APRIL 23 . 2005 • Q-NOTES
Legal
N.C. representatives sponsor
anti-discrimination legislation
Equality NC secures introduction
of bill to protect LGBT state
employees
On April 14 Representatives Paul Luebke
(D-Durham) and Larry Womble (D-
Forsyth) introduced a
bill to expand the
scope of the anti-dis
crimination provisions
of the State Personnel
Act, the law that pro
tects state employees.
The bill adds sexual
orientation to the list of
protected classes in
the law, and defines
sexual orientation to
include protection on
the basis of gender
identity or expression.
Equality North
Carolina (ENC) worked
closely with Luebke and
Womble to craft the
language of the bill.
Along with Luebke
and Womble, 22 other
through its Lobby Day and online advoca
cy program.
“We are excited to see so many legis
lators supporting our efforts to end dis
crimination on the basis of sexual orien
tation and gender identity in state govern
ment,” said Ian Palmquist, executive
director - programs. “This new level
of support demonstrates that, while
legislative change is a long process.
Equality North Carolina’s efforts are
moving our community
forward.
“We particularly re
cognize and thank the
14 members of the
House Black Cau-
representatives signed on as cosponsors.
This represents the largest number of
sponsors for a pro-LGBT bill in North
Carolina history. ENC achieved this suc
cess by a combination of strong profes
sional lobbying and grassroots action
State Reps. Paul
Luebke (left) and
Larry Womble are
responsible for
adding sexual ori
entation to the anti-
discrimination pro
visions of the Stole
Personnel Act.
cus who are
standing with us
in our fight for
equal rights and
justice by spon
soring this bill,”
Palmquist added.
The bill was
referred to the
House Rules Com
mittee. ENC is
working to secure
a hearing and a vote on the bill in the com
ing weeks.
For more information on the bill, includ
ing a list of sponsors, visit; www.
equalitync.org/leg/2005-h 1203.shtml.
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