The New Hampshire governor released an executive order Thursday banning any state agency or department from discriminating against transgenders.

Gov. Maggie Hassan issued an executive order that declared state agencies cannot refuse to hire or discriminate based on “gender expression,” reports The LGBTQ Nation. Government contracts must also have an “anti-discrimination” clause that protects transgenders.

Hassan claims the executive order is necessary because New Hampshire has always recognized “the importance of inclusion.”

“Throughout our history, it has been clear time and again that we always grow stronger when we work to ensure the full inclusion of all citizens in our democracy, our economy and our communities. By making clear that gender identity and gender expression are protected in the State’s anti-discrimination policies, this Executive Order helps ensure that New Hampshire state government welcomes and incorporates the talents and contributions of all of our citizens,” Hassan said in a statement.

Under the executive order, state agencies must revise their discrimination polices by September 15. The New Hampshire Department of Justice and the Department of Administrative Service were told to fix any language in contracts so that transgenders are now protected.

The Division of Personnel is supposed to guide state agencies through the process and propose changes to the rules as necessary.

The New Hampshire Senate tried to enact transgender protections in 2009, but the proposal failed.

“It’s a long time coming. I am extremely excited to see New Hampshire becoming a progressive state that respects all individuals,” Christen Bustani of Transgender New Hampshire told the Concord Monitor.

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