Florida Ag Department Announces Policies Protecting Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity
By Space Coast Daily // January 21, 2019
Commissioner Nikki Fried: 'Department is committed to an inclusive culture of equality'
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services announced revisions that add sexual orientation and gender identity to the Department’s list of workplace protections against discrimination, such as race, religion and disability.
The announced changes make the Department the first in Florida’s state government to ban discrimination on the basis of both sexual orientation and gender identity.
The revised policies ensure equal protection against discrimination in the workplace, recruitment, promotion and advancement, and in all Department programs, operations, and working conditions.
“This is a brand new day in which our Department and its 4,000 employees are making a strong statement — we will not tolerate discrimination in our workplace on any basis, including sexual orientation and gender identity,” said Commissioner Nikki Fried.
“We are pledging today that our Department is committed to an inclusive culture of equality, in which every employee is hired, promoted, and respected on the basis of their merit.
“This is a common-sense, long-overdue measure that the majority of Fortune 500 companies have implemented, and the majority of Floridians agree with. I encourage my fellow Cabinet officials to enact similar policies within their agencies and throughout our government.”
Today’s announcement marks the first time a member of Florida’s Cabinet has provided protections on the basis of both sexual orientation and gender identity — policies that bring the agency up to par with Florida’s leading Fortune 500 companies and largest employers.
Related Story:Commissioner Nikki Fried Inaugurated 12th Florida Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services
CLICK HERE FOR BREVARD COUNTY NEWS
