FreeP.com – Dawson Bell – Free Press Staff Writer
Granholm orders on-the-job protection
Gov. Jennifer Granholm staked out a new position on state government’s relationship with its employees Wednesday, ordering departments to include “gender identity or expression” on the list of characteristics protected from employment discrimination.
The move bars supervisors from taking adverse job actions against transgendered employees because of their gender orientation and was applauded by the Triangle Foundation, a gay, lesbian and transgender rights organization.
Granholm issued an executive directive four years ago adding sexual orientation to previously protected categories such as religion, race, color and national origin.