The city of Greensboro is the first in the state to include sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression in its housing non-discrimination policies. A unanimous City Council vote on Tuesday also strengthens existing policies against discrimination.
Greensboro already has several non-discrimination rules in place.
One policy prohibits discrimination in city programs, services or activities. The News and Record of Greensboro reports that the council will explore the possibility of adding gender neutral restrooms or changing rooms in all city buildings.
The city also has non-discrimination protections in place for its employees based on sexual orientation.The council is adding gender identity as a protected class. A final change will prohibit discrimination in the “buying, renting, selling, or advertising of real estate" on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Council members and LGBT activists agree that these policies allow the city to promote an inclusive business environment, and they hope for a domino effect for other cities to follow suit.
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