On Tuesday, Kansas voters headed to the polls in great need of change after years of fringe group GOP candidates wrecking their economy and dismantling their rights and civil protections.
Issue 6: Equality. One of my first acts as governor will be to reinstate protections from discrimination for LGBTQ+ state workers, and I will work to repeal the shameful adoption discrimination bill. We must send the message that Kansas is an open, welcoming state to all. pic.twitter.com/6t1AvZo3PT
— Laura Kelly (@SenatorKelly) October 31, 2018
Thanks to the Democratic voters who rejected Trump flunkie Kris Kobach and instead voted for Laura Kelly, they’re already seeing the benefits.
‘Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender state employees across Kansas will again have protections from on-the-job discrimination once Democrat Laura Kelly becomes governor.
‘Kelly on Thursday reaffirmed plans to reinstate an executive order providing a protection from discrimination that former Gov. Sam Brownback rescinded in 2015.
‘The order, first put in place by Democratic Gov. Kathleen Sebelius in 2007, prohibited harassment, firing or discrimination against state workers based on sexual orientation or gender identity.’
BREAKING: #Kansas Governor-elect Laura Kelly will reinstate a previous executive order providing nondiscrimination protections to #LGBTQ state workers upon taking office in January. https://t.co/8NeCaB4QsO
— FreedomforAllUSA (@freedom4allusa) November 8, 2018
Asked about those plans, Kelly let reporters know that she intended to have the executive order reinstating the rights of LGBTQ citizens immediately when her term begins in January.
‘I am planning to actually have an executive order drafted before I take office.’
An original executive order that provided for those protections was rescinded by Governor Sam Brownback in 2015 when the Supreme Court decided that marriage equality should be the law of the land.
Kansas elects Democratic governor Laura Kelly after passage of anti-LGBTQ adoption law https://t.co/MRkbzdA9eh #ElectionNight #RainbowWave pic.twitter.com/Jw3hSqECZ6
— INTO (@Into) November 7, 2018
Kelly doesn’t intend to stop with those protections of the rights of American citizens.
‘Kelly also said that if it is possible, she will direct the state to require adoption agencies with state contracts to not discriminate against LGBT couples and individuals.
‘Earlier this year, the Legislature approved a bill that ensures ensures faith-based adoption agencies can turn away gay and lesbian couples based on religious beliefs. The bill says the Kansas Department for Children and Families cannot block any foster or adoption agency from participating in its programs solely because it refuses to adopt or place children with LGBT individuals.’
@WBCShirl2 Kansas Governor-Elect Laura Kelly Moves to Protect LGBTQ Peoplehttps://t.co/CiildDjZBU
— Justin in Atlanta (@JustinInAtlanta) November 9, 2018
Kelly’s victory over Kris Kobach, who had served as a mouthpiece for Trump’s policies, was quite a surprise. It looks as if it’s going to be a very pleasant one, as well.
Featured image screenshot via Twitter