Mediaboss Marketing

North Dakota Democrats called on the governor Monday to issue an executive order to provide state employees protection from discrimination based on sexual orientation. Republican Gov. Jack Dalrymple's response was that such protections are already in place.

All 38 members of the Democratic-NPL Party legislative caucus signed and sent a letter Monday to Dalrymple. The move, in support of state employees, follows last weeks defeat of a bill that would have banned such discrimination statewide.

A strong showing of support for non-discrimination and equality by the top-ranking official in state government would send a message to the rest of the country that North Dakota is open and welcoming to all individuals who are willing to work hard to make better lives for themselves and their families, the letter said.

Members of Dalrymples staff said an executive order mandating all cabinet-level agencies to provide equal treatment of employees was signed by Republican Gov. Allen Olson in 1981 and was reaffirmed early last year by Dalrymple.

The same executive order was referenced in the Democrats letter; Democratic officials said clarification is needed to ensure protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees.

On Thursday, the House killed Senate Bill 2279, which would have banned discrimination based on sexual orientation in the workplace, housing and government services. The bill died by a 35-56 vote following an emotional floor debate. Opponents of the bill successfully argued it would create a special class and negatively impact people who are acting on a deeply held religious belief.

Following the bills failure, Dalrymple released a short statement expressing support for protections for the states LGBT community.

Jeff Zent, a spokesman for Dalrymple, said a memo was sent to cabinet-level state agencies Monday morning reminding agency heads of the administrations policy on discrimination.

He reminded all cabinet agencies to hire employees and retain employees based on performance, Zent said. He opposes all forms of discrimination.

The 1981 order mandated that heads of all cabinet-level agencies provide fair, equitable and uniform treatment to all classified employees. Zent said Dalrymple reaffirmed the order Feb. 25, 2014.

Excerpt from:
Democrats push governor for LGBT protections