Montana Governor Steve Bullock on
Monday signed an executive order that prohibits state agencies from
discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation and gender
identity.
The order also extends to state
contractors and subcontractors.
At a press conference, Bullock, a
Democrat, said it was time to “recommit” to the values and
principles Martin Luther King Jr. fought for: compassion, acceptance
and equality.
“Through his actions, Dr. King helped
combat discrimination, segregation and intolerance, guiding our
nation to the promise of our founding,” Bullock
stated. “So, today it is my honor to stand up for Montanans.”
Bullock also encouraged private
business owners to “examine their policies as well.”
Chad Griffin, president of the Human
Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest LGBT rights advocate,
applauded the move.
“Discrimination in any form is wrong,
and through his actions today, Governor Bullock has taken a bold step
to expand equality and fairness for all,” he said. “We commend
him for doing everything in his administrative power to fight for the
rights of LGBT Montanans, and hope his actions encourage other
government officials to make safeguarding protections for all
residents and visitors a priority.”