The City of Wilton Manors Becomes First Broward City to Ban Government Travel to North Carolina, Mississippi

WILTON MANORS, Fla., April 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The City of Wilton Manors became the first City in Broward County to ban government travel to North Carolina, Mississippi, and other states adopting anti-LGBT discriminatory laws. The policy resolution, sponsored by Mayor Gary Resnick and Commissioner Justin Flippen, was unanimously approved at the commission meeting on Tuesday, April 12, 2016. The resolution prohibits city-funded travel to states and jurisdictions that adopt laws that allow discrimination against LGBT individuals by mandating that persons use public restrooms based upon their biological sex.

"As a commissioner and responsible policy maker, I can't subject staff to travel to regions that legislate and permit such discrimination or that may jeopardize our staff's ability to be served a meal, obtain lodging, or create obstacles for a staff member to use a bathroom or obtain medical care," said Wilton Manors Commissioner Justin Flippen. "Masking prejudice and homophobia under the guise of religion is socially regressive and harmful, and economically damaging to the real people – our fellow neighbors and citizens - targeted by such laws.  Wilton Manors won't spend government money to travel to places that discriminate against LGBT individuals."

This restriction may apply to the National League of Cities annual conference scheduled to be held in Charlotte, North Carolina in 2017, if the law is not repealed. The City of Wilton Manors would join other cities, states, notable companies and organizations in opposing discriminatory legislation through economic action.

From PayPal choosing not to open a business center, to Bruce Springsteen cancelling concerts, and the NBA questioning whether they can hold the 2017 All-Star game in Charlotte, the business community has already started to demonstrate, to states like North Carolina and Mississippi, the negative economic repercussions that discrimination yields.

"The City of Wilton Manors has a long and proud history of leading through action to protect the friends and members of the LGBT community within the City and beyond. This resolution continues our efforts to stand up for and support those rights," said Wilton Manors Mayor Gary Resnick. "With the passage of HB2, North Carolina has made institutionalized discrimination legal and I find that personally and professionally reprehensible. We will not support any state where it is legal to discriminate against any member of the LGBT community."

As a result of the 2010 US Census, the City of Wilton Manors was named the "Second Gayest City" in the United States. With a large percentage of the population identifying as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender, Wilton Manors has been recognized nationally and internationally as one of the most progressive places to live, work and play for many years. 

To connect with the City of Wilton Manors visit www.wiltonmanors.com.

ABOUT THE CITY OF WILTON MANORS
Wilton Manors was laid out in 1925 by Edward John "Ned" Willingham, a land developer from Georgia, as an upscale residential community.  It was recognized as a Village in 1947 and incorporated as a City in 1953. Today, the City of Wilton Manors offers all the benefits of a big city from shopping, to hip restaurants and bars, a burgeoning arts community and tons of community events, yet still maintains a cozy, community-feeling offering miles of natural waterways perfect for kayaking, paddle boarding and other outdoor activities. Recently named the "Second Gayest City" in the United States, the City of Wilton Manors celebrates a diverse population of approximately 12,000 residents.  To learn more about the live, work and play opportunities in Wilton Manors call (954) 390-2100 or visit www.wiltonmanors.com.

CONTACT: Laurie Menekou, (954) 732-0754 (or) lmenekou@conceptual-communications.com

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SOURCE City of Wilton Manors