The Phoenix City Council has taken a step to prohibit housing discrimination based on a renter’s or buyer’s source of income.

An amendment approved last week by the city council would prohibit discrimination against those who use housing vouchers, Social Security disability, benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs, foster family credits and other sources of income, according to a release.

However, the enforcement of the change remains on hold pending a decision by the Arizona Attorney General’s Office on a Tucson ordinance.

Phoenix has asked Attorney General Kris Mayes to reconsider the conclusion reached by her predecessor, Mark Brnovich, against Tucson, which last year amended its housing code to prohibit source-of-income discrimination.

In its letter to Mayes, the council said: “Allowing the denial of tenants based on their source of income goes against the fundamental civil right to fair housing.

“The City of Tucson is well within their rights to pass a statute prohibiting this practice.”

The Phoenix council’s decision is an amendment to Chapter 18 of the city code.

“Chapter 18 outlines the city’s commitment to undertake vigorous steps to provide equal opportunity and protect people from discrimination based on a variety of factors, now including source of income,” a city release stated.

A person who discriminates against a buyer or renter based on the buyer or renter's source of income may be subject to civil penalties of up to $2,500 and daily penalties up to $2,500, according to the amendment.

We’d like to invite our readers to submit their civil comments, pro or con, on this issue. Email AZOpinions@iniusa.org.