RESOLUTION OF THE MECKLENBURG

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Whereas, the Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners affirms that every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect and should be able to live in Mecklenburg County without fear, no matter their sexual orientation or gender identity, including Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Non-Binary individuals, and

Whereas, LGBTQ people in North Carolina are vulnerable to discrimination in many areas of life – including education, housing, healthcare, public spaces, and the workplace because of a lack of statewide non-discrimination protections, and

Whereas, many North Carolinians mistakenly believe that LGBTQ people do not experience discrimination in these areas, but in fact, according to a June 2020 study conducted by the Center for American Progress, 1 in 3 LGBTQ people – including 3 in 5 transgender people – have experienced discrimination in the past year, and

Whereas, Mecklenburg County residents strongly support protecting all people from the indignity of discrimination, and

Whereas, LGBTQ-inclusive non-discrimination laws send a message that everyone is welcome to build a life, raise a family, or start a business, and

Whereas, Mecklenburg County Government will not discriminate against any human being in employment practices or taxpayer-funded programs; will not discriminate based on sexual orientation, gender identity, race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, pregnancy or natural hairstyles, texture or type associated with race which includes, but not limited to, braids, locks, twists, tight coils or curls, cornrows, bantu knots, and afros; and welcomes companies and corporations who adopt non-discrimination policies and procedures, and

Whereas, in Mecklenburg County, discrimination will not be tolerated in areas of public accommodations which include places such as hotels, restaurants, hospitals, retail establishments, government buildings, movie theaters, amusement parks, etc.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Mecklenburg County Board of County Commission calls upon all of its citizens to treat all persons with respect and dignity and calls upon all businesses and municipalities in our local community to adopt non- discrimination policies and procedures.

Adopted this 2nd day of February 2021

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Clerk to Board of Commissioners Approved as to Form

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County Attorney