Some of Memphis' finest are not protected on the job

Police Women of Memphis has garnered a lot of attention in Memphis and the entire country each Thursday night on the TLC channel. The women featured on the show project a positive image for Memphis and the Memphis Police Department.

The reality TV show features Officer Virginia Awkward and three other officers whose police work and interactions with the community make Memphis shine.

Last night, fans of Police Women of Memphis were treated to an inside look into the personal life of Officer Awkward. This week's episode included the renewal of marriage vows between Officer Awkard and her partner Ashley. The couple were married two years ago in Canada.

Officer Awkward recognized in the episode that her marriage is not recognized in her home state of Tennessee:

It's pretty ironic that I am a law enforcement officer, and there's a law that's keeping me from being myself.

Bur her marriage isn't the only part of her life where she has no rights. Officer Awkward has dedicated her life to protecting her community and enforcing the law. But unfortunately, current law does not protect Officer Awkard from employment discrimination on the job. Right now, she could be fired from the Memphis Police Department because she is a lesbian.

The City of Memphis needs to protect hard-working and committed employees like Officer Awkward. The Memphis City Council can do that by enacting LGBT-inclusive workplace protections with the Employment Non-Discrimination Ordinance.