Gov. Kathleen Sebelius on Friday signed an executive order aimed at protecting state employees from workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

“We need to make sure in Kansas that all of our employees are treated with dignity and respect and that the doors of state employment are open to all,” Sebelius said.

The order affects about 25,000 state employees.

Members of the Kansas Equality Coalition applauded Sebelius during a signing ceremony.

As she hugged members of the coalition, Sebelius remarked, “I’m sorry it took so long.”

She said the action wasn’t prompted by lawsuits or discrimination complaints, but that the state employee anti-discrimination policy was simply out of date.

Maggie Childs, president of the Lawrence chapter of the coalition, watched Sebelius sign the order.

“Gay and lesbian and transgender people are now protected from losing their jobs because of hate or prejudice,” Childs said.

Legislation to extend anti-discrimination protections in private employment and housing is before a state Senate committee. Sebelius said she supported that measure.