If a local city passes a law prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation, what is its status?

The law passed by the local city is considered valid because it is stricter than federal law. In the United States, local governments have the authority to enact laws that provide greater protections than those established at the federal level. The federal law, such as the Civil Rights Act, prohibits discrimination based on certain characteristics, but local laws can expand upon these protections to include additional categories such as sexual orientation.

By enacting a law that prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation, the city is exercising its rights to enhance civil rights protections for its residents. This aligns with the principle that local jurisdictions can address specific concerns within their communities, reflecting local values and priorities. Therefore, the local law is valid and enforceable, provided it does not conflict with existing state laws, which often serve to uphold the same or similar protections.

The context of local versus federal law highlights the flexibility cities have in tailoring their own regulations, which can lead to variations in rights and protections across different jurisdictions.