Tracy Potter on Civil Rights

Prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation

Project Vote Smart's Synopsis: Vote to add sexual orientation, which includes gender identity, to the list of characteristics in which discrimination is prohibited with respect to employment, credit, housing, insurance, and public accommodations and services, with exemptions being granted to religious organizations. Defines "sexual orientation" as an actual or perceived homosexuality, bisexuality, or gender identity.

No job discrimination by sexual orientation/gender identity

Voted YES on SB 2278: to pass a bill that adds sexual orientation, which includes gender identity, to the list of characteristics in which discrimination is prohibited with respect to employment, credit, housing, insurance, and public accommodations and services, with exemptions being granted to religious organizations. Highlights:
• Defines "sexual orientation" as an actual or perceived heterosexuality, homosexuality, bisexuality, or gender identity.
• Defines "gender identity" as an actual or perceived gender-related identity, appearance, mannerism, or other gender-related characteristics of an individual, regardless of the individual's designated gender at birth.
• Authorizes religious organizations to establish qualifications and hiring criteria requiring individuals be a member of that religion and adhere to that religion's tenets. However, it is specified that discrimination is prohibited in nonreligious positions.

Repeal Cohabitation Law: unmarried couples can live together

Sponsored SB 2138: Vote to pass a bill that repeals North Dakota's cohabitation laws but makes it a misdemeanor for an unmarried couple to represent themselves as married. Highlights:
• Changes the existing law so that living with a person of the opposite sex is no longer considered a sex crime.
• Makes it a misdemeanor to represent oneself as married to a person of the opposite sex when unmarried.
• Passed Senate 35-10, passed House 48-41; Governor Passage: 4/27/2007