we as Americans long ago decided were morally reprehensible.
To be sure, federal law does broadly prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, religion, sex,
and national origin. But federal litigation is expensive, and most federal protections only apply to
employers or businesses of a certain size. And even then, many vulnerable groups – such as
members of the LGBTQ+ community – are not explicitly included in those protections.
Augusta’s anti-discrimination ordinance would provide a remedy for those individuals who
suffer discriminatory treatment but are not protected by existing law. And by providing the
opportunity to resolve conflicts through mediation or the local court system, victims will be
made whole more quickly and innocent misunderstandings are less likely to turn into federal
lawsuits.
This ordinance represents an opportunity for us to show that Augusta is a community where all
people have equal opportunity to live, work, and raise a family. And as Augusta continues to
grow and hopes to attract a tech-savvy demographic, these protections will help us remain
competitive with other major cities in Georgia that have adopted similar ordinances, such as
Savannah and Atlanta.
One thing we can all agree on is that discrimination is wrong. This ordinance honors that
fundamental truth by bridging the existing gaps in federal law and providing protections where
state law is almost completely silent. Its passage will make our home a better and more
prosperous place.
Please contact your commissioner and urge them to pass Augusta’s anti-discrimination
ordinance!
Matthew Duncan
Mr. Duncan is a native and resident of Augusta, a small business owner, and an attorney.
