Governor issues discrimination ban

Commemorating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Monday Montana Gov. Steve Bullock issued an executive order prohibiting discrimination against and harassment of military service members and veterans, pregnant women and the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community in Montana.

“Through his actions, Dr. King helped combat discrimination, segregation and intolerance, guiding our nation toward the promise of our founding,” Bullock said at an event in Bozeman. “Through his words he helped inspire millions – not only in America, but around the world – to get involved in the effort to make the world a better place for the next generation. Despite the fact that Montana is a place that welcomes all people and recognizes the value of diversity, and Montana’s Constitution affirms Montanans’ basic human rights, declaring that ‘the dignity of the human being in inviolable,’ Montana still has no statewide protections that comprehensively prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related thereto, genetics or military service and veteran status. Montana’s Human Rights Act does not list these classes as protected and therefore does not expressly prohibit discrimination of Montanans in these classes in the areas of employment, housing and public accommodations. As a result of the lack of express protection under Montana law, many Montanans remain unprotected from discrimination where they live, work and access public services.”

The lack of express protection under law, Bullock said, has resulted in discrimination and harassment against Montana military service members, veterans, pregnant women and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender citizens.

“The unequal treatment of anyone, whether it is a pregnant woman, transgender male or female or military veteran can cause economic harm, leading to lower economic output for individuals, businesses and the entire state,” Bullock said. “Businesses small and large agree that implementing and maintaining these sorts of policies makes good business sense.”

The order applies only to agencies and contractors of the state government, but Bullock encouraged all Montana businesses to adopt similar rules.

“While this executive order pertains only to the operations of state government, I would call upon businesses and employers all across Montana to reevaluate their own policies and ensure that no Montanans are being wrongfully discriminated against,” he said.

Bullock tasked the Department of Administration with  drafting a specific non-discrimination policy for all agencies under the jurisdiction of the Governor’s Office, which will include specific language “prohibiting discrimination, sexual harassment and harassment based on membership in any of the above classes and an internal complaint procedure that remains continuously in effect.” The policy, he said, must clearly indicate such discrimination or harassment is a form of misconduct punishable by discipline up to and including termination of employment. The department was also tasked with implementing the policy and creating non-discrimination and harassment awareness programs in each department of state government.