Gov. Wolf to sign LGBT anti-discrimination executive orders

Gov. Tom Wolf is expected to sign LGBT anti-discrimination executive orders on Thursday.

A statement released byGov. Wolf’s officeexplained that the governor plans on signing two protective executive orders on Thursday. Both orders forbid state employees and contractorsfrom discriminating on the basis of gender identity, gender expression or sexual orientation.

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“What happened in North Carolina, and what is going on in other states, should be a call to pass non-discrimination legislation in Pennsylvania now,” the governor’s office wrote. “The governor wants to make clear that Pennsylvania is inclusive, welcoming, and open for business for everyone.”

Wolf first announced his plan in an interview with WESA-FM in Pittsburgh. The governor explained his decision, citing both the backlash to North Carolina’s recent “discriminatory” bill and the Pennsylvania legislature’s inaction.

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“Non-discrimination legislation is absolutely essential. I am governor, but I don’t control the legislature — they’re going to have to do that,” Wolf explained to WESA- FM. “What I can control I will be doing to make sure, at least within the executive branch, and the companies the state does business with, that this kind of discrimination against the LGBT community does not take place.”

Senate State Government Committee Chairman Mike Folmer wants to examine the order to ensure religious liberties and freedom of conscience aren’t violated, according to NBC10.