SF Mulls Ban on Discrimination Against Ex-cons

SAN FRANCISCO — San Francisco has banned housing and employment discrimination against gays, lesbians and minority groups — but a new plan to add ex-convicts to that list has some saying officials are going too far.

Under a proposal before the city's Human Rights Commission, private employers and landlords would be prohibited from disqualifying applicants because they have been convicted of a crime or been arrested.

Proponents say that with California under federal orders to reduce its prison population, such a plan is necessary to help former inmates reintegrate.

But others say business owners have a right to be cautious to protect themselves and others.

The commission recently held a public forum on the proposal, which city leaders caution is in its early stages and far from being finalized.