A legislative proposal in San Francisco seeks to make ex-cons and felons a protected class, along with existing categories of residents like African-Americans, people with disabilities and pregnant women. If passed by city supervisors, landlords and employers would be prohibited from asking applicants about their criminal past.
Supporters say it's an effort to help former offenders get back on their feet, but critics call the concept a crime in itself.
"My mother is an immigrant, my mother-in-law is a Jew and I'm a gay man. Those are all protected categories, but you're going to put a felon in there as a protected category? That's not right," said Andrew Long, a board member of the San Francisco Apartment Association.
But ex-cons contend they're immediately disqualified by employers and landlords reluctant to trust anyone with a rap sheet.
1 comment:
Imagine THAT! CONSEQUENCES for doing really bad stuff. Maybe if there were MORE publicity for the consequences, then some people and cultures MAY stop thinking PRISON is a badge of honor. And whats wrong with NOT wanting to live next door to a paroled murderer? And what's wrong with not wanting to rent to someone who embezzeled or stole? The world ain't fair and I suggest we NOT try to make it fair for those who never believed in "fairness" for their victims, many of whom are not even around anymore. NOW they whine like little girls 'cause someone isn't being nice to them.
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