To be Handled in 2012:
H.B. 630 Civil Rights Status for Sexual Orientation
If homosexual, bisexual and transgender behavior is elevated to a protected class, proponents of bigamy, pedophilia and other sexual practices will clamor for protected status, as well.
H.B. 630, introduced March 31st by Representative Karla Drenner who obtained 70 co-signers before releasing it, was sent to the House Judiciary Committee, to be held for action in 2012.
H.B. 630 would prohibit the consideration of sexual orientation and gender identity in hiring Georgia public employees. Since “public employees” include public education and public day care, affirmative action quotas based on sexual behavior could be required for hiring and firing workers in tax-supported schools and daycare. Georgia laws would be changed as follows:
Code Section 45-19-21 would promote the hiring of public employees in all positions, wherever or however sensitive, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity.
Code Section 45-19-27 would require the Commission on Equal Opportunity to handle complaints about sexual orientation and gender identity.
Code Section 45-19-29 would render it illegal to consider sexual orientation or gender identity when hiring or firing or determining compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges.
Code Section 45-19-30 would prohibit using sexual orientation or gender identity for hiring apprentices and training or re-training employees.
Code Section 45-19-31 would prohibit printed or published preferences or specifications or limits for employment, if such were based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
Code Section 45-19-33 would prohibit different standards of compensation, terms or conditions of employment based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Code Section 45-19-35 allows the use of affirmative action to eliminate or reduce imbalance of employees based on sexual orientation and gender identity. “Imbalance” is not defined.
Code Section 45-20-1 assures fair treatment of applicants and employees based on sexual orientation and gender identity. “Fair treatment” is not defined.
Code Section 45-20-4 would prohibit the commissioner of personnel from discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.
The practical application of such a law has been demonstrated in Colorado since June 2008, when a bill passed to open “public facilities of any kind whether indoor or outdoor” to anyone, regardless of gender identity or “perception.” To that, Colorado Representative Amy Stephens said, “Lest we think that this is just the ‘bathroom bill,’ I’d like us also to realize that this really is about Christian businesspeople being able to practice their faith through their profession.”
Note: Federal and state constitutions equally protect everyone by “race,” “color,” and “sex.” H.B. 630 would provide special protection for sexual behaviors, although behavior does not meet the protected class criteria – (1) history of longstanding, widespread discrimination, (2) economic disadvantage, and (3) immutable characteristics of race, color, sex and national origin. Those four groups and the fifth – religion – are, specifically, constitutionally protected. Adding “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” would include homosexual males and females, bisexuals and transgenders, whether “trans” is done surgically or by cross-dressing.
ACTION – Oppose. Contact House Judiciary Committee Representatives Willard, Ch., 404 656-5125; Jacobs, V-Ch., 404 656-0152; Allison, Sec., 404 656-0188; Golick, Ex-Officio, 404 656-5943; Bruce, 404 656-0314; Crawford, 404 656-0565; Dobbs, 404 656-7859; Evans, 404 656-6372; Hatfield, 404 656-0109; Lane, 404 656-5087; Lindsey, 404 656-5024; Maddox, 404 656-0152; McKillip, 404 656-0177; Nix, 404 656-0177; Oliver, 404 656-0265; O’Neal, 404 656-5052; Powell, 404 656-7856; Stephenson, 404 656-0126; Welch, 404 656-0109; and Weldon, 404 656-0152.
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