As of the Oct. 13 print issue’s street date, it’s been 1,041 days since Anthony Foxx became Charlotte’s first Democratic mayor in 22 years, taking the reins of a city council with a decidedly Democratic and pro-LGBT super-majority. Yet, in the time since, only a handful of important issues have been addressed by the Charlotte City Council. At the county level, as well, important concerns of the local LGBT community continue to languish.
Each print issue, qnotes prints our “Charlotte Checklist,” a round-up of the LGBT equality initiatives either accomplished or left on the back burner by local elected officials — a reminder to citizens, voters and elected officials that much more work remains to be done on issues of importance to the local LGBT community. A green checkmark or “Yes” means the item has been accomplished. An red exmark or “No” indicates those items yet to be accomplished.
Non-discrimination
NO – City council-approved non-discrimination ordinance prohibiting discrimination against city employees on the basis of sexual orientation and gender-identity.
Note: Charlotte City Manager Curt Walton approved the addition of sexual orientation to his human resources policy in March 2010, but has yet to add gender identity.
NO – Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners-approved equal employment opportunity policy prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.
Note: Commissioners approved the addition of sexual orientation to the policy on May 17, 2005. Gender identity has never been included.
NO – Amendments to the existing Charlotte Commercial Non-Discrimination Ordinance prohibiting businesses contracting with the city from discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.
Domestic partner benefits
YES – Domestic partner benefits available for same-sex partners of city employees.
Note: Charlotte City Council included a domestic partner plan in a budget passed on
June 25, 2012.
YES – Domestic partner benefits available for same-sex partners of county employees.
Note: Mecklenburg County Commissioners approved offering domestic partner benefits on Dec. 15, 2009.
Community
NO – Establishment of an LGBT liaison officer(s) within Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.
NO – Establishment of a city and/or county taskforce for LGBT citizens, residents, business owners and youth.
NO – City or county sponsorships, grants or other financial or non-monetary support of LGBT programs, projects, services or community organizations.
Speak out
You can learn more about contacting your elected representatives on the Charlotte City Council and the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners by visiting qnotescarolinas.com/takeaction/. : :