EXECUTIVE ORDER
2018-01

THE BALTIMORE LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, TRANSGENDER, AND
QUEER (LGBTQ) COMMISSION

WHEREAS, it is the desire of the City of Baltimore to provide a safe, fair, and affirming environment for all people, including those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ).

WHEREAS, while the LGBTQ community has made progress in the pursuit of important civil rights, LGBTQ individuals still suffer from discrimination in society at large, including in employment, housing, and healthcare. Further, LGBTQ individuals are still subject to violent attacks, verbal harassment, and stigmatization.

WHEREAS, the Baltimore LGBTQ Commission will advise the Mayor, City Council, and City agencies about issues of concern affecting the LGBTQ community, bring the LGBTQ communities and the larger Baltimore community together through long-range projects, and ensure that City agencies fairly and equitably address issues affecting Baltimore’s LGBTQ community, and afford LGBTQ individuals access to and inclusion in the services of the City of Baltimore.

NOW THEREFORE, I, CATHERINE E. PUGH, Mayor of the City of Baltimore, by virtue of the authority vested in me, do hereby issue the following Executive Order:

BE IT ORDERED THAT:

1. There is established a Baltimore Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) Commission.

2. The Baltimore LGBTQ Commission shall be comprised of fifteen members. Twelve members shall be chosen by the Mayor and three recommended by the City Council President.

3. Members will serve for a term of four years, concurrent with the terms of Mayor and City Council and may be reappointed.

4. All members of the Baltimore LGBTQ Commission shall be se lected from Baltimore's LGBTQ community and its allies, and should reflect the diversity of that community, including orientation, race, age, and socio-economic status.

5. The Mayor shall select a Chairman from among the membership.

6. The Mayor shall designate staff to serve as liaison for the Baltimore LGBTQ Commission. Staff shall assist the Commission as necessary, including with its organizational needs and member recruitment.

7. The Baltimore LGBTQ Commission shall meet promptly after the appointment of all members, and thereafter quarterly.

8. Within three months of its first meeting, the Baltimore LGBTQ Commission shall adopt by-laws that govern its meetings in accordance with Maryland's Open Meetings Act.

9. Within one year of its first meeting, the Baltimore  LGBTQ  Commission  shall deliver a report to the Mayor and City Council that outlines the state of Baltimore's LGBTQ community, including areas of concern regarding LGBTQ individuals' quality of life, access to services, and employment and housing opportunities, and that sets forth strateg ies and recommendations for enhanced inclusion, fairness, and prosperity for all members of Baltimore's LGBTQ community.

10. This Executive Order shall be effective immediately pursuant to its terms.