HAVERHILL, Fla.—Following up on an LGBT-inclusive resolution supporting freedom from discrimination adopted last year by the Haverhill Town Council, the Town has updated its Equal Employment Opportunity and Anti-Harassment Policies to include “sexual orientation” and “gender identity or expression.”
The 2015 resolution and this year’s policy changes were requested by the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council, a local nonprofit organization which is dedicated to ending discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression. The organization is responsible for the enactment of more than 100 gay rights laws and policies in Palm Beach County.
Haverhill, one of Palm Beach Counties smallest municipalities, has less than 2,000 residents.
“Haverhill is a great town with a diverse community,” said Vice Mayor Lawrence Gordon. “The policy changes let our employees know that Haverhill has taken to ensure that all Town employees are treated equally.”
“There are neither federal nor state laws which prohibit discrimination against LGBT employees and job applicants,” said retired judge Rand Hoch, President and Founder of the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council. ” Nor is there any likelihood that such laws will be enacted this year.”
“Until the U.S. Congress or the Florida Legislature take action, local LGBT advocacy organizations such as Palm Beach County Human Rights Council must continue to work with county and municipal leaders to protect our community from discrimination,” said Charlie Fredrickson, a 30 year town resident who urged the Town Council to make the policy changes.
The Palm Beach County Human Rights Council, Inc. is dedicated to ending discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression. The Council promotes equality through education, advocacy, direct action, impact litigation, and community outreach.
[From a News Release]