National Center for Lesbian Rights (198 Articles with 559,963 total views)
The National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) has been advancing the civil and human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and their families through litigation, legislation, policy, and public education since it was founded in 1977.
September, 2023
Human Rights Organizations Condemn 11th Circuit Decision to Reinstate Alabama Transgender Health Care Ban
ATLANTA - August 22, 2023 - Today, a three-judge panel of the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals issued a decision reversing a federal district court ruling blocking enforcement of Alabama's law banning medical care for transgender adolescents. The district court opinion, which was issued last spring, held that Alabama's law likely violated the federal Equal Protection Clause and parents' fundamental right to make medical decisions for their children. Thus far, every single federal district court to hear a similar challenge has ruled similarly, holding that these state bans discriminate against transgender minors and burden their parents' constitutionally protected rights. The 11th Circuit panel disagreed, holding that Alabama's law does not discriminate based on sex or transgender status and is therefore subject only to the lowest level of constitutional review.
July, 2023
Advocates Hail Court Order blocking Florida's Ban on Gender-Affirming Care for Trans Youth
(TALLAHASSEE, FL - June 6, 2023) Today, a U.S. District Court Judge issued a preliminary injunction preventing enforcement of Florida's discriminatory ban on gender-affirming medical care for trans youth. The case - Doe v. Ladapo- was brought by Southern Legal Counsel, GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders, the National Center for Lesbian Rights, and the Human Rights Campaign on behalf of nine families and enjoins enforcement of the ban as to the three families on whose behalf the injunction was sought.
June, 2022
Judge Halts Alabama Law Criminalizing Parents for Obtaining Essential Medical Care for their Transgender Children
WASHINGTON - May 14, 2022 -An Alabama federal district court judge has issued a ruling blocking enforcement of Alabama SB 184 while a legal challenge to the law proceeds. SB 184 criminalizes parents who seek to get essential medical care for their transgender children's needs. It provides up to 10 years in prison as penalty for anyone, including doctors and parents, who assists in getting the care these young people need.
September, 2020
Transgender Teens Bring Class Action Lawsuit Challenging Arizona Medicaid's Categorical Exclusion of Surgery for Transgender People
TUCSON, AZ - August 5, 2020 - Today, the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) and the National Health Law Program (NHeLP), along with co-counsel King & Spalding LLP and Perkins Coie LLP, filed a class-action lawsuit challenging Arizona Medicaid's categorical exclusion for surgical treatment for gender dysphoria.
December, 2019
NCLR's Born Perfect Campaign Applauds American Medical Association Support for Laws Protecting Youth from Conversion Therapy
CHICAGO, IL - November 19, 2019 - Today, the American Medical Association (AMA) announced that it will formally support state and federal legislation protecting LGBTQ youth from the life-threatening practice of conversion therapy. The AMA, which has long opposed conversion therapy for its lack of scientific basis, stated that "it agrees with medical experts that the lack of regulation on [the practice] opens the door to fraud, harm, and trauma for many adults and children in the U.S."
October, 2019
Richmond City Council Passes Unanimous Bipartisan Resolution Urging State to Bar Conversion Therapy for Minors
(Richmond, VA - September 9, 2019) Today, the Richmond City Council passed a unanimous bipartisan resolution urging the Virginia Legislature to pass legislation protecting LGBTQ youth from conversion therapy, the life-threatening practice of trying to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity.
August, 2019
NCLR's Born Perfect Campaign Hails Groundbreaking North Carolina Order Protecting LGBTQ Youth from Conversion Therapy
(Raleigh, NC - August 2, 2019 ) Today, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper issued an executive order to protect vulnerable young people from conversion therapy, which seeks to change a young person's sexual orientation or gender identity.
May, 2019
NCLR Condemns Decision by International Sports Court Permitting Discrimination against Caster Semenya
(New York, N.Y.)- Today, in a divided 2-1 opinion, the international Court of Arbitration for Sport upheld a proposed rule by the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) forcing women with high levels of testosterone to take suppressants in order to compete in some women's races
NCLR Responds to Supreme Court's Decision to Hear Three Cases about the Rights of LGBT Workers
(Washington, DC, April 22, 2019) - Today, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear three cases addressing whether Title VII, a federal law prohibiting sex discrimination in the workplace, protects LGBT employees.
VICTORY! Arizona Repeals Anti-LGBTQ Curriculum Law After Filing of Lawsuit
(Phoenix, AZ, April 12, 2019) – Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey today signed into law an amendment that repeals the state's anti-LGBTQ curriculum law that barred LGBTQ students from receiving medically accurate, age-appropriate information about non-heterosexual people in their health education classes. The amendment removes language that had prohibited instruction in HIV/AIDS curriculum that "[p]romotes a homosexual life-style," "[p]ortrays homosexuality as a positive alternative life-style," or "[s]uggests that some methods of sex are safe methods of homosexual sex."
February, 2019
New York Senate and Assembly Pass Bill to Prohibit Conversion Therapy for LGBTQ Youth
ALBANY, N.Y. - January 15, 2019 - Today, the New York State Senate and Assembly passed S1046/A576, a bill that protects LGBTQ youth from the practice of conversion therapy. Born Perfect, The National Center for Lesbian Rights' campaign to end conversion therapy, has worked on the ground since 2013 to advocate for the passage of this landmark bill to stop this harmful and discredited practice. Born Perfect is proud of the work Senator Brad Hoylman, the bill's sponsor, has done to elevate the voices of survivors and to ensure that New York protects its youth.
January, 2019
Federal Court Orders Prison to Provide Medically Urgent Gender Confirmation Surgery for Idaho Trans Woman
BOISE, ID - December 14, 2018 -The U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho issued a preliminary injunction late yesterday in Edmo v. Idaho Department of Correction (IDOC), ordering the IDOC to provide Adree Edmo, a Native American transgender woman, with medically necessary gender confirmation surgery. IDOC and its for-profit medical provider, Corizon Health, have denied Ms. Edmo surgery for more than four years despite her clear and urgent need for it. Corizon has faced allegations in other states for providing medical care so shoddy that it amounts to "cruel and unusual punishment," in violation of the Constitution's Eighth Amendment.
NCLR Files Brief Highlighting the Stories of LGBTQ Asylum Seekers in East Bay Sanctuary Covenant v. Trump
SAN FRANCISCO - December 7, 2018 -The National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) yesterday filed an amicus brief highlighting the stories of LGBTQ asylum seekers in a case challenging the Trump Administration's "asylum ban" – the rule and presidential proclamation barring asylum for individuals who enter the United States across the southern border outside of a port of entry
Transgender Military Ban Plaintiffs Ask the Supreme Court to Deny the Trump Administration's Premature Request for Review
Washington, DC - December 24, 2018 -Transgender service members challenging Trump's military ban today will file briefs opposing the administration's request that the Supreme Court hear the cases now, before the courts of appeal have ruled. The administration is seeking early review by the Court in three cases challenging the ban: Doe v. Trump, Stockman v. Trump, and Karnoski v. Trump.
Trump's Transgender Military Ban Remains Blocked Despite New Decision Dissolving One of Four Nationwide Preliminary Injunctions
Washington, DC - January 4, 2019-The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit today ruled against transgender service members, lifting the district court's order preventing the Trump administration from enforcing its ban on military service by transgender people in Doe v. Trump.
December, 2018
Trump Asks Supreme Court to Intervene Now and Implement the Transgender Military Ban-Even Though Four Federal Courts Have Blocked It
Washington, D.C. - November 23, 2018 -The Trump Administration filed petitions for cert before judgment today in three cases challenging Trump's transgender military ban: Doe v. Trump, Stockman v. Trump, and Karnoski v. Trump. The National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) and GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD), who represent plaintiffs in both Doe and Stockman and were the first to challenge the ban, characterized the filing as an unusual attempt by the administration to bypass the standard appeals process.
Trump's Plan to Cut Off Access to Asylum is Illegal and Will Endanger LGBTQ Lives
Washington, D.C. - November 8, 2018-Yesterday, the Trump administration announced its intention to adopt a new federal rule preventing certain individuals who enter the U.S. from Mexico from seeking asylum.
November, 2018
NCLR and GLAD Refute Trump's Bogus Attempt to Disguise His Transgender Military Ban
Washington, D.C. - October 23, 2018 - The National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) and GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) last night struck back at the Trump Administration's latest attempt to enforce the Trump-Pence transgender military ban. NCLR and GLAD filed a brief opposing the government's request to the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia to dissolve the preliminary injunction in Doe v. Trump. In the brief, NCLR and GLAD shoot down the Trump administration's argument that the implementation plan developed by Secretary Mattis is a "new" policy rather than the same transgender ban President Trump ordered.
NCLR Responds to Senate Confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court of the United States
WASHINGTON, DC - October 6, 2018 - The U.S. Senate today voted to confirm Trump nominee Brett Kavanaugh to be an associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, despite the fact that Kavanaugh faced credible allegations of attempted rape. More than 2,400 law professors signed a letter opposing Kavanaugh's nomination, citing his lack of judicial temperament and the partisan behavior he displayed at last week's Senate Judiciary Committee hearing. And this week, Retired Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens echoed these concerns, stating that Kavanaugh's behavior at last week's hearing indicates that he is not qualified to sit on the nation's highest court.
NCLR Responds to the Cruelty of the Trump Administration's Attack on Immigrant Families through its Proposed Public Charge Rule
WASHINGTON, DC - October 10, 2018 - Today the Trump administration published a proposed rule that would allow federal officials to deny a green card or permanent residency to immigrants they think may be likely to use Medicaid, food stamps, or public housing now or anytime in the future. This proposed rule would make it more difficult for documented immigrants to remain in the U.S. and cruelly forces individuals to choose between accessing critical services and keeping their family together.
October, 2018
Florida School District Settles Lawsuit, Will Allow Transgender Student to Use Restrooms and Locker Rooms in Accordance with Gender Identity
SAN FRANCISCO - September 18, 2018 -The federal district court for the Middle District of Florida has approved a settlement agreement in a lawsuit the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) brought on behalf of John Doe against the Volusia County School Board (VCSB) for excluding John from the shared boys' restrooms and locker rooms because he is transgender. The suit alleged that the school's policies violated federal sex discrimination laws and the Equal Protection Clause of the Constitution. The settlement ensures that John can use the boys' bathrooms and locker rooms at schools in Volusia County.
NCLR & GLAD, LGBT Legal Orgs Leading the Fight to Stop the Trump-Pence Trans Military Ban, Joint Statement on 7 Years Since the End of Don't Ask, Don't Tell
WASHINGTON, DC - September 20, 2018 -Today marks seven years since the U.S. Department of Defense ended Don't Ask, Don't Tell-the military policy that prohibited gay, lesbian, and bisexual servicemembers from open service. National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) Legal Director Shannon Minter and GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) Transgender Rights Project Director Jennifer Levi, the attorneys who filed the first lawsuit to stop Trump's transgender military ban and the first to secure a nationwide preliminary injunction halting the ban while the case is heard in court, issued the following joint statement:
NCLR Statement on Kavanaugh's Refusal to Confirm that Obergefell was Correctly Decided
WASHINGTON, D.C. - September 6, 2018 -Last night, President Trump's Supreme Court nominee, Judge Brett Kavanaugh, declined to answer U.S. Senator Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) when asked whether Obergefell v. Hodges, the 2015 U.S. Supreme Court marriage equality decision, was correctly decided. National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) Legal Director Shannon Minter, who was on the team of attorneys to win Obergefell, issued the following statement in response:
U.S. District Court Denies Motion to Dissolve Nationwide Injunction Blocking Transgender Military Ban in Stockman v. Trump
RIVERSIDE, Calif. - September 18, 2018 - The U.S. District Court for the Central District of California rejected the Trump-Pence Administration's latest attempt to implement its discriminatory transgender military ban Tuesday, denying a motion to dissolve the nationwide preliminary injunction previously issued in a lawsuit filed by Equality California and seven active duty service members and recruits seeking to join the military.
September, 2018
Judge Orders Government to Produce Documents Related to Development of Trans Military Ban Implementation Plan
Washington, D.C. August 24, 2018 - Federal District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly today issued a ruling ordering the Trump administration to disclose information about its decision to ban otherwise qualified transgender troops from military service in Doe v. Trump, GLAD and NCLR's case challenging the Trump administration's transgender military ban.
August, 2018
Delaware Becomes 14th State to Protect LGBTQ Youth from Conversion Therapy
WILMINGTON, Del. - July 23, 2018 -Today, Delaware Governor John Carney signed into law SB 65, legislation that protects LGBTQ youth from the practice of conversion therapy. Every major medical and mental health organization has denounced conversion therapy as both harmful and ineffective. Delaware State Senators Debra Heffernan and Harris McDowell, III sponsored this legislation and worked with the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) to draft. NCLR has been standing up on behalf of survivors of conversion therapy for the past 20 years. In 2014, NCLR launched Born Perfect, a campaign to end conversion therapy nationwide.
Missouri Lesbian Couple Sues Senior Housing Community for Discrimination
ST.LOUIS - July 25, 2018 -The National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR), Relman, Dane & Colfax PLLC, and co-counsel filed a lawsuit today on behalf of married lesbian couple Mary Walsh, age 72, and Bev Nance, age 68, against St. Louis senior housing community Friendship Village Sunset Hills. The complaint alleges that Friendship Village violated the federal Fair Housing Act and Missouri Human Rights Act by discriminating against Walsh and Nance on the basis of sex, denying them a unit because they are a same-sex married couple.
NCLR Launches Toolkits to Protect LGBTQ Youth in Juvenile Justice and Child Welfare Systems from Conversion Therapy
SAN FRANCISCO - July 19, 2018 -The National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) today released two toolkits for child welfare and juvenile justice agency employees on how to protect LGBTQ youth from the serious harm caused by conversion therapy. Conversion therapy, sometimes called "ex-gay therapy," is an attempt to change an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity and has been debunked by every major medical and mental health organization in the U.S. Ending Conversion Therapy in Child Welfare and Ending Conversion Therapy in Juvenile Justice help state agencies recognize how and when LGBTQ youth may be subjected to conversion therapy while in the care of the state, explain the negative impact of conversion therapy and its close relationship to family rejection, and include tips and model language about how to develop policies protecting LGBTQ youth from these harms.
July, 2018
NCLR and GLAD Filing Argues the Court Should Permanently Stop the Trump-Pence Ban Now
WASHINGTON, D.C. - June 23, 2018 -The National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) and GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) today filed their reply in support of their Cross-Motion for Summary Judgment in Doe v. Trump-the first lawsuit filed to stop the Trump-Pence transgender military ban. If Judge Kollar-Kotelly rules in favor of the plaintiffs, that decision would permanently block the Trump-Pence transgender military ban from ever taking effect. Today's filing rebuts the administration's attempt to "blinker reality and recast the Mattis Plan as something other than what it plainly is: a blueprint to ensure that no transgender individuals serve in our Nation's Armed Forces 'in any capacity.'" The plaintiffs' reply is the last in a series of filings that must occur before Judge Kollar-Kotelly determines whether she can issue a permanent ruling blocking the ban.
NCLR Statement re Atty General Sessions' Decision to Exclude Domestic Violence and Gang Violence as Grounds for Asylum
WASHINGTON, D.C. - June 11, 2018 -U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions imposed stringent new limitations on asylum claims brought by those fleeing domestic or gang violence. This decision will imperil the lives of thousands of women and LGBT people who have suffered extreme violence in their home countries.
June, 2018
Maryland Becomes 11th State to Protect LGBTQ Youth from Conversion Therapy
ANNAPOLIS, Md. - May 15, 2018 -Maryland Governor Larry Hogan today signed a bill into law that will protect Maryland youth from the practice of conversion therapy by health professionals. Conversion therapy, sometimes called "ex-gay therapy," attempts to change an individual's sexual orientation and/or gender identity and has been discredited by every major medical and mental health organization as an ineffective and harmful practice. On April 4, Maryland Republican Delegate Meagan Simonaire made headlines when she took to the floor of Maryland's House of Delegates to give an impassioned speech about the harm that resulted in her own life when her family, including father state senator Bryan Simonaire, sought conversion therapy for her.
New Trans Military Ban Filing from NCLR, GLAD Would Accelerate Final Court Ruling to Permanently Stop Trump-Pence Ban
WASHINGTON, D.C. - May 12, 2018 -Transgender military ban plaintiffs in Doe v. Trump, the first lawsuit to challenge the Trump-Pence ban, filed a cross-motion for summary judgment last night in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. Plaintiffs' motion asserts that undisputed facts show the ban, including the March 23 Mattis implementation plan, violates their Equal Protection and Due Process rights, and that the court should provide permanent declaratory and injunctive relief to prevent the Trump-Pence ban from ever being implemented.
May, 2018
New Report on LGBTQ Poverty Shows Need for More Resources and Research
Washington, D.C. - May 1, 2018 -As the Trump administration works to undermine the historic progress made toward full LGBTQ equality, a new report highlights a harsh reality: LGBTQ people are more likely than their peers to live in poverty.
Statement from NCLR's Kate Kendell on the Passing of Dykes on Bikes Founding Member Soni Wolf
SAN FRANCISCO - May 1, 2018 -Dykes on Bikes today announced that founding member Soni Wolf, "an inspiring mother of the movement for lesbian pride and dignity" died on Wednesday, April 25 of natural causes at the age of 69. The National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) and the Brooke Oliver Law Group represented Dykes on Bikes in an action to register its name with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, which had initially rejected the application on the grounds that the term "Dykes on Bikes" is disparaging to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people. On July 11, 2007, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit issued a final ruling affirming the group's trademark of the name "Dykes on Bikes."
April, 2018
Governor Jay Inslee signs law ending conversion therapy in Washington for LGBTQ youth
OLYMPIA, WA - March 28, 2018 -Today, Washington Governor Jay Inslee signed into law SB 5722, legislation that protects LGBTQ youth from the fraudulent, harmful and debunked practice of "conversion therapy." Today's bill signing was the result of targeted grassroots advocacy efforts by the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) and Equal Rights Washington. NCLR has been a tireless advocate on behalf of survivors of conversion therapy for the past 20 years, and in 2014, launched its Born Perfect campaign-making a commitment to a state-by-state advocacy campaign to end this practice in each state across the country.
NCLR and GLAD file brief urging the Eighth Circuit to find sexual orientation discrimination prohibited under Title VII
ST. LOUIS, MO - March 15, 2018 -Yesterday, the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) and GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) filed a friend-of-the-court brief urging the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit to find that sexual orientation discrimination violates Title VII of the 1964 federal Civil Rights Act because it is a form of sex discrimination.
March, 2018
California Court Denies Child's Wrongful Death Claim for Parent Tasered by Police
LOS ANGELES - February 7, 2018 - The National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR), ACLU Foundation of Southern California, ACLU of Northern California, ACLU of San Diego & Imperial Counties, Los Angeles LGBT Center, and legal scholars filed an amicus brief this week in California's 2nd District Court of Appeal in support of the minor plaintiff in A.G. v. County of Los Angeles.
California Leads Country with Bill to Protect Transgender Youth in Foster Care
SACRAMENTO - February 12, 2018 - California State Assemblymember Todd Gloria has introduced a bill to ensure access to gender affirming care for transgender youth in foster care. Studies have shown that delaying or denying this care for youth can lead to depression, anxiety, social problems, school failure, self-harm, and even suicide. The bill is the first of its kind in the country and is supported by the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR), ACLU of California, Equality California, Lambda Legal, and the Los Angeles LGBT Center.
Second Circuit Says Sexual Orientation Discrimination is Prohibited Under Title VII of the Federal Civil Rights Act
February 26, 2018 - Today, the full U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit determined that under Title VII of the federal Civil Rights Act, sexual orientation discrimination is discrimination "because of... sex." The ruling in Zarda v. Altitude Express reverses existing precedent in the Second Circuit barring lesbian and gay people from bringing employment discrimination claims under Title VII when they are targeted at work for their sexual orientation.
Supreme Court Allows Decision Ruling Married Same-Sex Parents and Married Different-Sex Parents
WASHINGTON, DC - February 26, 2018 —The Supreme Court of the United States announced today that it will not review the decision in McLaughlin v. McLaughlin, an Arizona Supreme Court case that found a woman to be the legal parent of the child she and her same-sex spouse conceived through assisted reproduction during their marriage. The National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR), Arizona attorney Claudia Work, and Ropes & Gray LLP represented the mother who sought to be recognized as a parent in this case.
February, 2018
Florida's Broward County Passes Ordinance to Protect LGBTQ Youth From Conversion Therapy by Unanimous Vote
(FORT LAUDERDALE, January 9, 2018)-Today, by unanimous vote, Florida's Broward County voted to enact an ordinance to protect LGBTQ youth and prohibit the use of conversion therapy on minors. The National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) submitted testimony to Broward County on the urgent need to stop harmful, dangerous conversion therapy and worked alongside Equality Florida and the Southern Poverty Law Center to push the ordinance forward. More municipalities in Florida have enacted ordinances prohibiting conversion therapy than in any other state.
Government Shuts Down as Trump and Senate GOP Reject Bipartisan Solution to Protect Dreamers
(WASHINGTON, DC, January 20, 2018)-President Trump and the Senate GOP rejected solutions to protect Dreamers, resulting in a federal government shut down at midnight. Despite broad bipartisan support for Dreamers, the Trump shutdown leaves the lives of 800,000 Dreamers-including 36,000 lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people-hanging in the balance.
U.S. First Circuit Court of Appeals Recognizes Lesbian Firefighter's Sex Discrimination Claim Under Title VII
(Boston, MA, January 26, 2018) – The U.S. First Circuit Court of Appeals yesterday upheld a $700,000 jury award for Lori Franchina, a lesbian firefighter who experienced extensive unchecked harassment from her co-workers at the Providence Fire Department.
January, 2018
D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals Denies Trump Administration Request to Delay January 1 Transgender Enlistment Date
(Washington, D.C., December 22, 2017)-The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals today rejected a Trump Administration request to stay District Judge Kollar-Kotelly's order that the military allow qualified transgender people to enlist beginning January 1. On December 11, District Judge Kollar-Kotelly denied the same request. Both the appeals court and Judge Kollar-Kotelly rejected the Administration's argument that the military would not be prepared to accept transgender recruits by January 1-a claim undercut by a Department of Defense memorandum issued December 8 which lays out guidance for processing transgender enlistees.
Former Military & Security Officials Oppose Trump Administration Trans Enlistment Delay, New GLAD, NCLR Filing
(WASHINGTON, D.C., December 15, 2017)-The National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) and GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) filed their opposition today to the Trump administration's request for an emergency stay to prevent transgender people from being able to enlist on January 1. D.C. District Court Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly denied the government's request on December 11, and the Trump administration then filed an emergency motion for a stay in the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals. District Judge Kollar-Kotelly noted that Trump administration claims that the January 1 date would cause "irreparable injury" are contrary to what the military itself has said on this issue and undercut by the five weeks it waited to even request this "emergency" stay.
New NCLR and GLAD Doe v. Trump Court Filing Reveals Trump Administration is Distorting Evidence to Prevent Trans Enlistm
(WASHINGTON, D.C., December 8, 2017)—Today, the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) and GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) filed their opposition to yesterday's Trump administration request for a partial stay in Doe v. Trump, the first legal challenge filed against Trump's transgender military ban. If granted, the stay would permit the Trump administration to once again delay accepting transgender recruits, which it has been ordered to do starting on January 1, 2018. Today's NCLR and GLAD filing debunks Trump administration claims that the military is not ready to accept transgender recruits on January 1, citing a Palm Center policy report calling out the Trump administration for filing a court document that "rewrites the history of transgender military policy and distorts the evidence."
Statement from GLAD and NCLR on Supreme Court Denial of Review in Turner v. Pidgeon
December 4, 2017 - "This case is not over. It will now return to the Texas trial court for a final decision. It was an uphill battle to persuade the Supreme Court to grant review at this juncture because of the Court's firm rule about taking cases only after a final judgment even where, as we noted in our friend of the court brief, a lower court ruling is subverting an important federal policy. We hope and expect the Texas trial court, on remand, will uphold spousal benefits for employees married to a person of the same sex, as Obergefell and common sense require."
Trump administration drops attempts to delay transgender enlistment after repeated court losses in GLAD and NCLR lawsuit
(Washington, D.C., December 30, 2017)-Late yesterday, the Trump administration announced it would not ask the United States Supreme Court to stay the district court's order requiring enlistment of transgender individuals in Doe v. Trump, a case brought by the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) and GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) challenging President Trump's ban on transgender people serving in the military. The Pentagon confirmed that the military will, as of January 1, begin implementing the enlistment policy announced by former Secretary of Defense Ash Carter in 2016 and adopted after exhaustive military analysis. This marks the first time in United States history that qualified transgender Americans will be authorized to openly enlist in the nation's Armed Forces.
Trump's Transgender Military Ban Fails Again in Court as California Federal District Judge Issues Nationwide Injunction
(LOS ANGELES, CA DECEMBER, 22, 2017)-Today, the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California issued a nationwide preliminary injunction halting Trump's transgender military ban while it is challenged in the courts. With today's ruling, there are now four nationwide preliminary injunctions issued by federal courts across the country-the first was issued in Doe v. Trump on October 30. Plaintiffs in Stockman v. Trump include Equality California and individual current and aspiring transgender service members-represented by the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR), GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD), and Latham & Watkins LLP. California Attorney General Xavier Becerra successfully petitioned to intervene in the suit as a plaintiff on behalf of the State, and was represented at oral argument on December 12.
December, 2017
Equality California, NCLR and GLAD Hit Back Again at Trump's Transgender Military Ban in Powerful New Filing
LOS ANGELES (November 6, 2017) –The National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) and GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) filed a response today in the Equality California case Stockman v. Trump challenging Trump's transgender military ban in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. Today's court filing is the first in Stockman since Judge Kollar-Kotelly's ruling last week in NCLR and GLAD's other case Doe v. Trump, finding Trump's ban to be unconstitutional and issuing a nationwide injunction against the ban.
Federal Judge Denies Trump Administration Attempt to Delay Transgender Enlistment
(WASHINGTON, D.C., November 27, 2017)-Today, U.S. District Judge for the District of Columbia Colleen Kollar-Kotelly denied a Trump administration request in Doe v. Trump to delay the January 1, 2018 effective date for transgender enlistment. Doe v. Trump-filed by the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) and GLBTQ Legal Advocates and Defenders (GLAD)-was the first of four federal lawsuits to challenge President Trump's transgender military ban and the first to secure a nationwide injunction halting the ban
NCLR, GLAD Attorneys Leading Fight Against Transgender Military Ban Celebrate Historic Vote for Danica Roem
WASHINGTON (November 7, 2017) – Tonight, the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) and GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD), the legal advocates leading the fight against President Trump's transgender military ban, celebrated the historic victory of Danica Roem, the first openly transgender person to be elected to public office in Virginia. Roem was elected as a Delegate in the Virginia House of Delegates.
Trump administration appeals Doe v. Trump, "digging in its heels" on transgender military ban
(WASHINGTON, D.C., November 21, 2017)—Today, the Trump administration filed an appeal in Doe v. Trump, the first lawsuit filed to stop Trump's transgender military ban. On October 30, U.S. District Judge for the District of Columbia Colleen Kollar-Kotelly granted the National Center for Lesbian Rights' (NCLR) and GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders' (GLAD) motion for preliminary injunction, placing a nationwide halt on the ban. Earlier today, the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland ruled in Stone v. Trump, another of the four federal lawsuits filed challenging Trump's ban, and issued a second preliminary injunction. NCLR and GLAD issued the following statements in response to today's Trump administration appeal:
November, 2017
DOJ First Trans Military Ban Lawsuit Response: NCLR and GLAD Statement
(WASHINGTON, D.C., October 5, 2017)-Today, the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) and GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) spoke out against the Department of Justice's response in Doe v. Trump, the first of four cases filed to stop President Trump's transgender military ban. In the government's motion to dismiss the case and oppose plaintiffs' request for emergency relief, the Trump administration falsely claimed transgender individuals have not yet suffered harm from this policy. GLAD and NCLR, who are set to respond to the government's motions in court later this month, reiterated the compelling need to put an immediate halt to the ban: transgender Americans looking to enlist are not able to do so, and currently-serving transgender servicemembers have been demeaned and stigmatized, denied health care, and are facing the loss of their professions, livelihoods, health care, and the post-military retirement they have worked hard to earn.
GLAD & NCLR Call Out Trump Administration For Attempting to "Paper Over the Wreckage" Caused by Transgender Military Ban
(WASHINGTON, D.C., October 16, 2017)-Today, the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) and GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) hit back at the Trump administration's defense of its transgender service ban in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. NCLR and GLAD filed a brief refuting last week's Trump Administration claims that no harms have resulted from the ban. In their brief, NCLR and GLAD demonstrate to the court why Interim Guidance issued by the military does not protect transgender troops from the irreparable harms the ban has been inflicting on them since it was announced in July. NCLR and GLAD urge the court to stop the ban now, before it takes full effect in March 2018.
Legal Advocates in Fight Against Trump Transgender Military Ban Praise Congressional Demand for Answers
(WASHINGTON, D.C., October 10, 2017)-More than 100 Members of Congress wrote to Defense Secretary Jim Mattis asking him to provide any "discussions or correspondence between the White House and the Pentagon" that purportedly informed President Trump's decision to ban transgender individuals from serving in the military.
NCLR responds to Trump Administration's Attack on Birth Control
WASHINGTON, D.C. - October 6, 2017 -In yet another assault on access to health care, the Trump administration today issued a regulation that would dramatically undermine an essential benefit under the Affordable Care Act-insurance coverage for birth control. Following thwarted attempts by Congress to gut health care coverage, the administration implemented a sweeping exemption permitting any employer who cites a religious or moral objection to deny coverage for birth control.
Transgender Teen Who Died By Suicide Protected By Federal Sex Discrimination Protections, Federal Court Rules
(San Diego, CA, October 13, 2017)-Yesterday, the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) and Transgender Law Center (TLC) filed an amended complaint on behalf of the mother of a transgender boy in her lawsuit against a hospital for discrimination against her son. Katharine Prescott filed the amended complaint after the Court's ruling on September 27 that the Affordable Care Act's sex discrimination protections apply to transgender kids. The Court also ruled that Ms. Prescott is entitled to seek emotional distress damages on behalf of her son, who died by suicide a few weeks after his experience at Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego (RCHSD) for inpatient care.
Two Punches Against Trans Community in One Day from Trump Administration; NCLR and GLAD Respond
Washington, D.C. - October 5, 2017 – The Trump administration today landed two punches against transgender Americans, first asking the courts to dismiss a legal challenge to President Trump's ban on military service by transgender people, and then separately rolling back important employment discrimination protections for transgender workers across the country. Taken together, the two actions reinforce an agenda focused on promoting discrimination against some of the nation's most vulnerable communities, and underscore the importance of the judiciary now more than ever – as one of the only backstops to an administration committed to dismantling rights and protections for LGBT people.
October, 2017
GLAD and NCLR Express Outrage Over Trump Judicial Nominee Calling Transgender Kids Part of 'Satan's Plan'
(WASHINGTON, D.C., September 20, 2017)-Today, the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) and GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD), the LGBT advocacy organizations at the center of the transgender military fight, expressed outrage over comments made by Trump judicial nominee Jeff Mateer following reports that he called transgender children part of "Satan's Plan" and supported conversion therapy. NCLR and GLAD have said that Mateer's nomination, coupled with efforts to bar transgender Americans from serving in the military, continue to promote false stereotypes, scapegoating, and fears that will hurt our country.
Missouri Court of Appeals Says Non-Biological Parent Can Seek Custody Based on Significant, Bonded Relationship
(St. Louis, MO, October 3, 2017)-Today, the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) won an appeal on behalf of Kathleen M., a lesbian mother in Missouri who has been allowed to seek shared custody or visitation with her son. In the case K.M.M. v. K.E.W., the Missouri Court of Appeals, Eastern District ruled that a non-biological parent who raised a child from birth can seek custody or visitation.
Pentagon reacts to chaos created by Trump's transgender military ban
(WASHINGTON, D.C., September 18, 2017)-On Friday, the Pentagon issued additional interim guidance regarding transgender troops. National Center for Lesbian Rights Legal (NCLR) Director Shannon Minter and GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) Transgender Rights Project Director Jennifer Levi, who together filed Doe v. Trump in federal district court to stop the transgender military ban, issued the following statement in response: "This 'guidance' simply underscores the serious and widespread harms being caused by President Trump's shocking and unsupported decision to ban transgender people from military service, reversing the policy of open service that has been in place for more than a year. This brief 'guidance' does nothing new: it does not stop the ban or the March target date for terminating current service members; it does not permit transgender people to join the military – now or ever; and it does not mitigate the most serious harms caused by this unprecedented assault on our nation's troops. President Trump's August 25 directive to ban transgender people from military service stated that the current policy remains in effect until March 23, so this iteration of that statement does nothing new. To the contrary, Secretary Mattis reiterated in Friday's memo that 'DOD will carry out the President's Policy and directives.'
Trump's Decision to End DACA Could Put 75,000 LGBT Young People's Lives At Risk
(WASHINGTON, DC, September 5, 2017)-National Center for Lesbian Rights Executive Director Kate Kendell issued the following statement in response to today's Trump administration announcement that it will be ending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program: "Today, the Trump administration needlessly took aim at the estimated 800,000 young people, including over 75,000 LGBT people, who came to the United States as children, work, pay taxes, and are protected from deportation under DACA. In doing so, the Trump administration rescinded not only this program but our country's promise to protect these young people-many of whom have never known a life outside of the U.S.
September, 2017
GLAD and NCLR File Lawsuit Challenging Trump's Directive to Reinstate Ban on Transgender Military Service
WASHINGTON, D.C. - August 9, 2017 -Today, lawyers from GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) and the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) filed a federal lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia challenging President Trump's directive to reinstate a ban on transgender people serving in the military. The suit, Doe v. Trump, was filed on behalf of 5 transgender servicemembers with nearly 60 years of combined military service.
GLAD, NCLR File New Motion for Urgent, Immediate Halt to President Trump's Transgender Military Ban
(WASHINGTON, DC, August 31, 2017)-Today, GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) and the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) filed the first motion for preliminary injunction to put an immediate halt to Trump's transgender military ban. At the same time, NCLR and GLAD amended their initial complaint to include two new named plaintiffs: Regan Kibby and Dylan Kohere, respectively a midshipman from the U.S. Naval Academy and a student enrolled in the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC). Powerful declarations in support of the motion for preliminary injunction from these new plaintiffs and from top military officials from the Army, Navy, and Air Force outline why leaving this ban in place would irreparably harm transgender servicemembers and their families and undermine national security.
U.S. Commission on Civil Rights Urges Trump to Reconsider Transgender Military Ban
(San Francisco, CA, August 18, 2017)-Today, the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights released a statement publicly urging President Trump to reconsider his July 26 transgender military ban announcement, which stated his intransgender individuals from serving "in any capacity in the U.S. Military."
White House Issues Transgender Military Guidance
(WASHINGTON, DC, August 25, 2017) -Attorneys from the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) and GLBTQ Legal Advocates and Defenders (GLAD) representing five servicemembers who recently filed a federal lawsuit challenging President Trump's transgender military ban issued the following statement in response to White House guidance provided to the Pentagon today.
White House Transgender Military Ban Sacrifices National Security to Promote Baseless Discrimination
(WASHINGTON, DC, August 24, 2017)-Sources report that the White House is preparing to issue formal guidance to the Pentagon calling for implementation of the transgender military ban within six months. Shannon Minter, legal director at the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR), which together with GLBTQ Legal Advocates and Defenders (GLAD) filed a federal lawsuit challenging Trump's attempt to reinstate a transgender military ban, issued the following statement in response: "The President's willingness to attack his own troops is unprecedented and poses a serious threat to our nation's longstanding commitment to honor those who serve and to prioritize military readiness over politics.
August, 2017
Consumer fraud lawsuit filed against Berkeley therapist for charging over $70K for discredited conversion therapy
(San Francisco, CA, July 13, 2017)-Today, the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) and Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer LLP filed a complaint on behalf of Katherine McCobb, against California-licensed marriage and family therapist Lloyd Willey. Willey told McCobb that being a lesbian is unnatural and pathological and that her sexual orientation could be changed using therapy. The practice of so-called "conversion therapy" has been discredited by the American Psychological Association and other professional counseling organizations as ineffective, unethical, and dangerous. McCobb paid Willey more than $70,000 for eight years of therapy based on fraudulent, harmful lies.
July, 2017
4 days after NCLR wins U.S. Supreme Court case Pavan, TX Supreme Court allows unconstitutional claim to continue
(San Francisco, CA, June 30, 2017)-Today, the Texas Supreme Court issued its decision in Pidgeon v. Turner, deciding that a case challenging government-provided spousal benefits to same-sex spouses may continue. On Monday, the National Center for Lesbian Rights won U.S. Supreme Court case Pavan v. Smith, which affirmed that the 2015 marriage equality decision Obergefell v. Hodges requires the equal treatment of same-sex married couples. National Center for Lesbian Rights Deputy Director Cathy Sakimura issued the following statement in response: "Obergefell and Pavan plainly require equal treatment of married same-sex couples. It is disappointing-and inexplicable-that the Court would allow this case to continue, and that the Texas Supreme Court did not simply resolve this now. There is no need for further litigation on this issue, which will only take up unnecessary time and resources. The law is clear, and the Supreme Court has now removed any possible question or uncertainty by issuing the Pavan decision earlier this week. States must provide married same-sex couples with exactly the protections and benefits as opposite-sex married couples. The Texas Supreme Court merely delayed this inevitable ruling."
NCLR says it will fight newly released Senate healthcare repeal plan 'with the full force of our community behind us'
(Washington, DC, June 22, 2017)-Today, Senate Republicans released a "discussion draft" of their healthcare repeal plan. National Center for Lesbian Rights Executive Director Kate Kendell issued the following statement in response: "After unprecedented secrecy during drafting, a small number of senators put forward a plan today to take away healthcare from millions of Americans, including millions of LGBTQ Americans," said Kate Kendell, executive director at the National Center for Lesbian Rights. "With deep cuts to Medicaid and the federal defunding of Planned Parenthood, this rushed and unnecessary debacle will do nothing except strip coverage from those who need it most, including people of color, LGBTQ people, elders, immigrants, and young people. And after 30 years of progress in fighting HIV, this plan turns back the clock and endangers those living with HIV by cutting off access to care. With the full force of our community behind us, we will continue to fight against this bill as though our lives depend on it-because they do."
On the two year anniversary of marriage equality decision, Supreme Court reverses Arkansas' attempt to defy Obergefell
(San Francisco, CA, June 26, 2017)-Today, the U.S. Supreme Court reversed the Arkansas Supreme Court's decision in Pavan v. Smith which denied same-sex married couples' right to be named on their children's birth certificates just as other married parents are. The Arkansas decision caused these families serious harms, complicating parents' ability to consent to emergency medical care, enroll children in school or recreational sports, travel abroad, and generally care for their children. By treating these families differently the decision also subjected them to official stigma and bias, sending a message that they are unworthy of equal recognition by the state. The families in this case were represented by the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR), Arkansas attorney Cheryl Maples, and Ropes & Gray LLP.
June, 2017
Governor Brian Sandoval signs law ending conversion therapy in Nevada for LGBTQ youth
(San Francisco, CA, May 17, 2017)-Today, Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval signed SB201 into law, putting an end to the fraudulent, harmful and unscientific practice of so-called "conversion therapy" in the state of Nevada for LGBTQ youth. Today's bill signing was the result of targeted grassroots advocacy efforts by the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR), Gender Justice Nevada, Kaempfer Crowell, and the Human Rights Campaign. NCLR has been standing up on behalf of survivors of conversion therapy for the past 20 years, and in 2014, launched its Born Perfect campaign-marking a commitment to a state-by-state advocacy campaign to end this practice in each state across the country.
NCLR resolves Midwestern trans-inclusive employee healthcare case
(Cincinnati, OH, May 15, 2017)—Today, the National Center for Lesbian Rights, along with Gerhardstein & Branch and the Law Office of Scott Knox, announced that they reached a settlement in Rachel Dovel v. The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, et al. Ms. Dovel has received insurance coverage for gender affirming surgery, which was previously excluded under the Library’s employee health care plan. In 2016, Ms. Dovel was forced to take out a personal loan to cover the cost of her medically necessary gender affirming surgery when faced with this coverage exclusion. In addition to Ms. Dovel’s health care coverage, as part of the settlement the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, where Ms. Dovel continues to work, agreed to continue to expand the Library’s efforts to build an inclusive and trans positive environment, including expanding materials on LGBT issues.
May, 2017
NCLR: Latest far-right Republican health care repeal another 'dangerous attempt to gut protections millions of Americans
(San Francisco, CA, April 27, 2017)-Despite overwhelming opposition to previous efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act, far-right Republicans in Congress have come out with a new plan to gut Affordable Care Act protections, which could be put to a vote on the floor of the House as early as Saturday.
April, 2017
NCLR responds to quiet Trump Administration elimination of LGBT discrimination protections
(March 28, 2017 San Francisco)-Yesterday, the Trump Administration quietly issued an executive order rescinding Obama administration progress toward eliminating LGBT discrimination in the workplace. Previously, former president Barack Obama's Executive Order 13673 took aim at LGBT discrimination by requiring federal contractors to disclose whether they have previously been held liable for discrimination against vulnerable groups, including LGBT individuals. By eliminating this requirement, federal government decisions about which companies to do business with no longer weigh a company's history of LGBT discrimination as part of this decision-making. National Center for Lesbian Rights Executive Director Kate Kendell, Esq. issued the following statement in response:
Statement from NCLR Exec Dir Kate Kendell, opposing Pres Trump's U.S. Supreme Court Nominee Judge Neil Gorsuch
(San Francisco, CA, March 23, 2017)- Today marked the final day of Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearings for President Trump's Supreme Court pick Neil Gorsuch. NCLR Executive Director Kate Kendell, Esq. issued the following statement in response "As we celebrate our fortieth year securing the rights, liberties and futures of LGBT people, we do so acutely aware that our work is perhaps more important now than it has ever been before. We live under an administration that came to office following a campaign grounded in divisiveness and whose initial actions have targeted transgender students, women, refugees, Muslims, and millions of people who have obtained healthcare under the Affordable Care Act. Under this shadow, the United States Senate is currently considering the nomination of Judge Neil Gorsuch of the Tenth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to fill the vacancy on the United States Supreme Court. We joined our sister LGBT organizations in a letter to the Senate stating our opposition to the confirmation of Judge Gorsuch based on his extreme view that religious liberty can justify discrimination against vulnerable groups, his belief that the meaning of our Constitution is frozen in time, and his skepticism about the very existence of the fundamental liberty and privacy rights that are essential to the equality of LGBT people.
March, 2017
NCLR Condemns ICE Arrest of Survivor of Domestic Violence
(San Francisco, CA, February 16, 2017)- Last week, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arrested an undocumented survivor of abuse at a courthouse in El Paso, Texas. The woman was in court to attend a hearing on a restraining order she was seeking against her abuser. An El Paso County Attorney said that most likely ICE was acting on a tip from the abuser himself, who would have been the only other person who knew the time and location of the hearing.
NCLR Condemns Lawless Shift in Federal Policy on Transgender Students
(San Francisco, CA, February 22, 2017)- Today, under pressure from the Department of Justice, the Department of Education announced that it will no longer enforce Title IX to protect transgender students equally in all school facilities, including restrooms. Title IX guarantees students the right to a safe and supportive learning environment regardless of gender and protects them from discrimination. From its inception, Title IX was intended to promote equity in education for all students.
NCLR: Mass Deportation Program Dangerous and Illegal
(San Francisco, CA, February 23, 2017)- On Tuesday, the Department of Homeland Security released documents outlining plans for a program of mass deportation that effectively targets all undocumented people, putting millions of people at risk. The plans expand mandatory detention and so-called "Fast Track" deportations, which can be carried out without any hearing before a judge. The plans also call for hiring thousands of new Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials, and forcing state and local law officials to enforce federal immigration laws.
November, 2016
NCLR Applauds Arizona Decision Protecting Children Born to Married Same-Sex Couples
(October 11, 2016)—Today, the Arizona Court of Appeals, Division Two held that Suzan McLaughlin is a legal parent of the son she and her former same-sex spouse conceived through donor insemination and raised together before the couple separated.
NCLR Launches Campaign Urging Municipal and State Leaders to Ask Congress to Pass the Equality Act
(San Francisco, CA, October 6, 2016)-Today, the National Center for Lesbian Rights launched a new campaign-Support the Equality Act-urging municipal and state leaders across the country to enact resolutions pressing Congress to pass the federal Equality Act.
October, 2016
Family Sues Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego for Discriminatory Treatment of Transgender Teenager
(San Diego, CA, September 26, 2016)-Today, the mother of a transgender teenaged boy who was admitted into Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego (RCHSD) for inpatient care filed a lawsuit against the hospital for discrimination against her son.
Federal Court Issues Order Prohibiting Ohio School District From Discriminating Against Transgender Student
(Columbus, Ohio, Sept. 26, 2016)—Today, a federal court ordered the Highland Local School District in Ohio to allow an 11-year-old transgender girl to use school restrooms that correspond to her gender identity and to otherwise to treat her like all other female students.
Governor Signs Bill Banning California State-Funded Travel to States with New Anti-LGBT Laws
Sacramento - September 27, 2016 – California Governor Jerry Brown today signed Assembly Bill (AB) 1887, authored by Assemblymember Evan Low (D-Silicon Valley) and sponsored by Equality California and the National Center for Lesbian Rights. AB 1887 bans non-essential, state-funded travel by California state employees to North Carolina, Mississippi and other states that enact discriminatory laws after June, 2015. It is similar to executive orders and local ordinances already in place in New York State, Baltimore, San Francisco and elsewhere. However, it expands on these executive orders because it applies to states that enact new anti-LGBT laws in the future.
NCLR Client Asks Illinois Supreme Court to Rehear Decision Barring Property Claims By Unmarried Partners
(San Francisco, CA, September 8, 2016)—Today, Eileen Brewer, represented by the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) and Chicago attorney Angelika Kuehn, asked the Illinois Supreme Court to rehear its August 18, 2016 Blumenthal v. Brewer decision, which barred former unmarried partners from enforcing property claims against one another when they break up. The case arose when Brewer brought claims against her former partner, Jane Blumenthal, seeking an equitable division of the property and other assets they had accumulated together during their 26-year relationship.
NCLR Welcomes HUD Rule Requiring Equal Treatment of Transgender People in Emergency Shelters
(Washington, DC, September 20, 2016)–Today, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) issued a final rule requiring equal treatment of transgender people in federally funded emergency shelters. Today's rule provides that transgender individuals must be housed based on their gender identity. This rule amends the groundbreaking LGBT Equal Access Rule issued by HUD in 2012 that prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and marital status in public housing and HUD's core housing program
September, 2016
Gay Widower Sues KRON4 Pension Plan for Refusing to Provide Survivor Benefits After His Husband Died
(San Francisco, August 9, 2016)—Today, the widower of a former KRON4 employee sued Young Broadcasting of San Francisco and the KRON/IBEW Local 45 Pension Plan for refusing to provide him with a spousal pension benefit even though the couple were registered domestic partners.
Illinois Supreme Court Deals Major Setback to Unmarried Couples
(Springfield, IL, August 18, 2016)- Today, in a 5-2 decision with a strong dissent, the Illinois Supreme Court held that unmarried couples are barred from bringing common law claims to divide their property when they break up. The decision affirms the discriminatory policy established in 1979 by the Illinois Supreme Court in Hewitt v. Hewitt, 77 Ill.2d 49, at a time when Illinois still criminalized intimate relationships outside of marriage. Hewitt barred the state's courthouse doors to unmarried couples, holding that permitting unmarried partners to bring property claims would condone "meretricious" relationships and "weaken marriage."
National LGBT Organizations Urge Big 12 Conference to Skip BYU
(New York, NY, August 9, 2016)—Athlete Ally, the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) and more than 20 leading LGBT organizations submitted a letter to the Big 12 Conference and its member schools urging it not to consider Brigham Young University (BYU) as a potential new conference member because of the school's express policy of discriminating against same-sex couples and LGBTQ students.
August, 2016
NCLR Launches Campaign Urging RNC to Reject Support for Conversion Therapy in 2016 Platform
(San Francisco, CA, July 15, 2016)—Today, the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) calls on the LGBT community and the general public to urge delegates to the 2016 Republican National Convention to reject the party's proposed platform and work to end the dangerous and discredited practice of LGBT conversion therapy. Delegates to the convention, which is set to begin Monday, will vote on a platform that includes, among other extreme anti-LGBT provisions, a resolution approving the use of so-called "therapies" that attempt to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity. Such practices have been condemned by every major medical and mental health organization across the country because they are known to lead to extreme depression, substance abuse, and suicide.
NCLR Responds to Seventh Circuit Decision Rejecting Sex Discrimination Claim by Lesbian Worker
(San Francisco, CA, July 29, 2016)-Yesterday, a panel of the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals held that it was bound by its own prior decisions to deny a woman's claim that her employer, Ivy Tech Community College in South Bend, Indiana, violated Title 7, a federal law barring sex discrimination in employment, when it repeatedly refused to promote or hire her full time because of her sexual orientation. The plaintiff in the case, Kimberly Hively, was represented by Lambda Legal.
NCLR Responds to U.S. Supreme Court's Stay of the Fourth Circuit's Ruling in Transgender Student Case
(San Francisco, CA, August 3, 2016)—Today, in a 5-3 vote in which Justice Breyer noted that his vote for a stay was a mere "courtesy," the U.S. Supreme Court granted a temporary stay of the Fourth Circuit's recent decision in G.G. v. Gloucester County School Board holding that federal law requires Virginia's public schools to permit Gavin Grimm, a transgender boy, to use the same restrooms as other boys. The stay will remain in place only while the Court considers whether to review the Fourth Circuit's decision.
Seattle Joins Growing Number of Jurisdictions Protecting LGBTQ Kids from Conversion Therapy
(San Francisco, CA, August 1, 2016)—Today, Seattle City Council unanimously voted to protect LGBTQ youth in the city from conversion therapy, making Seattle the 10th jurisdiction—along with California, New Jersey, Oregon, Illinois, New York, Vermont, Washington, D.C., Cincinnati, and Miami Beach, FL—to protect youth from this dangerous practice.
July, 2016
Civil Liberties Groups Celebrate Federal Court's Final Order Guaranteeing Freedom to Marry in Alabama
(Mobile, AL, June 8, 2016)— A federal court today entered a final order and judgment requiring Alabama officials to abide by the U.S. Supreme Court's marriage equality decision, say four civil liberties organizations that are representing same-sex couples in the state.
NCLR Calls For Accountability After Anti-LGBT Attack
(San Francisco, CA, June 13, 2016)-The National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) responds to the mass shooting at a lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) nightclub in Orlando, Florida that left 49 people dead and more than 50 others seriously injured early June 12, 2016.
NCLR Responds to Historic Pentagon Announcement that It Is Lifting Its Ban on Transgender Servicemembers
(Washington, D.C., June 30, 2016)—Today, the Pentagon made a historic announcement that it is lifting its ban on transgender people being able to serve openly in the U.S. military. The announcement, made by Defense Secretary Ash Carter, comes five years after the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" that allowed lesbian, gay, and bisexual people to openly serve the country as members of the military. The ban is lifted effective immediately.
NCLR Statement on U.S. Supreme Court Decision Upholding Abortion Rights
(Washington D.C., June 27, 2016)—Today the U.S. Supreme Court struck down two restrictions on abortion enacted by the State of Texas in 2013 that would have shut down three quarters of the clinics in the nation's second-largest state. The 5-3 decision in Whole Woman's Health v. Hellerstedt, upholding the constitutional rights of Texas women, will allow the remaining clinics in the state to keep their doors open and clear a path for other clinics to open or reopen to meet the needs of those who need abortion care across the state.
June, 2016
NCLR Applauds Federal Guidance on Title IX and Transgender Students
(San Francisco, CA, May 13, 2016) – Today, the United States Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and the United States Department of Justice issued guidance on Title IX and the right of transgender students to attend school free from discrimination based on sex.
Vermont Joins Growing Number of Jurisdictions Protecting LGBTQ Kids from Conversion Therapy
(Vermont, Montpelier, May 25, 2016)-Today, Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin signed Senate Bill 132 into law, making Vermont the eighth jurisdiction-behind California, New Jersey, Oregon, Illinois, New York, Washington D.C., and Cincinnati-to protect LGBTQ youth from the dangers of conversion therapy.
May, 2016
EQCA-Sponsored Travel Ban Clears Assembly Judiciary Committee
Sacramento, Calif. - April 7, 2016 – A bill sponsored by Equality California and the National Center for Lesbian Rights that would ban state-funded travel to Mississippi, North Carolina, and other states that enact laws that permit discrimination against LGBT people has cleared the California Assembly Judiciary Committee this week. Assembly Bill 1887, authored by Assemblymember Evan Low (D-Campbell), would ban non-essential, state-funded travel to those states by California state employees.
GLAD and NCLR on Decision Which Affirms U.S. Dept of Education Rule Mandating Equal Treatment of Transgender Students
(San Francisco, CA, April 19, 2016)—GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) and the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) today applaud a decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit which confirms policy set by the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights, that ensures Gavin Grimm, a 15-year-old transgender student in Virginia, will be fully respected as a boy at his school including in being able to access the boys' room.
NCLR Applauds U.S. Senators Murray and Booker for Introducing Bill to Protect LGBT People from Conversion Therapy
(San Francisco, CA, April 28, 2016)—Today, U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Corey Booker (D-NJ) introduced the Therapeutic Fraud Prevention Act, a companion bill to HR 2450, introduced in the House of Representatives by Ted Lieu in 2015. The bill would define the provision of conversion therapy for profit as consumer fraud and, additionally, take Rep. Lieu's bill one step farther by empowering states to take their own action against these dangerous and discredited practices. The senators' move comes just two months after the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR), along with partner organizations Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and the Southern Poverty Law Center, filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission encouraging the federal government to investigate conversion therapy as a violation of existing consumer fraud laws.
April, 2016
NCLR Response to U.S. Supreme Court Nomination
March 16, 2017 - Statement of NCLR Executive Director Kate Kendell in response to President Obama's nomination of Merrick Garland to the United States Supreme Court.
New Federal Report Shows Increasing Support of Same-Sex Adoptions
(San Francisco, CA, March 17, 2016)—A new report released today by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services shows increasing national support for adoptions by lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender parents.
U.S. Supreme Court Reverses Alabama's Refusal to Recognize a Same-Sex Parent Adoption from Georgia
(Washington, DC, March 7, 2016)-Today, the United States Supreme Court reversed an Alabama Supreme Court decision refusing to recognize a lesbian mother's prior adoption of her three children in Georgia. Today's summary reversal restores V.L. full rights as an adoptive parent.
World's Largest Psychiatric Association Condemns Conversion Therapy
(San Francisco, CA, March 23, 2016)—Today, the world's largest organization of mental health professionals-representing more than 200,000 people in 118 countries-called for an end to the discredited practice of "conversion therapy," which is linked to serious harms, including depression, substance abuse, and suicide.
March, 2016
National Organizations Target 'Conversion Therapy' Quacks with Historic Federal Consumer Fraud Complaint
WASHINGTON - February 24, 2016 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR), and the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) filed a federal consumer fraud complaint against People Can Change, an organization that preys on vulnerable LGBT people and families by using damaging and discredited claims that it can change an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity.
NCLR Responds to South Dakota Governor’s Rejection of Anti-Transgender Bill
San Francisco, CA, March 1, 2016)-The National Center for Lesbian Rights applauds South Dakota Governor Dennis Dauggard for vetoing House Bill 1008, which would have required South Dakota public schools to invade the privacy of all students and deny transgender students the ability to be treated the same as other students.
February, 2016
Gay Widower SF Bay Area Union Pension Plan Survivor Benefits Lawsuit
(San Francisco, January 22, 2016) – Today, the widower of a hotel telecommunications engineer in San Francisco sued the IUOE Stationary Engineers Local 39 Pension Plan and its Board of Trustees for refusing to provide him with a spousal pension benefit required by the terms of the pension plan and federal law, solely because both spouses are men.
Huntsville Hosts Alabama #RuralPride Summit February 4
(Huntsville, AL, January 27, 2016)—The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) will host the next #RuralPride summit in Huntsville, Alabama on February 4. The event, co-hosted by the True Colors Fund, will be held at the Alabama A&M University, Agricultural Research Center (ARC), Building 0870, 4900 Meridian Street North, Huntsville, Alabama, from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
NCLR Applauds Governor Cuomo for Taking Bold Executive Action to End Conversion Therapy in New York
(New York, NY, February 6, 2016)—New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced a series of comprehensive regulations to prevent the practice of so-called lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender "conversion therapy," which has been deemed harmful to patients by a wide variety of leading medical and mental health professionals. The multi-agency regulations announced today ban public and private health care insurers from covering the practice in New York State and also prohibit various mental health facilities across the state from conducting the practice on minors.
NCLR Statement on U.S. Supreme Court Decision to Hear DAPA/DACA Case
(January 19, 2016, Washington, D.C.)—Today the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to review the Fifth Court of Appeal's decision blocking the implementation of the Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA) program and the expansion of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. By agreeing to hear the challenge to the Fifth Circuit Court's ruling, the Supreme Court has the chance to positively affect the lives of millions of undocumented immigrants and their families, many of whom are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT) individuals.
January, 2016
Broad Range File Briefs with U.S. Supreme Court in Support of Lesbian Mother from Alabama
(Washington, D.C., December 17, 2015)—A broad range of leading adoption advocates and constitutional and family law scholars and experts filed friends of the court briefs today in support of a lesbian mother in Alabama who is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to review an Alabama Supreme Court order refusing to recognize her adoption of her three children.
Coalition of National Groups File Amicus Brief in U.S. Supreme Court Challenge to TX Abortion Restrictions
(Washington, D.C., January 5, 2016)—The National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) and a coalition of 13 other LGBT, racial justice, and health equity organizations have filed an amicus brief in Whole Woman's Health v. Cole asking the U.S. Supreme Court to strike down draconian restrictions on abortion providers enacted by the State of Texas in 2013 which, if upheld, would lead to the closing of most abortion clinics in the state. The brief urges the Court to carefully scrutinize the state's asserted justification for the law, just as the Court has done with other laws that infringe upon fundamental freedoms. The State of Texas has argued that the law protects the health of women seeking abortion, but the evidence at trial showed just the opposite. In fact, medical organizations such as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American Medical Association, and the American Public Health Association have warned that the restrictions imposed by the new law are medically unnecessary and endanger women's health.
Federal Court, FedEx and Widow's Pension Benefits Lawsuit
(San Francisco, January 4, 2016)—Today, U.S. District Court Judge Phyllis Hamilton denied FedEx's attempt to throw out a lawsuit filed by Stacey Schuett, a widow of a longtime FedEx employee who has been denied the survivor pension benefits her same-sex spouse earned during her long career with the company.
NCLR Joins Coalition Urging U.S. Supreme Court to Protect President's Executive Actions on Immigration
(San Francisco, CA, December 2, 2015)—The National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) has joined a coalition of 224 immigration, civil rights, labor, and social service groups in an amicus brief urging the U.S. Supreme Court to review Texas v. U.S., the case that has temporarily blocked some of President Obama's executive actions on immigration. The filing of the amicus brief comes less than a month after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit upheld a preliminary injunction put in place by a Texas federal district court that blocked implementation of protections for millions of immigrants and their families across the country. The brief was filed just days after the formal request, known as a petition for writ of certiorari, from the U.S. Department of Justice to the Supreme Court to review the case.
NCLR Statement on Hillary Clinton's Landmark LGBT Policy Brief
(San Francisco, CA, December 17, 2015)—Today Democratic Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton unveiled a landmark policy paper addressing issues that affect the LGBT community. Clinton's policy proposal is the first and most specific issued by any presidential candidate currently in the 2016 race.
NCLR Statement Supporting Planned Parenthood
(San Francisco, CA, December 3, 2015)–The U.S. Senate will vote today on a budget reconciliation bill that includes a measure to defund Planned Parenthood and prevent low-income patients-including those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender—from getting basic preventive health care at Planned Parenthood health centers across the country. It would also repeal essential aspects of the Affordable Care Act. This is only the latest in a series of attacks on Planned Parenthood by radical anti-abortion operatives and extremist politicians.
Same-Sex Couples Ask Fed Court to Order FL to List Both Parents on Birth Certificates
(Tallahassee, FL, December 9, 2015)—Today, the married same-sex couples suing the State of Florida asked a federal court to order state officials to list both parents on their children's birth certificates as Florida already does for children born to married different-sex couples.
US Supreme Court Grants Lesbian Mom's Request for Emergency Stay of AL Sup Court Order Denying Recognition of Adoption
(Washington, D.C., December 14, 2015)—Today, the U.S. Supreme Court granted an Alabama lesbian mother's request for an emergency stay of an Alabama Supreme Court order refusing to recognize her adoption of her three children. The U.S. Supreme Court's ruling today suspends the Alabama Supreme Court decision so that she will be able to have visitation pending the Court's consideration of her case.
December, 2015
AL Mother Asks Supreme Court to Review AL Refusal to Recognize a Same-Sex Parent Adoption from Another State
(Birmingham, AL, November 16, 2015)—Today, a lesbian mother in Alabama asked the U.S. Supreme Court to review an Alabama Supreme Court decision refusing to recognize her as an adoptive parent of her three children and holding that Alabama does not have to recognize second-parent adoptions granted by Georgia courts. The mother also asked the Supreme Court for an emergency order permitting her to visit her children while her appeal is pending. As a result of an earlier Alabama order, she has not had visitation with her children—ages 12, 10, and 10—for nearly seven months, even though she has raised them from their birth.
HUD Issues Rule to Ensure Equality for Transgender Shelter Seekers
(Washington, DC, November 20, 2015)–Today, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) issued a proposed rule that would ensure that transgender individuals seeking accommodations in emergency shelters are housed according to their gender identity. Today's rule amends the groundbreaking LGBT Equal Access Rule issued by HUD in 2012 that prohibits discrimination in public housing and HUD's core housing programs based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and marital status.
NCLR Statement on DAPA and DACA Expansion Obstruction
(San Francisco, CA, November 9, 2015)—Tonight the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals refused to allow the Deferred Action for Parent of American and Permanent Residents (DAPA) and expansion of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) programs to take effect. The federal court's ruling will negatively affect the lives of millions of undocumented immigrants and their family, many of whom are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender individuals.
November, 2015
Amicus Brief Argues that Treating Transgender Students Equally in Bathrooms is Crucial for Adolescent Development
(San Francisco, CA, October 29, 2015)—Being able to use the same bathroom as other students at school is critical for the healthy development of transgender adolescents, says an amicus brief filed on behalf of medical and mental health associations by Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD), National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR), and Goodwin Procter LLP in G.G. v. Gloucester County School Board. The case, filed in federal district court in Virginia by the American Civil Liberties Union, involves Gavin Grimm, a 16-year-old transgender Virginia boy whose use of the boys' room prompted the school board to enact a policy excluding transgender students from using the same restrooms as their peers.
CA Governor Signs Landmark Assisted Reproduction Law
(San Francisco, CA, October 7, 2015)—Today, California Governor Jerry Brown signed a bill that updates the state's assisted reproduction laws to ensure that all families are equally protected under the law.
California Governor Signs Bill Protecting Transgender Employees of Companies Working with State
(San Francisco, CA, October 7, 2015)—California Governor Jerry Brown signed a landmark bill that protects transgender people who work for companies doing business with state agencies.
California Governor Signs Landmark Bill Protecting Transgender Children in Foster Care
(San Francisco, CA, October 11, 2015)—California Governor Jerry Brown today signed a landmark bill that protects transgender children in the foster care system.
NCLR & Equality Fl Ask Federal Judge to Order Immediate Issuance of Birth Certificates Acknowledging Same-Sex Spouses
(Tallahassee, FL, October 16, 2015)—Today, the same-sex couples who filed a federal lawsuit challenging Florida's refusal to add both of their names to their children's birth certificates asked the court for immediate protection for their families.
NCLR and HRC Release Sample Legislation to End Conversion Therapy on LGBTQ Youth
WASHINGTON - October 20, 2015 – Today, the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR), a national legal organization committed to advancing the civil and human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people and their families, and the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest LGBT civil rights organization, released sample legislation for state legislators and equality groups who want to protect LGBTQ youth from the dangerous and discredited practice of conversion therapy.
NCLR Applauds Obama Administration's Groundbreaking Report on Conversion Therapy
(San Francisco, CA, October 15, 2015)—Today the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), released "Ending Conversion Therapy: Supporting And Affirming LGBTQ Youth," a groundbreaking new report that provides accurate information about how conversion therapy harms lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth. The report was released this morning and will be discussed in depth by several of the authors this afternoon at a panel moderated by National Lesbian Rights (NCLR) #BornPerfect Campaign Coordinator and Staff Attorney Samantha Ames at at the Utah LGBT Summit, part of the National LGBT Rural Summit Series, hosted by the White House and the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Ogden.
NCLR Response to U.S. Senate Cloture Vote Against Advancing Anti-Immigrant Bill
(Washington, DC, October 20, 2015)— The U.S. Senate voted 54-45 against advancing a federal bill that would have increased penalties for immigrants who reenter the United States after being deported and punished cities that protect immigrants from unjustified deportation.
October, 2015
Alabama Supreme Court Refuses to Recognize Lesbian Mother's Adoption from Another State
(Montgomery, AL, September 18, 2015)—Today, the Alabama Supreme Court refused to recognize an adoption by a lesbian mother of her three children granted by a Georgia court in 2007. Even though she had raised the children from birth and adopted them over eight years ago, the Court ruled that Alabama does not need to respect her adoption because it found that the Georgia court didn't properly apply Georgia law when it granted her adoption.
NCLR Applauds USA Rugby Commitment to End LGBT Discrimination in the Game
(San Francisco, CA, September 15, 2015)—Today, USA Rugby and International Gay Rugby formed a partnership to help promote a diverse and inclusive environment for players, at all levels of rugby, and to end LGBT discrimination in all areas of the game.
New Guide Promotes the Safety and Well-Being of LGBT Youth in the Justice System
(San Francisco, CA, September 29, 2015)—Today, the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) announces the release of a groundbreaking publication entitled, "Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Youth in the Juvenile Justice System." This comprehensive practice guide, written by NCLR Youth Project Director Shannan Wilber for the Annie E. Casey Foundation, provides juvenile justice agencies the tools to meet their obligation to ensure the safety and well-being of LGBT youth in their care.
Statement on San Francisco Sheriff's Plan to Move Transgender Women into Daytime Programming in the Women's Jail
(San Francisco, CA, September 10, 2015)–Today, San Francisco Sheriff Ross Mirkarimi announced that he is implementing a policy that will allow transgender women to receive programming in the women's jail. Although the women will participate in classes, job training, physical recreation, and other programs in the women's jail during the day, they will remain in the men's jail during the evenings and overnight
September, 2015
Florida is Breaking the Law By Refusing To Acknowledge Married Same-Sex Couples As Parents on Birth Certificates
(Tallahassee, FL, August 13, 2015)—Just days ago, Cathy Pareto and Karla Arguello—the first same-sex couple to be married in Florida—celebrated the birth of their twin son and daughter. But the couple's joy was soon mixed with fear and frustration when the hospital denied Cathy the right to add her name to the children's birth certificates.
Illinois Becomes Fifth Jurisdiction to Protect LGBTQ Kids from Conversion Therapy
(Springfield, Ill August 20, 2015)—Today, Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner signed House Bill 217 into law, making Illinois the fifth jurisdiction—behind California, New Jersey, the District of Columbia, and Oregon—to protect LGBTQ youth from the dangers of conversion therapy.
Missouri Court of Appeals Allows Lesbian Mother to Seek Custody
(Kansas City, MO, August 18, 2015)—Today, the Western District Court of Appeals in Kansas City, Missouri held that a woman who planned for and raised twin children with her long-term same-sex partner can seek custody of the children.
NCLR Applauds Colorado Court of Appeals Ruling on Masterpiece Cakeshop
(San Francisco, CA, August 13, 2015)—Today the Colorado Court of Appeals upheld the decision of the state's Civil Rights Commission in Craig and Mullins v. Masterpiece Cakeshop. The Colorado Court affirmed the Commission's ruling that the store violated Colorado law by refusing services to a gay couple based on the owner's disapproval of their wedding.
NCLR Launches Campaign to Reform State Parenting Laws
(San Francisco, CA, August 11, 2015)—Today, the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) launched its #Equality4Families campaign to raise awareness about the need to reform state laws so that they fully protect LGBT parents' rights to care for their children.
NCLR Statement on Federal Raid of Rentboy.com
(San Francisco, CA, August 27, 2015)—On Tuesday Federal agents arrested Rentboy.com CEO Jeffrey Hurant and six of the company's employees on prostitution charges. The agents also seized their homes, bank accounts, and $1.4 million.
NCLR Welcomes Proposed HHS Non-Discrimination Provision for Transgender Individuals
(Washington, DC, September 3, 2015) - Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released proposed regulations for Section 1557, the Affordable Care Act's non-discrimination provision. The proposed regulations will prohibit healthcare providers and insurance companies from denying transgender people medically necessary care because of their gender identity. This includes everything from routine medical exams to transition-related care.
Two Landmark Transgender Rights Bills Pass California Assembly
(San Francisco, CA, September 2, 2015)-Today, the California State Assembly passed two bills-authored by Senator Mark Leno and co-sponsored by the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR), Equality California, and Transgender Law Center-protecting transgender people who work for companies doing business with state agencies and transgender children in the foster care system.
August, 2015
Federal Court Rules Discriminatory Texas ID Law Violates Voting Rights Act
(Washington, DC, August 5, 2015)—Today the Fifth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that a discriminatory Texas voter ID law violated federal law. The Court ruled that the Texas law had a discriminatory effect and violated Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which is one of the remaining provisions of the landmark civil rights bill.
Federal Government Approves School Policy that Affirms and Respects Transgender Students
(San Francisco, CA, July 13, 2015)–On Friday, July 10, 2015, the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights and the U.S. Department of Justice approved the Arcadia Unified School District's long-awaited policy on transgender students. The policy—going into effect immediately—provides strong guidance to school administrators and educators, which will help ensure that all students, including transgender students, can learn in a safe and welcoming school environment.
First-Of-Its-Kind Publication Provides Schools With Guidance to Ensure Safe and Supportive Environments for Transgender
(San Francisco, CA, August 3, 2015)—Today, five national organizations introduced Schools In Transition: A Guide for Supporting Transgender Students in K-12 Schools, a first-of-its-kind publication for school administrations, teachers, and parents about how to provide safe and supportive environments for all transgender students, kindergarten through twelfth grade.
Jackson MS Hosts USDA #RuralPride
(Jackson, MS, August 4, 2015)—The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) will host the next #RuralPride summit in Jackson, Mississippi, on August 14. The event, co-hosted by the True Colors Fund and Equality Mississippi, will be held at Millsaps College, 1701 N State Street, Jackson, MS 39202, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Lexington Hosts Kentucky #RuralPride Summit August 12
(Lexington, KY, July 23, 2015)—The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) will host the next #RuralPride summit in Lexington, Kentucky on August 12. The day-long event, co-hosted by the True Colors Fund and the Pride Community Services Organization (PCSO) will be held at PCSO's office, 389 Waller Avenue, Suite 100, Lexington, Kentucky, from 1:00 PM to 4:45PM.
NCLR Applauds Federal Appeals Court Decision Upholding Washington State Rules Requiring Pharmacies To Fill All Prescript
(San Francisco, CA, July 23, 2015)—Today, in a unanimous decision, the U. S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit upheld rules issued by the State of Washington requiring all state-licensed pharmacies to provide timely delivery of all prescription medications to patients. The court rejected claims that requiring pharmacies to sell certain prescription birth control drugs violated the constitutional rights of pharmacy owners who have religious objections to birth control. The Washington rules that were upheld today require that at least one pharmacist working for the pharmacy provide timely delivery of any validly prescribed medication.
NCLR Welcomes Introduction of Comprehensive LGBT Civil Rights Bill
(Washington, DC, July 23, 2015)— Today Senators Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wi.), Corey Booker (D-N.J.), and Representative David Cicilline (D-R.I.) introduced in Congress the Equality Act, a comprehensive federal civil rights bill that would protect LGBT individuals from discrimination in seven critical sectors: credit, education, employment, federal funding, housing, jury service, and public accommodations.
NCLR: Appalling H.R. 3009 Punishes Sanctuary Cities and Harms Immigrant Families
(Washington, DC, July 23, 2015)—Today the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Enforce the Law for Sanctuary Cities Act, a bill that would withhold federal money from sanctuary cities that promote public safety by making it safe for undocumented persons to report crimes to local police without fear of being deported.
July, 2015
A Day After President's Condemnation Of Conversion Therapy, NJ Jury Finds JONAH Guilty of Consumer Fraud
(San Francisco, CA, June 25, 2015)—After hours of deliberations, a New Jersey jury found Jews Offering New Alternatives for Healing (JONAH) liable for consumer fraud. JONAH, a group that promised gay men that it would turn them into heterosexuals, was sued by the Southern Poverty Law Center in 2012 under New Jersey's consumer fraud law.
Federal Court Confirms That All Alabama Counties Must Stop Enforcing Unconstitutional Marriage Ban
(MOBILE, Ala., July 1, 2015)–U.S. District Judge Callie V.S. Granade today issued an order confirming that her injunction directing all Alabama probate judges to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples is now in effect and requires immediate compliance. A violation of Judge Granade's order could result in a county probate judge being held liable for contempt of court, attorneys' fees, financial penalties, and any other remedies the court deems proper.
NCLR Applauds Supreme Court Rulings on Obamacare and Fair Housing Act
(Washington, DC, June 25, 2015)—This morning, the U.S. Supreme Court held that the Affordable Care Act permits subsidies to be provided to persons in the 34 states that refused to set up their own exchanges. In a separate decision, the Court also ruled that disparate impact claims are cognizable under the Fair Housing Act.
NCLR Statement on Hate Murders at Historic A.M.E. Church in Charleston, SC
(San Francisco, CA, June 18, 2015)—Last night in Charleston, South Carolina, a white gunman opened fire on a prayer group at the historic Emanuel African Methodist Church during Bible study. Nine people were murdered, including state senator and pastor of the church Rev. Clementa Pinckney and his sister. The alleged gunman, Dylann Storm Roof, 21, was captured early this morning. The murders are being investigated as hate crimes.
PG&E Contributes $250K to NCLR's Groundbreaking Work
(San Francisco, CA, June 30, 2015)—Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has awarded the National Center for Lesbian Rights a $250,000 contribution as part of the utility company's long-standing commitment to LGBT workplace equality. The contribution comes on the heels of the NCLR's landmark U.S. Supreme Court marriage victory and will provide thousands of LGBT individuals with continued resources.
U.S. Department of Justice Affirms Title IX Protection for Transgender Students
(Washington, DC, June 30, 2015)—Today, the Department of Justice affirmed that Title IX protects the right of transgender students to use the restroom that matches their gender identity. Earlier this month, G.G., a transgender boy in Virginia sued his school district for denying him access to the boys' restroom and is seeking a court order requiring the school to allow him to use the boys' restroom before the new school year begins.
June, 2015
Illinois Bill Protecting LGBT Youth from Conversion Therapy Moves to Governor
(Springfield, IL, May, 29, 2015)—Today, the Illinois State Senate voted 34-19 to pass House Bill 217, the Illinois Youth Mental Health Protection Act that will protect lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth from the dangerous and discredited practices of conversion therapy. The bill was overwhelmingly approved 68-43 by the State House earlier this month and is heading to the desk of Republican Governor Bruce Rauner.
NCLR Applauds Introduction of Therapeutic Fraud Prevention Act by Congressman Lieu
(Washington, DC, May 19, 2015)—The National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) applauds U.S. Congressman Ted W. Lieu’s introduction of the Therapeutic Fraud Act, the first nationwide bill that would protect LGBT people from the dangers of conversion therapy. Lieu announced the bill this morning at a press conference attended by survivors of conversion therapy, members of the mental health and medical community, faith leaders, and representatives from NCLR, the Human Rights Campaign, and the Sothern Poverty Law Center.
NCLR Statement on Baltimore and Freddie Gray
(Washington, D.C., April 29, 2015)—The following can be attributed to National Center for Lesbian Rights Executive Director Kate Kendell, Esq.
Oregon Becomes Fourth Jurisdiction to Protect LGBT Kids from Conversion Therapy
(Salem, OR, May 21, 2015)—The National Center for Lesbian Rights and the Human Rights Campaign applaud Oregon Gov. Kate Brown for signing House Bill 2307 into law, making Oregon the fourth jurisdiction—behind California, New Jersey, and the District of Columbia—to protect LGBT youth from the dangers of conversion therapy.
Oregon to Join California, New Jersey, & DC in Protecting LGBT Youth from Conversion Therapy
(Salem, Oregon, May 7, 2015)—Today, the Oregon State Senate passed HB 2307, a bill that will protect lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth from the dangerous and discredited practice of conversion therapy. The bill was overwhelmingly approved by the State House on March 17 and is now heading to the desk of Governor Kate Brown who is expected to sign it into law.
May, 2015
Civil Rights Groups Sue National Finance Company for Illegally Firing Transgender Employee
(New Orleans, LA, April 13, 2015)—A national Mississippi-based finance company fired a transgender man after he refused to agree to dress and be treated as female, according to a federal employment discrimination lawsuit filed today by civil rights advocates.
Louisiana High School to Allow Lesbian Student to Wear a Tux to Prom
(Monroe, Louisiana, April 7, 2015)—Today, Carroll High School Principal Patrick Taylor and Monroe City School Board President Bishop Rodney McFarland Sr. contacted Claudetteia Love, who is being represented by the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR), to inform her that she will be allowed to wear a tuxedo to her senior prom on April 24.
NCLR Applauds Jenner's Courage In Sharing Transgender Identity With the Public
San Francisco, CA, April 24, 2015)—Tonight, in a groundbreaking interview with Diane Sawyer of ABC News, Olympic Gold Medalist Bruce Jenner publicly talked about being a transgender woman.
NCLR Applauds the EEOC's Decision Ensuring Restroom Access for Transgender Employees
(San Francisco, CA, April 8, 2015)—Today, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the federal agency charged with enforcing federal workplace anti-discrimination laws, ruled that an employer's refusal to allow a transgender employee access to restroom facilities consistent with his or her gender identity is sex discrimination under Title VII.
NCLR Welcomes Congresswoman Speier's Resolution Calling on States to Protect LGBT Youth from Conversion Therapy
(San Francisco, CA, April 14, 2015)—Today, U.S. Congresswoman Jackie Speier (CA-14th) introduced the "Stop Harming Our Kids" (SHOK) Resolution of 2015, calling on states to pass laws protecting LGBT youth from conversion therapy, a set of dangerous and discredited practices that falsely claim to be able to change sexual orientation and gender identity. Congresswoman Speier has been a longtime advocate for efforts to end conversion therapy, having introduced a similar resolution in 2012. Her move comes one week after the White House, Surgeon General, and other national leaders joined the call to support LGBT youth by ending these ineffective and harmful practices for good.
April, 2015
Broad Array of Business, Religious, Civil Rights, and Government Leaders Urge U.S. Supreme Court to Affirm the Freedom t
(Washington, D.C., March 6, 2015)—Dozens of friend-of-the-court briefs have been filed with the United States Supreme Court urging the Court to strike down marriage equality bans in Tennessee and three other states.
Civil Rights Organizations Ask Federal Court In Alabama To Order Freedom To Marry Statewide
(Mobile, AL, March 6, 2015)—A group of leading national civil rights organizations today filed a motion requesting a federal district court to expand a lawsuit challenging Alabama's ban on same-sex marriage and to order all county probate judges in the state to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples.
Legal Teams Announce Advocates Who Will Argue in Supreme Court Marriage Equality Cases
(Washington, DC, March 31, 2015)—Counsel for plaintiffs from the Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and Tennessee marriage lawsuits today announced that Mary L. Bonauto and Doug Hallward-Driemeier will represent the plaintiffs at the cases' scheduled April 28 arguments before the U.S. Supreme Court.
Legal Teams Submit Proposal to U.S. Supreme Court Regarding Oral Argument in Marriage Cases
(Washington D.C. March 17, 2015) — Today counsel representing all plaintiffs from the Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and Tennessee marriage lawsuits submitted a proposal to the U.S. Supreme Court requesting that argument time be divided equally among the cases from the four states.
NCLR, EQCA, and TLC Sponsor California Equal Benefits Bill
(Sacramento, CA, March 5, 2015)—The National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR), Equality California (EQCA), and Transgender Law Center applaud the introduction of a California bill that prohibits state agencies from doing business with companies that discriminate against their employees based on gender identity, including by denying transgender workers the same benefits and health care coverage they offer all other workers.
Oklahoma Pro-Conversion 'Therapy' Bill Dies on State House Floor
Oklahoma City - March 12, 2015 —This afternoon, a bill introduced to the Oklahoma State House by Representative Sally Kern that would legalize anti-LGBT therapy died without coming to a vote. The defeat follows months of extensive grassroots organizing by national and state organizations working in coalition to educate parents and families about the ineffective and harmful practices of conversion therapy on LGBT youth.
Supreme Court to Hear Marriage Equality Cases On April 28, 2015
(Washington, DC, March 5, 2015)—The United States Supreme Court will hear oral argument on April 28, 2015 in marriage equality cases from Tennessee, Kentucky, Michigan, and Ohio.
March, 2015
Alabama Court of Appeals Recognizes Adoptions by Same-Sex Parents
(Montgomery, AL, February 27, 2015)—Today, the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals unanimously held that a second parent adoption granted to now separated same-sex parents by a Georgia court in 2007 must be recognized in Alabama—and that V.L., the adoptive mother of their three children, must be recognized as their parent and allowed to seek custody or visitation. The court explained that the "Georgia judgment is entitled to full faith and credit throughout the United States, including Alabama," and ordered the case sent back to Family Court for a hearing on visitation. This decision reverses the same court's earlier ruling last fall, which ruled that the adoption was void and could not be recognized because the Alabama court interpreted Georgia law as not allowing second parent adoptions.
Alabama Same-Sex Couples Ask Federal Court To Require Probate Judge To Issue Marriage Licenses
(Mobile, AL, February 9, 2015)—Today, four same-sex couples in Mobile, AL asked United States District Judge Callie V. S. Granade to instruct Mobile County Probate Judge Don Davis to issue them marriage licenses after Davis stopped issuing marriage licenses entirely today rather than issue licenses to same-sex couples as Judge Granade previously ordered
Federal Judge Instructs Alabama's Mobile County Probate Judge to Issue Marriage Licenses to Same-Sex Couples
(Mobile, AL, February 12, 2015)—Moments ago, United States District Judge Callie V. S. Granade instructed Mobile County Probate Judge Don Davis to begin issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples.
Federal Judge Schedules Thursday Hearing to Decide Whether to Order Alabama's Mobile County Probate Judge to Issue Marri
Mobile, AL, February 10, 2015)—Moments ago, United States District Judge Callie V. S. Granade granted the request of four Mobile County same-sex couples to add Mobile County Probate Judge Don Davis as a defendant in a lawsuit in which Judge Granade previously struck down Alabama's marriage equality ban as violating the federal Constitution. Judge Granade scheduled a hearing for this Thursday, February 12, 2015, at 1:00 PM CT in the U.S. Courthouse, Courtroom 2B, 113 St. Joseph Street, Mobile, Alabama 36602.
NCLR and ACLU of Alabama Applaud President Obama's Support For Marriage Equality in Alabama
(Washington, DC., February 10, 2015)—Today, in an interview with BuzzFeed, President Obama stated that he would welcome a ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court that same-sex couples have the freedom to marry in every state, stating: "It's time to recognize that under the equal protection clause of the United States Constitution, same-sex couples should have the same rights as anybody else."
NCLR and USDA Host LGBT #RuralPride Summit in Nashville, TN
(Nashville, TN, March 11, 2015)—The National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will host the next #RuralPride summit in Nashville, Tennessee on March 19. The event, co-hosted by True Colors Fund and the Oasis Center focuses on addressing the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people living in rural communities across the country.
NCLR Welcomes HUD Policy for Transgender Residents in Federally Funded Shelters
(Washington, DC, February 20, 2015)—Today, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) issued guidance clarifying that single-sex shelters receiving federal funds must respect the gender identity of all residents and provide access to sex-segregated shelters based on gender identity.
Same-Sex Couples Can Now Marry in Alabama
(Mobile, AL, February 9, 2015)—Today, Alabama becomes the nation’s 38th state to honor the freedom to marry after a federal district court struck down the state’s marriage equality ban and ordered marriage equality to begin this morning.
Tennessee Couples File Brief Asking Supreme Court to Uphold the Freedom to Marry and End 'Checkerboard Nation' of Marria
(Washington D.C., February 27, 2015)—Three couples challenging Tennessee's marriage ban filed a brief in the Supreme Court of the United States today, asking the Court to rule that same-sex couples have the freedom to marry and thereby put an end to "a checkerboard nation in which same-sex couples' marriages are dissolved and reestablished as they travel or move from state to state." The couples' brief argues that the Supreme Court "should not permit any state to deprive another generation of lesbian and gay persons of the opportunity to participate fully in marriage."
January, 2015
NCLR Welcomes IOC's New Sexual Orientation Nondiscrimination Policy
(San Francisco, CA, December 9, 2014)—Today, during a meeting in Monaco, the 127th Session of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) voted to revise the IOC's nondiscrimination policy to include sexual orientation. The nondiscrimination proposal was part of a larger series of reforms to the Olympic charter, known as Principle Six.
December, 2014
D.C. Council Passes Groundbreaking Bill to Protect LGBT Youth from Conversion Therapy
(Washington, D.C., December 2, 2014)—Today, the District of Columbia Council unanimously approved a bill that will protect lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth from the dangerous and discredited practice of conversion therapy.
Federal Court Denies South Dakota's Motion to Dismiss Marriage Equality Lawsuit
(Sioux Falls, SD, Nov. 14, 2014)—South Dakota's marriage equality lawsuit is moving forward after United States Judge Karen Schreier rejected the State's motion for the case to be dismissed on Friday.
NCLR Applauds the Oklahoma Supreme Court for Allowing Same-Sex Parents to Seek Custody
(Oklahoma City, OK, November 12, 2014)—In a victory for all LGBT families in Oklahoma, the state's Supreme Court ruled today that non-biological parents in a same-sex relationship can seek custody of children they raised based on an agreement to parent together. The decision found that there is no public policy in Oklahoma against a child having same-sex parents, and if a biological parent jointly conceives children with a non-biological parent and then raises those children together, she cannot deny the other parent the ability to seek custody or visitation based on their agreement.
NCLR Asks U.S. Supreme Court to Hear Tennessee Marriage Equality Case
(Nashville, TN, Nov. 14, 2014)—Today, the three same-sex couples challenging the State of Tennessee's laws excluding same-sex couples from marriage and refusing to recognize their out-of-state marriages asked the U.S. Supreme Court to hear their case after the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that state marriage bans do not violate the U.S. Constitution.
NCLR Statement on Staten Island Grand Jury's Decision Not to Indict Eric Garner's Killer
(San Francisco, CA, December 3, 2014)—Today, a Grand Jury in Staten Island decided not to bring charges against Daniel Pantaleo, the NYPD officer that killed Eric Garner.
NCLR's Statement on Grand Jury Decision to Not Indict Michael Brown's Shooter
(San Francisco, CA, November 24, 2014)—Today, a Ferguson grand jury decided not to bring criminal charges against Darren Wilson, the white police officer who shot and killed Michael Brown, an unarmed black teenager, this summer in Ferguson, Missouri.
U.N. Committee Raises Concern About LGBT Conversion Therapy in U.S.
(Geneva, Switzerland, Nov. 12, 2014)—For the first time in its history, today the United Nations Committee Against Torture (CAT) expressed concern over the dangerous and discredited practice of conversion therapy being used on LGBT youth in the United States.
November, 2014
Federal Appeals Court Enters Order Permitting Idaho Couples to Marry Beginning Wednesday
(San Francisco, CA, October 13, 2014)—Today, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit entered an order requiring the State of Idaho to permit same-sex couples to marry beginning at 9 a.m. Pacific time on Wednesday morning. The court's order came in response to a request by the plaintiff couples who successfully challenged Idaho's marriage ban for an order allowing couples to marry as soon as possible.
Federal Judge Hears Marriage Equality Case in Wyoming
(Casper, WY, October 16, 2014)—Today, U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl of the District of Wyoming heard argument in the challenge to the State of Wyoming's refusal to permit same-sex couples to marry and to respect the legal marriages of same-sex couples who married in other states. Judge Skavdahl said that he will issue his ruling by 5:00 PM, Monday, October 20th.
Sixth Circuit Rejects Legal Challenges to Bans on Marriage for Same-Sex Couples
(Cincinnati, OH, November 6, 2014)—In a 2-1 decision, the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit ruled today that state bans on the freedom to marry for same-sex couples in four states—Tennessee, Kentucky, Michigan, and Ohio—do not violate the U.S. Constitution. Judge Martha Craig Daughtry dissented from the decision, which was authored by Judge Jeffrey Sutton.
U.S. Supreme Court Denies Review of Tenth Circuit Decision Striking Down Utah's Marriage Ban, Permits Victory to Stand
(Washington, DC, October 6, 2014)—The United States Supreme Court today declined to review the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals decision striking down Utah's marriage ban for same-sex couples, thereby permitting that decision to stand, as well as a similar decision from Oklahoma. The Court also denied review of decisions by the Fourth and Seventh Circuit Courts of Appeals, which had struck down marriage bans in Virginia, Indiana, and Wisconsin.
National Center for Lesbian Rights
The National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) has been advancing the civil and human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and their families through litigation, legislation, policy, and public education since it was founded in 1977.
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