Council to vote on caste discrimination

Seattle City Council members are preparing to vote on whether to add caste to the city’s anti-discrimination laws.

If approved, Seattle would become the first city in the United States to do so.

The proposed ordinance, being considered Tuesday, is a contentious issue, especially among the nation’s South Asian diaspora.

Supporters argue it is needed because caste is not covered under existing civil rights protections. Groups opposing the measure say it will malign a community that is already the target of prejudice.

Activists and organizers on different sides of the issue began arriving in Seattle on Monday.

As early as last week, more than 100 people had put in requests to speak at the meeting.

Early Tuesday, several activists braved cold temperatures and wind gusts to line up outside City Hall so they would get a chance to speak to the council before the vote.