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Tallahassee faith leaders, LGBTQ citizens support Competitive Workforce Act

Sen. Darryl Rouson and Rep. Jennifer Web are the bill sponsors
Posted at 5:42 PM, Mar 21, 2019
and last updated 2019-03-21 22:42:21-04

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — Thursday afternoon, faith leaders and impacted LGBTQ citizens stood with bill sponsors Sen. Darryl Rouson and Rep. Jennifer Webb in support for the Competitive Workforce Act.

This is an effort to call for an Executive Order from Governor DeSantis to protect LGBTQ state employees and highlight the journey of the faith community and Tallahassee lawmakers on equality.

The Competitive Workforce Act will protect people from being fired from their jobs, denied housing or denied basic accommodations simply because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

"I believe it's important that we raise a moral standard. That we raise a moral voice. We have a basic tenant in faith of treating others as we wish to be treated. Of loving our neighbors as we love ourselves, and at the end of the day that's what this legislation is all about," said Reverand Joe Parramore. "Can we accept our LGBTQ community like we accept ourselves? They are a part of Florida."

Nearly 40 percent of Floridians live in cities without civil rights protections.