Protected-class status for ex-cons in SF?

San Francisco's Reentry Council considers legislation to aid re-entry of ex-cons

Read more at the San Francisco Examiner: http://www.sfexaminer.com/local/2011/07/san-franciscos-reentry-council-considers-legislation-aid-re-entry-ex-cons#ixzz1STfH8eU3

Possible legislation under consideration in San Francisco would provide convicted felons with more rights to housing and jobs, perhaps affording them a protected-class status usually reserved for disadvantaged groups based on gender or ethnicity.

Landlords and employers could end up being required to look further into criminal histories before ruling out released convicts.

The idea came from The City’s Reentry Council, a 23-member body that includes representatives of the Mayor’s Office, Police and Sheriff’s departments, District Attorney and Public Defender’s offices, the Adult and Juvenile Probation departments, and a variety of other law enforcement and social services agencies. Policy Director Jessica Flintoft said the council unanimously recommended in March that such legislation be developed.

The City’s Human Rights Commission will explore the concept this month in two public meetings. The discussions will come as the state moves forward with a plan to release thousands of inmates from the overburdened prison system.

“If they cannot find housing and cannot find a job, they probably will recommit,” Sparks said.



http://www.sfexaminer.com/local/2011/07/san-franciscos-reentry-council-considers-legislation-aid-re-entry-ex-cons

Do you think it would catch on Nationally?

Color me naive and the out-of-touch liberal, but if they are Ex-Cons, does that not mean they have paid their debt to society?

Shouldn't they be allowed to move on?