Identical to H 478, filed 3/25/11.

Amends GS 126-16 to require all state departments, agencies, and local governments to give equal opportunity for employment and compensation without regard to race, religion, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or handicapping condition, to all persons otherwise qualified, except as defined. Also adds sexual orientation and gender identity to GS 126-34.1, which lists grounds, including discrimination, for state employees, former state employees, and applicants for state employment to file contested cases in the Office of Administrative Hearings and to GS 126-36, which details an employee's right to appeal an unlawful employment practice. Specifies that the act does not require preferential treatment or special rights be provided based on sexual orientation or gender identity.