The UNITY Pledge is the Largest LGBTQ+ Inclusive Pledge in the Nation
(October 23rd, 2023, Phoenix, Ariz.) – The Episcopal Diocese of Arizona signed the UNITY Pledge in support of equality for all Arizonans. Created by ONE Community, a member-based coalition of socially responsible businesses, organizations, and individuals who support diversity, inclusion, and equality for all Arizonans, the UNITY Pledge is a public declaration to support and advance workplace equality and equal treatment in housing and public accommodations for all Arizonans, including LGBTQ+ people. To date, more than 3,600 businesses, 500 faith leaders, and 22,000 Arizonans have signed the UNITY Pledge, which is now the largest equality pledge in the nation.
“We are proud to sign the UNITY Pledge in support of equality and fairness for all. Signing the pledge is an embodiment of our faith and Jesus’ commandment to love one another as he loves us. Nobody should be turned away from a business simply because of who they are, and nobody should have to fear or question whether or not they will be served when they walk through the doors of a business. We all deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, without exception,” said Bishop Jennifer A. Reddall, the sixth bishop of the Diocese of Arizona, and the first woman to serve in the position.
“We are so grateful and honored to be welcoming the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona into the UNITY Pledge family,” said Angela Hughey, President and Co-Founder of ONE Community and ONE Community Foundation. “As we continue to build bridges of support for equality and fairness for all across our community, we celebrate today’s signing and what it means for a brighter tomorrow for us all,” concluded Hughey.
Currently, Arizona does not have a fully inclusive non-discrimination law, leaving LGBTQ+ individuals and their families vulnerable to discrimination throughout much of the state. In total, only 11 Arizona municipalities have LGBTQ+ inclusive non-discrimination laws, creating a patchwork environment of laws that is not only bad for LGBTQ+ individuals and their families, but for our entire community.
For more information:
Sophie O’Keefe-Zelman
602-380-1809
About ONE Community
Since our inception in 2008, ONE Community has evolved into a member-based coalition of socially responsible businesses, organizations, and individuals who support diversity, inclusion, and equality for all Arizonans. We are committed to reshaping Arizona’s image through educating, empowering, and connecting our diverse LGBTQ+ and allied communities on the benefits of inclusion and its direct impact on attracting and retaining top talent and businesses—and thereby, ensuring our state’s economic sustainability. Visit www.ONECommunity.com for more information.
About ONE Community Foundation
ONE Community Foundation provides educational opportunities to ensure a better understanding of nondiscrimination and the importance of being LGBTQ+ inclusive. We are committed to reshaping Arizona’s image through educating, empowering, and connecting our diverse LGBTQ+ and allied communities with business leaders, academic institutions, elected leaders, members of the media, and key opinion leaders about the benefits of inclusion and its direct impact on attracting and retaining top talent and businesses—and thereby, ensuring our state’s economic sustainability. Visit www.UNITYPledge.com for more information and to take the UNITY Pledge, the largest equality pledge in the nation.