Gay Today: World

Iowa Governor Signs
Executive Order Banning Bias

Compiled By GayToday

Des Moines, Iowa—October 7--Governor Tom Vilsack has signed an Executive Order banning discrimination in state employment based on "race, creed, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or physical or mental disability."

The move is thought to be the first executive order of its type because it is inclusive of transgendered people.

Gov. Tom Vilsack

"This is a great first step toward equality for all gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered Iowans," said Peg Sandeen, spokeswoman for the Iowa Coalition for Human Rights.

The Iowa Coalition for Human Rights and the Gay and Lesbian Caucus of the Iowa Democratic Party worked with Gov. Vilsack in making the executive order a reality.

Kerry Lobel, executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, joined Sandeen in praising the governor's actions.

"The true test of democracy is how it embraces those who look, act and think differently, not just those who are the same," Lobel said.

"Governor Vilsack¹s visionary move demonstrates what political leadership is all about. Political leadership is about moving all of us forward and making communities safer, better places for us to live and work."

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Related Sites:
Gov. Thomas Vilsack

National Gay & Lesbian Task Force

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