Kentucky Becomes Only State with Non-Discrimination Executive Order Covering Gender Identity

News Item

WASHINGTON - The Human Rights Campaign today applauded Kentucky Gov. Paul Patton, a Democrat, for signing an executive order that prohibits discrimination against state employees based on sexual orientation or gender identity, among other factors. Kentucky is now the 10th state to use an executive order to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation against its public work force, and the only state to do so covering gender identity.

"Governor Patton has sent a clear message to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender state employees that they are valued and will be treated equally," said Seth Kilbourn, HRC national field director. "This is a huge step forward as the commonwealth of Kentucky continues to push for equality for all its citizens."

Several counties and local governments in Kentucky have passed local ordinances in the past several years that include sexual orientation and gender identity, including an ordinance that the Covington City Commission unanimously passed May 1, 2003.

"This groundbreaking measure comes on the heels of exciting local victories here in Kentucky," said Andrea Hildebran, executive director of the Kentucky Fairness Alliance, the statewide GLBT organization. "We are proud of our members statewide who have worked so effectively to create fairness protections for all. We extend special thanks to Senator Ernesto Scorsone of Lexington, who has vigorously pursued equality for our community."

"We applaud the tireless work of the Kentucky Fairness Alliance in mobilizing the community and educating lawmakers about the importance of civil rights for all citizens," said Kilbourn. "Governors in other states without workplace protections for their GLBT citizens should follow Governor Patton's lead.

"In a country where it is perfectly legal in most jurisdictions to be fired based on sexual orientation or gender identity, any characterization of this order as a 'special right' shows a remarkable misunderstanding of civil rights," said Kilbourn. "We hope that Patton's successor will show an equally strong commitment to civil rights and retain these important protections for state workers."

It is still legal to fire someone based on sexual orientation in 36 states. A federal bill, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, seeks to address this issue.

For information on state and local laws concerning employment protections based on sexual orientation or gender identity, visit HRC WorkNet at www.hrc.org/worknet.

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