For Immediate Release
Representative Amish Shah, M.D. files HB2739: The Equality and Fairness for All Arizonans Act
Legislation will extend Arizona’s non-discrimination protections to LGBTQ+ Arizonans in employment, housing and public accommodations leading to a more competitive and resilient Arizona.
(February 9, 2023, Phoenix, Ariz.): This week, Representative Amish Shah, M.D. (LD5) filed HB2739, the Equality and Fairness for all Arizonans Act, that will extend Arizona’s current non-discrimination protections to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Arizonans in employment, housing, and public accommodations.
This historic measure is the product of years of thoughtful dialogue between leading Arizona LGBTQ+ organizations, business leaders and communities of faith to support updating the state’s non-discrimination law. The introduction of the bill also follows Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs signing of an executive order on her first day in office, providing employment protections to state employees and contractors who are LGBTQ+.
The executive order directed the Arizona Department of Administration to update hiring, promotion, and compensation policies for all state agencies to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity and include provisions in all new state contracts to prohibit discrimination on sexual orientation and gender identity.
The proposed legislation also follows passage of similar non-discrimination ordinances in Mesa, Glendale, Scottsdale, Tolleson and Chandler. In total, only 11 Arizona municipalities have LGBTQ+-inclusive non-discrimination laws, leaving many Arizonans vulnerable to discrimination with no legal recourse.
“HB2739 brings the LGBTQ+ community, business community and people of faith together in celebration of the great American tenets of equal treatment and freedom of opportunity for all. This bill reflects the true spirit of bipartisanship and democracy – diverse groups of Arizonans coming together to create a fairer Arizona for all people. We are grateful to Representative Shah, M.D. for his leadership,” said Michael Soto, Chief Advocacy Officer for ONE Community.
“HB2739 will ensure that LGBTQ+ Arizonans have the same opportunity to live, work, and contribute to our great state. The diverse coalition supporting this bill are Arizonans from all walks of life, willing to work together based on our shared values of equality and fairness.” said Angela Hughey, president, and co-founder of ONE Community “If we want to live in a state that grows by attracting the very best talent, has a strong economy, welcoming culture, and is open for business to everyone, then we must pass this bill.” concluded Ms. Hughey.
Support for LGBTQ+ non-discrimination protections have continued to grow in recent years across religious and political affiliations. Over 91% of Fortune 500 companies have non-discrimination policies that include gender identity and/or sexual orientation.
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For more information:
Sophie O’Keefe-Zelman
602-380-1809
About ONE Community
Since its inception in 2008, ONE Community has evolved into the member-based coalition of socially responsible businesses, organizations and individuals moving diversity, inclusion, and equality for all Arizonans forward. We are committed to reshaping Arizona’s image through educating, empowering, and connecting our diverse LGBTQ+ and allied communities on the benefits of inclusion and its direct impact on attracting and retaining top talent and businesses—and thereby, ensuring our state’s economic sustainability.
