It is the policy of the City, in the exercise of its power for the protection of the public health, safety and welfare and for the maintenance of peace and good government, to ensure equal opportunity for all persons to live in decent facilities, free of restrictions because of age, sex, national origin, marital status, religion, ancestry, race, creed, color and to ensure the rights and opportunities of all persons in employment, public accommodations and participation in the social, cultural, recreational and economic life of the City. (Code 1979, § 20-1)