§ 26-39. Discrimination prohibited.

(a)

A franchisee operating a cable system or OVS shall not deny service nor unlawfully discriminate in its rates or charges or in the availability of the service or facilities of its system, or in any other respect, or make or grant unlawful preferences or advantages to any subscriber, potential subscriber, or group of subscribers or potential subscribers, nor subject any such persons or group of persons to any undue prejudice or any disadvantage. A franchisee shall not deny, delay, or otherwise burden service or discriminate against subscribers or users on the basis of age, race, creed, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, handicap, national origin, marital status, or political affiliation, except for discounts for senior citizens, the economically disadvantaged, or handicapped that are applied in a uniform and consistent manner. A franchisee may also offer promotional discounts to subscribers and bulk discounts to multiple dwelling buildings and property owners' associations to the extent such discounts are otherwise permissible by law.

(b)

Redlining prohibited. A franchisee shall not deny cable service, offer different services, or charge different rates to any potential subscribers because of the income of the residents of the local area in which such subscribers reside.

(c)

A franchisee shall not refuse to employ, nor discharge from employment, nor discriminate against any person in compensation or in terms, conditions, or privileges of employment because of age, race, creed, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, disability, national origin, marital status, or political affiliation. The franchisee shall comply with applicable law governing equal employment opportunities, as the same may be from time to time amended.

(d)

The county may fine a franchisee for violation of this section $500.00 for each violation with each day of a continuing violation constituting a separate violation.

(Ord. No. 02-18, § 2, 7-30-02)