Oklahomans for Equality is overjoyed to announce tonight's 6-3 vote by the Tulsa City Council to add sexual orientation to the employee non-discrimination policy. Now, all Tulsa City employees are protected from discrimination based on their sexual orientation. The struggle for this progressive change began 35 years ago and came together recently through a collaborative effort between the Tulsa Human Rights Commission, PFLAG Tulsa and OkEq.
OkEq's Director of Advocacy, Kris Wilmes states, "This makes such a strong statement to the region on how Tulsa is a welcoming and sensible island in a state that is often ridiculed for being intolerant and unjust towards marginalized populations."
Nancy McDonald, PFLAG Tulsa shares "Tonight, PFLAG Parents celebrate with the LGBT community. No longer can a city employee be discriminated against based on sexual orientation. The majority of City Councilors are to be applauded for their vision and vote for Tulsa to be an inclusive city."
Alice Blue, Tulsa Human Rights Commission said "For more than 15 years, the members of the Human Rights Committee have sought to ensure social justice and guarantee of dignity of lesbians, gays and bisexuals. For me this is a religious and moral value. Tulsa saying no to discrimination defines us as a healthy, open, welcoming community, mindful of the worth of every citizen and grateful for their contributions to our community."
Tommy Chesbro, Tulsa Human Rights Commission states "The City Council has acted responsibly in protecting city employees from discrimination based on their sexual orientation. Many people have worked hard for many years to make this happen. It is a mark of a civilized society. There are still hurdles for our transgendered community, but this is a great step in the right direction."
Oklahomans for Equality will continue to press the City of Tulsa to add gender identity to the employee non-discrimination policy and also begin the dialogue with other Tulsa County municipalities. We encourage you to personally contact City Councilors GT Bynum, Maria Barnes, Roscoe Turner, Jack Henderson, Chris Trail and Bill Christiansen and express your deep appreciation. You may contact them through this link:
http://www.cityoftulsa.org/our-city/elected-officials.aspx
