WASHINGTON - Today, the National Center for Lesbian Rights, the National Center for Transgender Equality, the Human Rights Campaign, the American Civil Liberties Union, Lambda Legal, Equality Florida and the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force denounced the discriminatory action of the Largo, Fla., City Commission for violating its own non-discrimination policy as well as state and federal law by firing longtime City Manager Steve Stanton after learning that Stanton is transgender. Stanton is one of the most successful and accomplished city managers in the country and has loyally served the city of Largo for nearly two decades. The commission's decision to terminate is a stunning demonstration of bias and intolerance. By choosing discrimination over inclusiveness, the city commissioners failed Stanton and failed their city. Stanton, who is represented by the National Center for Lesbian Rights, will announce next week whether he intends to pursue litigation.

Daryl Herrschaft, director of the Workplace Project at the Human Rights Campaign, testified at the final hearing in Largo on Friday night in support of Stanton.

The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against GLBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.