Local LGBT activists are upset over a document distributed by the Washington Nationals, according to City Desk. The document details the team’s Vendor Procurement Program and features Major League Baseball’s affirmative action policy, which includes this portion:
The Licensee shall not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment or against any service recipient or applicant for services because of race, color, ethnic status, religion, sex, age, national origin, disable veteran status, Vietnam era veteran status, or disability.
Sexual orientation and expression aren’t included in MLB’s policy, but as the City Paper points out, “anti-gay discrimination is prohibited under the D.C. Human Rights Act.” Other criteria for discrimination, such as marital status and political affiliation among several others, are also outlined in the Act. The Nats’ own Equal Opportunity Employer Statement also includes sexual orientation.
Activist Philip Pannell contacted a top Nats liaison about the memo and has since brought his concerns to the Gertrude Stein Democratic Club, D.C.’s organization for LGBT Dems. The Gay and Lesbian Activists Alliance is also involved.
The relationship between the Nats and D.C.’s LGBT community became particularly tense when the new stadium construction promised to and ultimately did wipe out a strip of gay clubs on O Street SE. Despite that, Team DC organizes an annual “Night OUT” at Nats games; this year’s Night OUT event took place July 16, drew over 2,000 LGBT attendees and featured the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington singing the national anthem.
Photo by JamesCalder
