GARY -
The Gary Human Rights Commission may start hearing cases dealing with age-based complaints, if the Gary Common Council approves a proposed amendment to the city’s civil rights ordinance.
The Public Safety Committee discussed the amendment on Tuesday that would give the Gary Human Rights Commission the ability to hear any case referred from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
HRC executive director Haneefah Khaaliq told the "Times" that one of the major changes the HRC is putting toward the ordinance is adding age as a protected class.
The Human Rights Commission currently can hear complaints from the city. The second amendment would allow it to hear complaints that also come from outside the city if they are referred by the EEOC or HUD.
The Gary Common Council will address the matter Tuesday at its regular meeting.
