ATLANTA— State Representatives Karla Drenner (D-Avondale Estates) and Wendell Willard (R-Sandy Springs) today introduced House Bill 323, also known as the Fair Employment Practices Act (FEPA). HB 323 would prohibit the discrimination of state employees on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.
“Now is the time for the state of Georgia to send a clear message that we will not discriminate against any employee in regard to their sexual orientation and gender identity. Everyone deserves to be treated equally, and we should value our diversity,” said Rep. Drenner. “This bill will help us attract and retain the best and the brightest employees, not only from Georgia and across the United States, but from across the world.”
HB 323, which has received bi-partisan support from 77 co-sponsors, provides clear instructions to agencies, supervisors, and employees in order to prevent discrimination in public employment and prevent litigation expenditures that could arise from discriminatory practices. FEPA does not address private employment in Georgia but does impact state colleges and universities.
“I believe all individuals should be judged by their abilities and not by their sexual orientation,” said Rep. Willard. “FEPA will bring the state of Georgia’s employment policies in line with over 200 Georgia companies, such as Coca-Cola, Delta Airlines, Cox Enterprises, UPS, and SunTrust Banks.”
Similar legislation has been enacted in 25 other states and the District of Columbia. Fifty-eight cities and counties in Georgia also follow similar policies for the hiring of county and municipal employees.
For more information on House Bill 323, please click here.
Representative Karla Drenner represents the citizens of District 85, which includes portions of DeKalb County. She was elected into the House of Representatives in 2000, and currently serves on the Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications, Health & Human Services, Natural Resources & Environment, Rules, and Small Business Development committees.
Representative Wendell Willard represents the citizens of District 51, which includes portions of Fulton County. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 2000, and currently serves as the Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, and the Ex-Officio of the Judiciary Non-Civil Committee. He also serves on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Public Safety and the Ethics, Rules, and Ways & Means committees.
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