Wake commissioners unanimously pass ordinance protecting LGBTQ community

This week, the Wake County Board of Commissioners and Raleigh City Council unanimously approved a nondiscrimination ordinance that would establish protections from discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, natural hairstyle and more.

The expansion of protections marks Wake County and Raleigh as the 14th and 15th local government to pass a nondiscrimination ordinance.

• The county ordinance, which takes effect Feb. 1, will protect both people who live in the area and visitors from discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and natural hairstyle, in public spaces, like stores, restaurants and hotels, or during hiring and in the workplace.
  
• With the passage of this ordinance by Wake County and Raleigh, nearly one in three North Carolina residents will be covered by expanded protections, according to The News & Observer.
  
• “This is a major cause of celebration,” said Kendra Johnson, executive director of Equality NC. “And it shows what’s possible when communities come together, speak out and empower our elected officials to do the right thing.” 

The continued passage of LGBTQ-inclusive nondiscrimination ordinances underscores that communities across our state want to ensure that everyone has the right to dignity, equality, and fairness, no matter who they are.  

It’s time now for elected officials at every level of government to follow in the footsteps of our communities in passing legislation that will move our state forward in becoming a safer, more inclusive place to live, work, and raise families for all.

If you would like your local leaders to pass common sense inclusive policies protecting LGBTQ North Carolinians from discrimination in every area of life, take action at NCisReady.org