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Tampa Moves Closer to Adding Gender Identity Protections

An amendment to add "gender identity and expression" to the Tampa Human Rights Ordinance passed first reading and will come to the council for a final vote in two weeks. By adding these vital protections to the HRO, the City of Tampa will ensure that transgender citizens, as well as those who do not fit gender stereotypes, cannot be fired or denied housing based on the prejudice. Earlier today the council voted unanimously 7-0 to move the measure to 2nd reading where the final vote will take place.

A Proud Day for Tampa Please take a moment to send a thank you letter to your city council member.

Councilmember Joseph Caetano, who originally voted "NO", changed his vote to "YES" to make it unamimous late this afternoon. Business leaders in the Tampa Bay area including Manny Alvarez of BB&T Bank  and Nick Kouris from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida spoke in favor of the measure as a common sense approach to creating an effective workplace where people know they will be judged based on merit not prejudice. Here's an excerpt of Nick Kouris' comments: In a highly competitive business environment, it makes good business sense to attract and retain the very best employees. This is why we consider a culture based on inclusion and respect to be a competitive advantage. Such a culture encourages our employees to stay and to perform at their very best. Click here to read his entire statement. Phil Dinkins, chair of the Human Rights Board requested the measure be brought forward last month.  Fellow Board member Frank Roder also spoke in favor of the measure. Click here to send a letter to the Tampa City Council