Sponsors Sought for Statewide Fairness Bill

Since 1999, advocates for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) Kentuckians have known that nearly three-quarters of voters in the Commonwealth support a fair workplace.

Beginning in 2000, fairness leaders in the legislature have introduced the Statewide Fairness Bill to support the will of that majority (Download a Fact Sheet). This measure would include GLBT people in existing human rights protections, and outlaw discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, and credit.

Last year, a record number of senators and representatives signed on as co-sponsors to the statewide fairness bill, with nine in the House and four in the Senate. In increasing numbers, lawmakers are recognizing that a fair workplace will be key to ensuring Kentucky's economic future.

Still, even that record 13 sponsors represents a meager 10% of Kentucky's legislature.

The Kentucky Fairness Alliance and Louisville's Fairness Campaign continue to lead the effort to increase the number of sponsors to the statewide fairness bill. In 2007, professional and citizen lobbyists will focus their attention on those legislators who represent parts of Covington, Louisville, and Lexington - communities that have passed discrimination protections locally.

"We expect to add to the number of co-sponsors to the fairness bill," said KFA Legislative Liaison/Community Organizer Wes Wright. "Rep. Ron Weston, for instance, supported the local fairness ordinance in Louisville when he was a Metro Council member. There's every reason to believe he would likewise support a statewide law."

KFA members and supporters will have plenty of opportunity to make their voices heard on the matter of workplace fairness, beginning with this month's effort to collect personal stories about why Kentuckians value fairness.

Legislators who Represent Communities with Local Fairness Ordinances but have not Sponsored the Statewide Fairness Bill

*Denotes a newly elected lawmaker starting a first term