News (USA)

Tempe voters approve protections for LGBT workers in city charter

Tempe voters approve protections for LGBT workers in city charter

TEMPE, Ariz. — Voters in Tempe, Ariz., on Tuesday approved a proposition to change the city charter to ban discrimination against LGBT city workers.

Aerial view of Tempe Butte and Sun Devil Stadium at Arizona State University.
Aerial view of Tempe Butte and Sun Devil Stadium at Arizona State University.

The vote follows a move by the city council last February approving a citywide ordinance banning discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in areas of housing, employment and public accommodations, such as restaurants and hotels.

That ordinance, however, did not provide protections for Tempe municipal workers.

With Tuesday’s vote, Tempe becomes the first Arizona city to include the LGBT protections as part of its city charter, meaning future city councils would require voter approval to rescind the protections, reports The Arizona Republic.

Supporters said the win at the ballot box as a historic step that could spur more Arizona cities to consider the public’s growing support of equal rights for the LGBT community.

In addition to Tempe, Phoenix, Tucson and Flagstaff also have city council approved LGBT-inclusive non-discrimination ordinances.

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