(BISMARCK, ND) — DEM-NPL legislators signed and sent a letter to Governor Dalrymple today asking him to issue an executive order prohibiting discrimination on the basis of a person’s sexual orientation when it comes to state employment. The letter, signed by every DEM-NPL state senator and representative, comes on the heels of the defeat of SB 2279 in the House of Representatives on Thursday, which would have added sexual orientation to state law that already protects against discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, or public assistance.

The text of the letter is as follows…

April 6, 2015

The Honorable Governor Jack Dalrymple
State Capitol
Bismarck, ND 58505

Dear Governor Dalrymple:

We are writing in follow up to the statement you made shortly after SB 2279 was defeated in the North Dakota House of Representatives last week. Like you, we believe the House majority’s rejection of SB 2279 is a missed opportunity to affirm North Dakotans’ belief that discrimination based on an individual’s sexual orientation is not acceptable.

Despite this legislative setback, we believe you have the opportunity, as the head of the executive branch of state government in North Dakota, to affirm this belief. That is why we are asking that you promptly take action by issuing an executive order which prohibits discrimination based on an individual’s sexual orientation in the context of employment with the state.

While we urge you to apply such an executive order as broadly as possible considering the powers granted to you by Article V, Section 1 of the North Dakota Constitution, please know there is precedent for such an order as it relates to employment practices in state agencies. For instance, Governor Allen Olson required all agencies headed by a gubernatorial appointee to adhere to certain personnel policies in order “to provide fair, equitable, and uniform treatment to all classified employees.” See Executive Order No. 1981-10. Thus, it appears to be within your power to establish a policy of nondiscrimination and an appropriate enforcement mechanism in agencies under your control. As with Governor Olson’s order, your action would likewise promote the “fair, equitable, and uniform treatment” of state employees.

While this assurance is important to the state employees to which it would apply, we believe it would also give rise to a broader benefit for North Dakota. At a time when we are facing serious workforce needs, 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. It would also provide a measure of reassurance to thousands of North Dakotans that they are valued residents of our great state.

Again, we urge you to stand by the sentiment you expressed last week and assert leadership on this important issue. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Senators Mac Schneider (Senate DEM-NPL Leader), Tyler Axness, Jim Dotzenrod, John Grabinger, Joan Heckaman, Richard Marcellais, Tim Mathern, Philip Murphy, Carolyn Nelson, David O’Connell, Erin Oban, Larry Robinson, George Sinner, Connie Triplett, John Warner

Representatives Kenton Onstad (House DEM-NPL Leader), Bill Amerman, Pamela Anderson, Tracy Boe, Joshua Boschee, Lois Delmore, Eliot Glassheim, Ron Guggisberg, Jessica Haak, Ben Hanson, Kathy Hogan, Richard Holman, Bob Hunskor, Jerry Kelsh, Alisa Mitskog, Corey Mock, Gail Mooney, Naomi Muscha, Marvin Nelson, Kylie Oversen, Mary Schneider, Marie Strinden, Kris Wallman

The post DEM-NPL Legislators to Gov. Dalrymple: Prohibit Discrimination on the Basis of Sexual Orientation in State Hiring appeared first on North Dakota Democratic-NPL Party.

From:: Dem-NPL News