Washington, DC – The National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), the business voice of the LGBT community, commends Governor John Bel Edwards of Louisiana for signing an executive order providing employment protections for state employees and employees of state contractors on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, political affiliation, disability, or age. This executive order also prohibits discrimination in services provided by state agencies, and recognizes an exemption for churches and religious organizations. NGLCC recognizes the Governor’s historic decision to extend protection to Louisiana’s transgender citizens.
“We applaud Governor Edwards for these proactive orders that will have a positive economic impact in his state, ‘unity, acceptance, and opportunity for all— as Governor Edwards put it— is both morally and economically prudent for every state. Governor Edwards has taken an important first step toward a state economy free from fear and discrimination. We look forward to more work in Louisiana that will ensure LGBT people are free from discrimination in all workplaces, not just government, but this in an important step forward in the long path to full equality and economic opportunity,” said NGLCC Co-Founder & President Justin Nelson and Co-Founder & CEO Chance Mitchell.
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ABOUT NGLCC:
The National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce is the business voice of the LGBT community and is the largest global not-for-profit advocacy organization specifically dedicated to expanding economic opportunities and advancements for LGBT people. NGLCC is the exclusive certification body for LGBT-owned businesses. www.nglcc.org | @NGLCC
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jonathan Lovitz
Vice President of External Affairs
National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce
954-695-5896
Read this press release as a PDF here.
