The Brief The City Council voted 26-19 against a ban on new fur sales in the city. The Chicago City Council voted against a ban on the sale of fur in the city during a meeting on Wednesday. Raymond Lopez (15th Ward) and animal rights activists argued the proposed ban was necessary to help prevent cruelty toward animals. Stephane Coleman (16th Ward), who chairs the Aldermanic Black Caucus, said the ban would hurt Black-owned businesses in the city. The hope was that a ban would encourage furriers in Chicago to turn to alternative fur products.