Gov. Hall-Long creates LGBTQ+ Commission
In possibly the last action during her brief governorship, Gov. Bethany Hall-Long signed an executive order Jan. 16, creating a state LGBTQ+ Commission.
Under Executive Order No. 1, a nine-member commission will serve to strengthen ties between the government and LGBTQ+ organizations, help remove barriers to societal participation for LGBTQ+ people and improve the delivery of services to the community in Delaware in areas such as employment, equality, education, mental health, social services, health and housing, Hall-Long said in a press release.
“My commitment to the LGBTQ+ community is long. Throughout my career in the House and Senate, I had the honor of voting for a number of bills to protect and foster equity for the LGBTQ+ community, including voting in favor of equal marriage in 2013,” she said. “As lieutenant governor, I convened leaders throughout the LGBTQ+ community to regularly meet, share issues and open the lines of communication on behalf of Delawareans. Creating a formal commission is an extension of that work. By creating this commission, we guarantee a dedicated state entity to ensure that the LGBTQ+ community in the First State will not only survive, but grow and thrive. It is truly an honor to bring this commission to fruition, and I am very excited to see the positive changes the commission will make in the lives of our LGBTQ+ neighbors.”
Through public forums, the order states, the commission will be a mechanism where LGBTQ+ organizations can exchange ideas and information, and advocate for awareness and protections for the community against bigotry, violence, hatred, and other forms of discrimination.
Under the order, members, appointed by the governor to serve three-year terms, will represent the different facets of the LGBTQ+ community, taking into account age, race, gender, identity, background, life experiences and other factors, and reflect the geographic diversity of the state. At least one member should represent the nonprofit or advocacy sector. None of the members will receive compensation for their service.
The commission will advise the governor, members of the governor’s cabinet, members of the General Assembly, and other policymakers on the effect of agency policies, procedures, practices, laws and administrative rules on the unique challenges and needs of LGBTQ+ people, according to the order.
Sussex Pride applauded the order.
"Today's executive order is an important first step toward progress, bringing us into alignment with our neighbors in Maryland, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania,” said Sussex Pride Executive Director David Mariner in a press release. “It is my hope that, through this commission, we can address the critical issues facing LGBTQ Delawareans. This includes developing an LGBTQ health report with a tangible roadmap to health equity, increasing collaboration and communication on hate crimes and hate-related activities, and ensuring that nondiscrimination protections, guaranteed by law, are a reality for all of our residents."
Mariner said Gov.-elect Matt Meyer will select the majority of the nine commissioners to be appointed.
