Midwestern Cities Expand LGBT Nondiscrimination Laws

Author: Beth P. Zoller, XpertHR Legal Editor

June 3, 2014

Although Wisconsin law prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation but not gender identity and expression, a recent Milwaukee County ordinance has been expanded to include protection from workplace discrimination for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals. Two similar ordinances have also been passed in Topeka, Kansas.

The expanded Milwaukee County ordinance covers individuals who work in the county and individuals who work for employers doing business with the county. It is effective on July 1, 2014.

In passing this ordinance, Milwaukee County joins the cities of Milwaukee and Madison as well as Dane County, which have also expanded nondiscrimination provisions to cover gender identity and expression.

Two similar ordinances were passed in Topeka. One ordinance establishes a city domestic partnership registry that will be open to both same- sex and opposite-sex couples who are not married. It is effective June 30, 2014. The other ordinance prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender identity in city employment and hiring. It also requires the city to make a good faith effort to provide health coverage for registered domestic partners who are city employees. It is effective January 1, 2015.

Councilman Chad Manspeaker, the sponsor of the ordinance, said that "the approval tells the rest of the world 'that Topeka is an open, inclusive community and that we welcome all people here and we look forward to grow in that direction.'"

Other municipalities, such as Tempe, Arizona and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, have similarly expanded ordinances.