Scottsdale Passes
Workplace Protections for LGBT City Workers

The Scottsdale, Ariz., city council voted 4-3 Tuesday to include workplace protections for LGBT city employees. Mayor Mary Manross joined council members Betty Drake and Robert Littlefield and Vice Mayor Wayne Ecton in voting for the ordinance, while council members Ron McCullagh, Tony Nelssen, and W.J. "Jim" Lane opposed it, according to a press release from LGBT rights group Equality Arizona.

The measure adds protections for gender identity and sexual orientation under the city's antidiscrimination law.

"A broad collaboration of civil rights, faith, business, and community leaders united in this effort to ensure all people are guaranteed equality," Equality Arizona executive director Barbara McCullough-Jones said in the release. "We are grateful to those who supported our efforts and look forward to strengthening our relationships with our allies as we continue to advance the movement for equality in Arizona."

According to KPHO TV, the new ordinance goes into effect within 30 days.

Equality Arizona is also working with the state's Department of Administration to get domestic-partner benefits for state employees. The benefits would be for all state employees, including public university staff. (The Advocate)