No Good Deed Goes Unpunished: Group Slaps Scott On Diversity Order

Gov. Rick Scott's executive order barring discrimination on the basis of race, gender, creed, color and national origin didn't go far enough, according to a Palm Beach human rights group.

The Palm Beach County Human Rights Council said it requested last month that Scott issue an order addressing equal opportunity in state employment.

But Scott's Executive Order 11-04 -- which conforms with federal law -- wasn't enough for Rand Hoch, who describes his organization as "dedicated to ending discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression."

Governor Scotts limited view of diversity is very discouraging,said Hoch. Governor Scott did not even include all of the classifications listed in the Florida Civil Rights Act -- let alone sexual orientation and gender identity.

The Florida Civil Rights Act prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, handicap, or marital status. In addition, Florida courts have also determined that pregnancy is a protected classification.

Scott administration spokesmen did not respond to Sunshine State News' request for comment by deadline.