Celebrating Raleigh, Knigthdale and Morrisville Signing Nondiscrimination Ordinances

Today, mayors, elected officials, and other leaders from Wake County, the City of Raleigh and the towns of Knightdale and Morrisville gathered at Campbell Law School in downtown Raleigh for a joint ceremonial document signing, signifying their unified adoption and support of an ordinance to protect residents from discrimination in employment or public settings like stores, restaurants or hotels. The event was hosted by Campbell Law and highlighted their work in helping mediate and resolve any complaints that will be filed through the ordinance process.  

This afternoon, Kendra R. Johnson, Executive Director of Equality North Carolina, released the following statement:

Today we celebrated the commitment of Raleigh, Knightdale and Morrisville to making their communities inclusive of all. No one should have to fear bigotry based on their zipcode, nor should they have to move to avoid discrimination. Having non-discrimination ordinances sends a clear and powerful message that all people are welcomed and included in their home communities. 

Since the expiration of HB142 we have seen 18 communities across North Carolina adopt non-discrimination ordinances. We celebrate this commitment to equality and look forward to North Carolina being a stellar example of what diversity and equity look like in legislation. The momentum behind these signings shows that North Carolina stands ready, and we encourage others to communicate to their local leaders now is the time to pass LGBTQ protections, demand that our state lawmakers fully repeal discriminatory laws and enact proactive protections, and urge our elected officials in the United States Congress and the NCGA to support comprehensive nondiscrimination laws.

Through the NC is Ready for LGBTQ Protections campaign, led by Equality North Carolina and the Campaign for Southern Equality, a diverse array of voices has spoken out for LGBTQ protections at the local, state, and federal levels. Learn more at www.ncisready.org.