Kansas Republican Gov. Sam Brownback rescinded an executive order Tuesday issued during the Sebelius administration that offered protections to state employees based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, a Democrat, signed the order in 2007 prohibiting most state employees from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.
Brownback issued a new executive order cancelling Sebelius’ order.
“This Executive Order ensures that state employees enjoy the same civil rights as all Kansans without creating additional ‘protected classes’ as the previous order did,” Brownback said in a statement.
“Any such expansion of ‘protected classes’ should be done by the legislature and not through unilateral action. The order also reaffirms our commitment to hiring, mentoring and recognizing veterans and individuals with disabilities.”
A protest has been set for noon Saturday on the south lawn of the Capitol, hoping to send a message that Kansans “won’t tolerate this intolerance,” said Equality House member Davis Hammet
Brownshirtback in the past when he was a Senator voted NO on adding sexual orientation to the definition of hate crimes and has fought tooth and nail against hate crimes legislation saying “This is something we have got to fight against, that somehow that the thought is what the crime is, and that being moved into an agenda not allowing people to speak their beliefs about homosexuality.”
#ItsNotOver
