Moving one step closer to adopting a fair housing ordinance, the State College Borough Council decided at a work session last night to base a future law on President Gary Wiser's all-inclusive proposal.

Although the proposed ordinance protects for discrimination against marital status, race and sexual orientation, it excludes protection for residents under 23.

While most members of council approved the basis of the proposal, some said the age requirement is too high.

"It is clear that it is designed not to cover the Penn State students," Councilman Bill Welch said. "There is an attitude that if you're under 23, screw you."

Councilwoman Jean McManis agreed that the age requirement should be lowered.

Welch, who favors Wiser's proposal, said the council must be careful when designing an ordinance not to destroy the balance of housing between young and old people.

Although some council members said the proposal may be the most acceptable they have seen, the proposal is likely to be debated.

Council will review Wiser's proposal at a worksession March 12.

"I think that when it comes right down to it, sexual preference will be the major issue that divides us again," said Councilman Jerry Wettstone.

The fair housing issue has been a subject of controversy for 14 years.

Last summer council narrowly defeated an ordinance that mirrored federal and state legislation but failed to protect for marital status and sexual orientation.

Mayor Arnold Addison vetoed the bill for that reason.

Council looked at a different proposal in January but refused to act because of the vague language it contained.

To continue receiving funds from the federal Housing and Urban Development department, council must pass an ordinance at least comparable to federal guidelines.

"Let's take the bull by the horns and make those changes," Wiser said. "We're going to procrastinate long enough and HUD is going to come in and tell us what to do."

Council members approve of Wiser's proposal because it allows for special housing projects designed for the those 55 and older.

"There is already language in place to protect the elderly," McManis said.

It is uncertain how heated the upcoming debate will be, but most members say they are willing to listen to all arguments.

"I go into these meetings with an open mind. Sometimes it's even blank," said Councilman R. Thomas Berner.