BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) Former North Dakota Gov. Allen Olson says he ``probably'' considered gays and lesbians when he crafted a non-discrimination policy for state employees 34 years ago.
Olson tells The Associated Press that the intent of his 1981 executive order was to treat ``human beings as human beings.''
Olson, a Republican, was governor from 1981 to 1984. He now lives in Minneapolis. Current GOP Gov. Jack Dalrymple last year reaffirmed and ratified the order signed by Olson.
All 38 Democrats from the House and Senate delivered a letter to Dalrymple on Monday asking him to issue an executive order to require state agencies to ban discrimination in hiring and employment based on sexual orientation.
Dalrymple's staff says such an executive order already exists because the governor adopted Olson's 1981 executive order.