DATE: February 20, 2015
MEDIA CONTACT: Edward G. Labrador, Director
Intergovernmental Affairs and Professional Standards
EMAIL: elabrador@broward.org
PHONE: 954-357-7575

BROWARD COUNTY, FL - As the nation commemorates Black History Month in February, and as Broward County approaches its 100th birthday this October, it is an appropriate time to reflect on a proud history of achievement in human rights that has helped make Broward County the richly diverse and inclusive community it is today.

The Broward County Human Rights Act (Broward County Code, Chapter 16½) is the cornerstone of the Broward County Commission's commitment to ensure equal rights and opportunities for all in the County.

The Human Rights Act protects individuals from unlawful discrimination based on race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, marital status, political affiliation and pregnancy. Recently, the Act was expanded to include sexual orientation, as well as gender identity or expression. As a result of this expansion, individuals living, working and/or operating a business in Broward County are reminded that:

-The Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination against individuals because they are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender as it relates to employment (employer with 5 or more employees), housing and public accommodations.

-Employers cannot deny you training opportunities or promotions solely based on transgendered status.

-The law prohibits an employer, employment agency or labor organization from retaliating against you because you have filed a charge or complained about an unlawful employment practice.

-Broward County enforces the Human Rights Act to protect your rights in housing transactions, regardless of your sexual orientation.

-Same-sex marriage became legal in Florida on January 6, 2015, a day the County Commission proclaimed "Marriage Equality Day" in Broward County. The Human Rights Act affords all individuals in Broward County the same fundamental rights and protections, and enables same-sex couples to celebrate their union as equal members in all aspects of our society.

Even as Black History Month celebrates visionary leaders like Thurgood Marshall and Martin Luther King, Jr., who reflect a legacy of courage and dedication in the struggle against racial prejudice, we are reminded that there is still work to be done to ensure that our County and our country live up to the principle that all people are created equal.

The services of Broward County's Human Rights Section are confidential and free of charge. Any member of the public who believes that he or she has been discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, familial status (housing only), marital status, sexual orientation, political affiliation, gender identity and/or expression and pregnancy in connection with housing, employment and public accommodations may file a complaint.

Call 954-357-7800, or 954-357-6181 for TTY/Hearing Impaired, or visit Broward.org/Intergovernmental.

About Human Rights Section
Human Rights Section of the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs and Professional Standards handles discrimination complaints on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, familial status (housing only), marital status, sexual orientation, political affiliation, gender identity and/or expression, and pregnancy in connection with housing, employment and public accommodations. Call 357-7800 for more information.