Houston, TX – The Mayor of Houston has issued an executive order protecting gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender city employees. Mayor Annise Parker’s order replaces one signed by her predecessor, Bill White, which covered sexual orientation and was similar to protections given to employees in Dallas. The new order extends protection to gender identity/expression.
The executive order states that the purpose is to “prohibit discrimination and/or retaliation on the basis of sexual orientation and/or gender identity at every level of municipal government, including hiring, contracting and/or access to City facilities and programs/activities.”
Parker designed the order with the goal of providing a work environment free of discrimination and harassment and covers anyone doing business with the city, including Houston’s contractors and vendors as well as employees.
The order states that it’s a violation “to fail or refuse to hire, recruit, appoint, promote or train any individual” based on sexual orientation or gender identity. It’s also a violation “to discipline, demote, transfer, lay off, fail to recall or terminate” or to “or to limit, segregate or classify employees or applicants.”
Parker issued a second executive order, issued the same day, providingdes further protection to the LGBT community by prohibiting racial, ethnic, gender, and other slurs. This order is not limited to verbal communication, but also includes electronic media, specifically: screen savers, posters, cartoons, and drawings.
Any employee violating the policy is subject to disciplinary action, including indefinite suspension. Managers and supervisors that fail to act on allegations of harassment and/or discrimination will also be subject to disciplinary action.
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