Jun 30, 2014
Equality NC Responds to Exclusion of LGBT Workers in Governor's Executive Order
Gov. Pat McCrory issues an executive order for equal employment on Monday with no reference to protections on the basis of "sexual orientation" and "gender identity."
Raleigh, N.C. – Gov. Pat McCrory issued an executive order today that excluded gay and transgender workers from state requirements for equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants for employment. The executive order referred specifically to classifications such as race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, disability and genetic information.
In a press release, Gov. McCrory said the order "ensures fairness and encourages people to work for state government,” said Governor McCrory. “Insisting on nondiscrimination will strengthen our state and demonstrate that we value diversity of thought and each of our citizens’ unique backgrounds.”
Equality NC's Executive Director Chris Sgro immediately responded, saying the order "flies in the face of fairness" and actually discourages diverse applicants for state employment.
"While we agree with Gov. McCrory that 'insisting on nondiscrimination will strengthen our state and demonstrate that we value diversity of thought and each of our citizens’ unique backgrounds,' any executive order ensuring 'equal opportunities' that excludes protections for gay and transgender North Carolinians not only flies in the face of fairness, but also discourages fair-minded people from working for the state.
In turn, we insist that the governor revisit his views on equal employment opportunities to include protections for North Carolina's hardworking gay and transgender employees -- all of whom can currently be fired for reasons that have nothing to do with job performance. Until then, the governor's gesture toward inclusivity will be just that."
North Carolina is one of 29 states where you can still be fired for being gay or transgender.
Sgro added, "Equality NC will continue to fight for common sense updates to state workplace protection policies that ensure no one is ever fired from their job simply for who they love or who they are."