The Rochester City Council has unanimously approved Ordinance No. 2025-283. The ordinance incorporates the city’s sanctuary policy into municipal law and expands anti-discrimination protections. It applies to employers, businesses contracting with the city, and places of public accommodation.
The ordinance strengthens protections for immigrants by prohibiting discrimination based on national origin, including against non-citizens and their descendants. It limits inquiries into immigration status to specific situations involving eligibility for services, legal requirements, or criminal investigations. These provisions aim to ensure access to city services and opportunities without immigration-related barriers.
It also expands protections related to pregnancy and reproductive health, in alignment with the state’s Equal Rights Amendment. The ordinance prohibits discrimination based on pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes such as birth, miscarriage, stillbirth, or abortion, and access to reproductive healthcare. It affirms individuals’ autonomy in making decisions about reproductive wellness.
To ensure compliance, the ordinance establishes an enforcement mechanism for city personnel under the mayor or city council’s jurisdiction. Credible allegations of violations will trigger investigations, which may result in public disclosure, disciplinary action, or removal from employment.