991-1. Findings.
The Board of Supervisors has studied documents and heard testimony, and makes the following findings: (Ord. 1959, § 1, 2/18/1992)
(a) Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a chronic life threatening disease which affects a significant number of Humboldt County residents. (Ord. 1959, § 1, 2/18/1992)
(b) AIDS is caused by infection with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV, “AIDS virus”), which is transmitted through exposure to blood, semen and vaginal secretions. The Human Immunodeficiency Virus cannot be transmitted through casual contact or through the handling of food by infected persons. (Ord. 1959, § 1, 2/18/1992)
(c) Nevertheless, unreasonable fear of contracting HIV has caused landlords, employers and providers of services to discriminate or retaliate against persons believed to be infected with the AIDS virus and people associated with HIV infected people. (Ord. 1959, § 1, 2/18/1992)
(d) Such discrimination causes additional burdens to be placed on those persons or entities who do not discriminate, particularly on public and private non-profit groups engaged in providing health and social services to persons with AIDS. (Ord. 1959, § 1, 2/18/1992)
(e) Such discrimination is against the public policy of the State of California and the United States, but state and federal enactments do not address all aspects of such discrimination, nor do they preempt local legislation. Local action is therefore necessary to address the local impacts of such discrimination. (Ord. 1959, § 1, 2/18/1992)
(f) Such discrimination discourages individuals from obtaining medical treatment, counseling, education and other essential services. In order to encourage such persons to seek diagnosis and treatment and to reduce the risk of HIV transmission to others, the Board of Supervisors of the County of Humboldt intends to prohibit discrimination against such persons in matters affecting employment, real property transactions, business practices and education. (Ord. 1959, § 1, 2/18/1992)
(g) It is not the intention, nor shall this ordinance be construed to abrogate or conflict with any federal or state law requirements or exceptions with respect to the subject matter covered by this ordinance (i.e. screening of donors to blood banks, etc.). To the extent that the provisions of this ordinance are more protective of persons subject to discrimination than the provisions of federal and state law, the provisions of this ordinance shall govern except to the extent that federal or state law supersedes or preempts such provisions. (Ord. 1959, § 1, 2/18/1992)