Mayor Parker issues anti-discriminatory policy
On Friday Mayor Annise Parker issused an executive order barring city employees from discriminatory behavior based on sexual orientation.
The move makes Houston the fifth municipality to approve such a measure, following Austin, El Paso and the Dallas/Forth Worth area.
The order goes even further by prohibiting city contractors and venders from discriminatory behavior as well. Protection also includes transgendered individuals as well as those with gender identity issues.
“The purpose of this Executive Order 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.”
In greater detail the order includes racial, ethnic and gender slurs that occur in new media, such as screen savers, posters, emails and cartoons.
Employees in violation of the order are subject to disciplinary action.
