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Fla. Faith Leaders Urge Governor Scott to Protect LGBTQ State Employees from Discrimination

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 10, 2017

MEDIA CONTACT

Greg Williams, gwilliams@faithinpubliclife.org, (443) 854-1405

Joey McKinnon, jmckinnon@faithinpubliclife.org, (843) 364-4403

Fla. Faith Leaders Urge Governor Scott to Protect LGBTQ State Employees from Discrimination

Orlando, FL — On Monday, July 10th, Orlando faith leaders and Pulse family members held a press conference calling on Gov. Rick Scott to extend non-discrimination protections to LGBTQ state employees. In the weeks following the tragic shooting at Pulse nightclub, the Governor’s staff indicated an executive order protecting LGBTQ employees from discrimination was imminent. Faith leaders, who made a critical difference in the healing during the aftermath of the Pulse shooting, said that all God’s children should be treated fairly and urged Governor Scott to sign this promised executive order.

To watch the full video from the event, click here.

Rev. Terri Steed Pierce, Joy Metropolitan Community Church:

“Governor Scott did a wonderful thing by visiting this church that ministered to victims of Pulse and I am so appreciative that he called to talk with me and check on my congregation members for several weeks after the Pulse massacre.But Gov. Scott, now is the time to do more than talk — now is the time for action. With the stroke of his pen, [you] could sign an Executive Order to easily protect state employees from discrimination… do as Scripture commands and treat others as we wish to be treated.”

Imam Abdurrahman Sykes, Founder, Islamic Society Leading Muslim Americans:

“With an executive order, the stroke of a pen, Governor Scott could set a new standard of inclusivity and protect LGBtQ state employees from discrimination based on sexua orientation, gender identity or expression. It would send a message that hate and bigotry will not be tolerated in the Sunshine state. One year has passed since the Pulse Massacre, the most heinous crime in modern history. Governor Scott it is time for you to serve and honor the 49 souls who were take by hate and dignify the loved ones they left behind.”

(Fr.) Rudolph Cleare, Executive Vice-President Project GRADY-RAYAM:

“Today, Equality Florida, together with Faith in Public Life and the majority of Orlando residents, asks Governor Rick Scott to make good on his promise to enact non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ workers employed by the state of Florida. Our governor can choose to stand with us in believing this is the better path, the good way forward into a future that will render justice, liberty and equal treatment for all the people he is sworn to serve. He could as well choose otherwise. I believe that would be the wrong choice.”

Additional speakers included:

Rev. Bryan Fulwider, Interfaith Council of Central Florida

Rev. Jennifer Stiles Williams, St. Luke’s United Methodist Church

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