Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback has rescinded an executive order signed by former Gov. Kathleen Sebelius in 2007 that extended non-discrimination protections to state employees on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.
The order required agencies under the governor’s direct control to ensure they have programs to prevent harassment against gay men, lesbians, bisexuals and people who have had surgery for sex changes, reported cjonline.com. It covered 25,000 of the 41,000 state employees.
On Tuesday, Brownback issued a new executive order canceling Sebelius’ order.
“This Executive Order ensures that state employees enjoy the same civil rights as all Kansans without creating additional ‘protected classes’ as the previous order did,” Brownback said in a statement.
“Any such expansion of ‘protected classes’ should be done by the legislature and not through unilateral action. The order also reaffirms our commitment to hiring, mentoring and recognizing veterans and individuals with disabilities.”
“This is a dramatic reversal for Kansas,” said HRC National Field Director Marty Rouse. “For eight years, LGBT state employees have been guaranteed non-discrimination protections and in one foul, reckless, and shameful decision, Governor Brownback has taken the state backward. His deplorable behavior is a direct assault on fairness and equality in the state.”
