Governor Tom Wolf Stands Up For Equality
By Cherri Gregg
HARRISBURG, Pa. (CBS) -- Governor Tom Wolf is expected to sign an executive order today that would protect the LGBT community from discrimination by state contractors.
"This is exactly what governors need to do really throughout our nation."
Nellie Fitzpatrick is the director of the Mayor's Office of LGBT Affairs in Philadelphia. She and other equality advocates are applauding Governor Wolf's move, which would prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity by individuals or companies that contract with the Commonwealth.
"In essence, if you are going to receive funding from the state. You are not going to be allowed to discriminate against LGBT people. He's basically going as far as he can in his executive power."
Local municipalities, like Philadelphia, have also passed protections, but advocates have worked for more than a decade to pass statewide LGBT protection, but bills have languished.