
Gay Ohio Employees Get Protection Against
Discrimination
COLUMBUS, OH -- A new Executive Order that
will protect more than 60,000 state employees from discrimination based
upon their sexual orientation or gender identity was signed by Ohio Gov.
Ted Strickland Thursday.
The
order states that discriminatory conduct in hiring and other employment
related decisions undermines the State's ability to attract and retain
the best possible employees. It also says that because of the
contributions that State employees make, their colleagues and
supervisors should treat them with respect and dignity.
"Information compiled by the Ohio Civil Rights Commission documents
ongoing and past discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation
and/or gender identity in employment-related decisions by personnel at
Ohio agencies, boards and commissions," the executive order says.
Equality Ohio praised Strickland's move, saying it will nudge Ohio out
of dead-last place when looking at a broad range of legislative
protections for LGBT people and families.
Lynne Bowman, the organizations executive director, said "When it comes
to how we treat lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender citizens and
their families, it is high time to align Ohios laws and policies with
the values of its people."
"Ohio currently places near the bottom in every important national
economic indicator," Bowman said. "Governor Strickland understands that
in order to be economically competitive, Ohio must create an environment
that will attract businesses, employees, and families."
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