HRC Applauds Michigan Governor For Ban On Anti-Gay Employment Discrimination

WASHINGTON - The Human Rights Campaign applauded Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm for signing an executive order today that bans state employment discrimination based on sexual orientation, making Michigan the 11th state with such a policy.


"Most people already agree that an employee's performance should be measured on the job they're doing, not any bias an employer might have. This policy brings the state much closer to making sure employees get that kind of fair treatment," said Seth Kilbourn, HRC's national field director. "We applaud Governor Granholm and the Triangle Foundation for making this a reality."


Eight other states have similar policies covering public employment. They are: Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Montana and Washington. Two states - Kentucky and Pennsylvania - also explicitly cover gender identity in their executive orders.

"This is a terrific first step in protecting from discrimination," said Sean Kosofsky, director of policy for the Triangle Foundation - Michigan's statewide gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender advocacy group. "Triangle Foundation will continue to work diligently to ensure that all state employees are covered by this policy including prohibitions on discrimination based on gender identity or expression."

The Human Rights Campaign is the largest national gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender political organization with members throughout the country. It effectively lobbies Congress, provides campaign support and educates the public to ensure that GLBT Americans can be open, honest and safe at home, at work and in the community.

Contact: Mark Shields
Phone: (202) 216-1564
Cell: (202) 716-1637

Contact: J. Smith
Phone: (202) 216-1580
Cell: (202) 716-1650

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