Phoenix task force OKs transgender-inclusive health benefits for city employees

PHOENIX — The Phoenix Healthcare Task Force agreed to transgender-inclusive benefits for city employees, a first in Arizona, according to Mayor Greg Stanton.

The change was approved at a meeting Thursday.

In a tweet, Stanton applauded the members on the task force for “their forward-thinking leadership.”

My statement on Phx Healthcare Task Force approval of transgender-inclusive benefits for @CityofPhoenixAZ employees: pic.twitter.com/mIbqMhFgi4

— Greg Stanton (@MayorStanton) August 19, 2016

Nonprofit group Equality Arizona posted Stanton’s statement on its Facebook page.

The political advocacy group’s mission statement is “to secure, protect and defend the equal civil rights and welfare of LGBTQ people in Arizona.”

Three years ago, the city council expanded its anti-discrimination law to include protections for gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender people.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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