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4 <br /> COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS <br /> Q. What are the benefits of a local civil rights ordinance? <br /> A. Benefits cited by other N.C. human relations commissions include : <br /> 1 . Improved access for complainants and respondents <br /> 2 . Increased opportunities for mediation and conciliation <br /> 3 . Quicker, less expensive, and more effective resolution of <br /> complaints <br /> 4 . Educational workshops , seminars and technical assistance <br /> A local enforcement agency provides a more accessible, user-friendly <br /> way to ask questions, and address and handle problems . The <br /> ordinance seeks resolutions to complaints through mediation and <br /> conciliation whenever possible, facilitating positive resolution of <br /> complaints without time-consuming, expensive litigation . A local <br /> process can usually handle complaints faster than a federal or state <br /> agency, and provide individualized attention to both complainant and <br /> respondent. Staff can provide up-to-date technical assistance, <br /> training seminars and workshops , and consultation to prevent <br /> discriminatory practices and provide equal opportunities for all <br /> Orange County citizens . <br /> Q . Does the proposed ordinance add another level of regulation to <br /> existing federal rules, regulations, and laws prohibiting <br /> discrimination? <br /> A. No . The ordinance would replace federal and state enforcement <br /> levels with a local process for mediation, conciliation, and if <br /> necessary, enforcement of laws prohibiting discrimination. <br /> Q . Does the proposed ordinance expand existing citizen rights? <br /> A. No. The ordinance would prohibit discrimination in the areas of <br /> housing , employment, public accommodations and hate violence <br /> incidents , areas currently protected by federal and state laws . <br /> Q . Does the proposed ordinance infringe on the constitutionally <br /> protected right to free speech? <br /> A. No . The ordinance prohibits language or conduct "which communicate <br /> in a threatening manner words that incite imminent lawless action or <br /> . . . an immediate breach of the peace" directed at an individual ( s ) <br /> based on race, color, religion, sex , national origin, age , <br /> disability, marital status , familial status or veteran status . This <br /> is consistent with existing state laws . However, the ordinance also <br /> states , "No person shall be found to have violated this ordinance on <br /> the basis of the content of the utterance, speech, or communication <br /> used by such person. " <br /> For more information, contact: <br /> Orange County Human Relations Commission <br /> P .O. Box 8181 <br /> Hillsborough, NC 27278 <br /> 967-9251/732-8181/227-2031/688-7331 ext . 2250 <br />