NC businesses propose protection for gay, lesbian workers

CHARLOTTE (AP) — Some Charlotte businesses are proposing protections for employees who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.

The Charlotte Observer reported that the Charlotte Business Guild proposed a three-part plan Tuesday. The plan includes publicizing businesses that voluntarily provide protections, as well as trying to convince state lawmakers to require protection for employees. The proposal also calls for offering training for businesses on how to avoid workplace discrimination.

Those taking part in the plan include the Charlotte Chamber, the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority, Equality North Carolina and the Human Rights Campaign.

North Carolina is one of about 30 states where LGBT employees do not have job protections under state law, and there is no federal law on the subject, though the Obama administration has extended protections to federal workers.