The ACLU of Louisiana congratulates Mayor Cedric Glover and the Shreveport City Council for the enactment of an ordinance protecting city workers, and employees of city contractors, from discrimination. The new law, adopted unanimously on December 21, adds the categories of sexual orientation, gender identity and disability to the other attributes protected from employment discrimination in city government.
ACLU of Louisiana Executive Director Marjorie R. Esman said: "Shreveport residents should be proud that their elected officials have taken this step to ensure that the city will be served by the best qualified employees." Policies such as these are necessary to ensure that the government can hire and retain the people best suited for their jobs. Esman continued: "In Shreveport, nobody will now fear for their job for reasons unrelated to performance. This sets Shreveport as an example for other communities in Louisiana. Everyone in Louisiana deserves basic job protection, and this is an important step towards ensuring equal rights for everyone."