A small Georgia town is thinking big and providing employment protections for their LGBT citizens. The city council of North High Shoals, an Oconee County town of less than 700, has passed The Equal Employment Opportunity Ordinance which provides protections for applicants and employees of the town, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

The ordinance reads as follows:

12-7 The Town of North High Shoals is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Town of North High Shoals proudly maintains a policy of equal employment opportunity for all applicants and current employees. This includes employment, training, job placement, and advancement opportunities. The Town strives to provide meaningful employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals in a nondiscriminatory manner. No qualified individual will be discriminated against because of age, race, religion, color, sex, national origin, ethnic heritage, sexual orientation, gender identity, political affiliation, veteran status, or handicap.

“Georgia Equality applauds the North High Shoals Town Council for their leadership and commitment to freedom and opportunity,” the group stated in a press release issued earlier today.

North High Shoals Councilman John MacKay gave special thanks to Melinda Sheldon, deputy director of Georgia Equality.

“Without Melinda’s help, this councilman would never have known how many Georgia communities have already acted to protect their residents,” MacKay said. “Everyone is welcome in the Town of North High Shoals. If we all continue to speak out, maybe one day the State of Georgia can say the same.”

psaunders@thegavoice.com | @patricksaunders