I.C. Bar owner's appeal worth creativity points, anyway

I almost called this blog post “Mike Porter, are you kidding me?” but I thought that might be a little rude.

After all, who knows – maybe the Iowa City bar owner honestly does think the 21-only ordinance violates his underage customers' civil rights.

That's what he told Iowa City Council members during their formal meeting last night. He said he's talked to the city's human rights coordinator and is all set to make a complaint to the state.

“I can't discriminate based on age,” Porter told council members. And, according to human rights protections, they can't punish him for refusing to do so.

Here's what the ordinance says:

It is unlawful to discriminate in employment, credit, public accommodation and education on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. In addition, discrimination in housing based upon race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, familial status, presence or absence of dependents, disability, gender identity or public source of income is prohibited.It is also unlawful to retaliate against a person because such person has lawfully opposed any discriminatory practice.

It is also unlawful to retaliate against a person because such person has lawfully opposed any discriminatory practice.

What next? More complaints because he can't serve beer to 12-year-olds? Can't hire a 7-year-old delivery driver?

Porter asked councilors to push back the effective date of the ordinance from next month until November, when Iowa City residents will get a chance to vote. To a person, they sat stony faced in response.

Oh well. I suppose it was worth a try.