Tallahassee- Nearly a dozen of Florida’s top employers are joining forces to push for the passage of a statewide LGBT non-discrimination bill.
On Jan. 13, they launched the Florida Business Coalition for a Competitive Workforce to endorse the Florida Competitive Workforce Act (HB 239/SB 348), which is co-sponsored by Rep. Joe Saunders (D-Orlando) and Rep. Holly Raschein (R-Key Largo) in the Florida House of Representatives and sponsored by Sen. Joe Abruzzo (D-Wellington) in the Senate.
HB 239 prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity or expression; defines terms; provides exceptions for constitutionally protected free exercise of religion, according to the bill’s language.
“Having a coalition of the state’s largest employers come together in this way is a game changer,” said Rep. Saunders, in a media release. “There should be no question now that our economic future requires a tangible commitment to inclusion and diversity. Protecting LGBT Floridians isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s good for business.”
And the FBCCW echoes Saunders’ statement.
Since recruiting and retaining talent is critical to our long-term business success, Coalition members understand that Florida employers must attract qualified and diverse applicants who reflect the diverse population of the state, reads a statement released by the Florida Business Coalition for a Competitive Workforce. “The link between strong anti-discrimination laws and the ability to draw the best and the brightest is the reason that 84% of the nation’s largest companies have adopted comprehensive anti-discrimination policies that include sexual orientation and gender identity.”
As of press time, the Coalition is made up of Walt Disney World, Florida Blue, University of North Florida, Carlton Fields Jorden Burt, Haskell, C1 Bank, HSN, CSX, Darden, Tech Data and Wells Fargo.
“Increasingly we hear from companies that are contemplating relocation or expansion, and they want reassurance that their diverse work force will be able to live in a state where they and their families will be treated fairly,” said Nadine Smith, executive director of Equality Florida, in a statement. ” The corporate culture understands that top talent look not only at a company’s internal policies, but also at the community they will call home.”
