In what the Human Rights Campaign dubbed “an important first step,” new Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs preceded her inauguration on Monday, January 2, with an executive order requiring that all State Agencies “Adopt polices to ensure that hiring [and compensation and career progression] is on the basis of merit and qualifications…, and prohibit discrimination based on… sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.”
This is given as an amendment to earlier executive orders, one of which did not specifically apply to State Agencies and did not mention gender identity or expression, and the other of which did specify State Agencies and did not mention sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression, as protected classes. As this order does not apply to other employers, the impact is limited.
While this order denotes a clear departure from the policies of Hobbs’ predecessor Doug Ducey, a Republican who attacked reproductive rights and transgender youth, some are skeptical of her commitment to championing equality. Being the governor of a border state means that Hobbs has to make a statement on border security, an issue for which she endorses increasing police funding.
In addition, Talonya Adams filed and won a lawsuit against the Arizona State Senate in 2021 for being fired after complaining about a pay disparity that appeared to be based on her race and gender. The Senate Minority Leader at the time of her firing was Katie Hobbs, though she insists that the decision was ultimately approved by Jeff Winkler, the Chief of Staff.
At the end of the day, Hobbs’ commitment to fighting discrimination can not be measured by one executive order. As governor, she will have to prove every day in office where her values lie. Her “First 100 Days Initiative” show promising, lofty goals such as: improving education, housing affordability, environmental protections, and expanding healthcare. Great change is often achieved one step at a time. Hopefully, Hobbs will continue stepping in the right direction.
