According to a joint release from the Campaign for Southern Equality and Equality NC, new protections for LGBTQ people have gone into effect in four different North Carolina Communities. The cities of Asheville, Durham, Greensboro, and the county of Buncombe have all seen new protections go into effect as of today.
These new measures help protect the LGBTQ community from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity while in spaces of private employment and in places of public accommodation (such as restaurants and stores).
In addition to the four ordinances taking effect today, other measures have already been adopted by municipal governments in Apex, Carrboro, Chapel Hill, Hillsborough, and Orange County. And according to CBS Charlotte, the city is expected to vote on increased protections this August. In fact, a recent survey found that 67% of North Carolinians support the idea of protecting the LGBTQ community from discrimination.
Allison Scott, Director of Impact & Innovation at the Campaign for Southern Equality, said today:
“On the heels of Pride Month, I’m thrilled that more LGBTQ North Carolinians can find comfort and safety in knowing that they are protected from discrimination in key areas of life. Local leaders from Asheville to Durham and many communities in between have taken action to ensure that LGBTQ residents and visitors can live with dignity and equality, and other cities and counties – and ultimately, the state and federal governments – should join them as soon as possible. A supermajority of North Carolinians are ready for LGBTQ protections, because they understand that everyone deserves an equal opportunity to thrive.”
The news is a great way to close out Pride month and reminds us that with hard work comes progress. To learn more about Equality NC, click here. To learn more about the Campaign for Southern Equality, click here.
