Mar 28, 2013
NC Lawmakers Introduce State Employee Nondiscrimination Bill
"We need to update current laws to secure this fundamental protection for our diverse workforce in state government," said Sen. Josh Stein, primary sponsor of the Senate version of the nondiscrimination bill.
Raleigh, N.C. - Senator Josh Stein (D-Wake) on Thursday introduced Senate Bill 544, Nondiscrimination in State Employment, legislation intended to amend the State Personnel Act to protect state employees from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.
A companion bill, House Bill 429, sponsored by Representatives Paul Luebke (D-Durham), Marcus Brandon (D-Guilford), Rick Glazier (D-Cumberland), and Pricey Harrison (D-Guilford), was also introduced this week.
"No state employee should experience discrimination on the job because of the color of their skin, their age, their religion, where they were born, any disability they may have, or who they love," said Sen. Stein. "We need to update current laws to secure this fundamental protection for our diverse workforce in state government."
The bills will be the focus of Equality NC’s upcoming LOBBY DAY of Action, April 16.
“In North Carolina today, decent, hardworking people can be fired simply because of who they are or who they love,” said Stuart Campbell, executive director of Equality NC. “In April, gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and allied constituents from all corners of the state will come together in Raleigh with one goal in mind: to be a visible representation of the North Carolina lives impacted, and families harmed, by the threat of employment discrimination, including harassment and termination.”
Campbell added, “Through this day of action, Equality NC will not only stand with legislators willing to protect our state employees, but also mobilize hundreds of community, campus, faith and business leaders who are ready to work for equality in employment and beyond.”