Human Rights Campaign (HRC) News (716 Articles with 1,787,929 total views)
The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.
Human Rights Campaign (HRC) seeks to improve the lives of LGBT Americans by advocating for equal rights and benefits in the workplace, ensuring families are treated equally under the law and increasing public support among all Americans through innovative advocacy, education and outreach programs. HRC works to secure equal rights for LGBT individuals and families at the federal and state levels by lobbying elected officials, mobilizing grassroots supporters, educating Americans, investing strategically to elect fair-minded officials and partnering with other LGBT organizations.
May, 2024
Following a Furious Rebuke from Outraged Oklahomans, Ryan Walters Continues to Spread Hate, Maligning and Misgendering Trans Student Nex Benedict
April 18, 2024 - In response to an op-ed published today by Oklahoma State Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters, who seeks to divert blame for the death of nonbinary Oklahoma teen Nex Benedict following a bullying incident that took place at school, Kelley Robinson, Human Rights Campaign President, released the following statement: "It is ludicrous and offensive to see Ryan Walters painting himself as an opponent of bullying and defender of children while in the same breath, he misgenders and insults Nex Benedict - the young Oklahoma teen who died following a school bullying incident on his watch, in the state school system that he leads. This is further evidence that he doesn't have the vaguest idea of how to actually run a state school system and is interested in nothing but raising his own profile, insulting a teen who died in tragic circumstances, fanning the flames of hatred, and attacking the entirety of Oklahoma's LGBTQ+ community. Ryan Walters, you should be ashamed of yourself. Resign now."
New HRC Paid Ad Features Testimony from a Recent Owasso High School Grad: "Look around at what happened to students like Nex Benedict."
WASHINGTON - April 15, 2024 - The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, today released powerful video testimony from Marley H., an Owasso High School grad and Oklahoman speaking to the culture of harassment and bullying she witnessed firsthand during her time in the Owasso school district, how it impacted her and her fellow students, and what she sees as the way forward for the district and state. The video's release comes as we mark two months since the death of Nex Benedict, a 16 year-old Owasso nonbinary student of Choctaw heritage who died after being assaulted in their school bathroom and bullied and harassed for over a year.
April, 2024
HRC Responds to the Full Release of the Oklahoma Medical Examiner's Report, Continues to Support Nex Benedict's Family's Call for an Independent Investigation
WASHINGTON - March 27, 2024 - Kelley Robinson, president of the Human Rights Campaign, released the following statement in response to the full release of the Oklahoma Medical Examiner's report on the death of Nex Benedict, a 16 year-old non-binary student of Choctaw heritage. "The full report does little to fill in the gaps in information about that day or the more than a year of bullying and harassment that led up to it. It does not answer the questions of so many in Oklahoma and across the country. We continue to support the calls from Nex's family for an independent investigation.
HRC's Weekly State Fights Report: Slew of Anti-LGBTQ+ Bills Become Law
As legislative sessions near their end in numerous states, the pace of anti-LGBTQ+ attacks crossing the finish line has accelerated. There are now ELEVEN anti-equality bills that have been signed into law, including FOUR in the last week alone
Human Rights Campaign Celebrates Trans Joy on Trans Day of Visibility 2024
WASHINGTON - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, honors Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV). Held annually on March 31, TDOV celebrates transgender and non-binary people worldwide living openly and authentically while raising awareness around the discrimination and violence they still face.
Human Rights Campaign Equality Votes PAC Condemns Radical Anti-Equality Ohio Senate Candidate Bernie Moreno
WASHINGTON - March 20, 2024 - Last night, extreme anti-equality politician Bernie Moreno won Ohio's Republican U.S. Senate primary. Moreno is a self-serving and radical politician who will say and do anything to get elected-including spreading hateful rhetoric about LGBTQ+ Ohioans and embracing policies that take away Ohioans' freedoms.
Human Rights Campaign PAC, Planned Parenthood PA PAC Announce Joint Endorsement of Malcolm Kenyatta for Auditor General
HARRISBURG - March 12, 2024 - Today the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) PAC, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, along with Planned Parenthood PA PAC, announced that they are proudly endorsing Pennsylvania State Representative Malcolm Kenyatta for Auditor General. HRC PAC is committed to engaging its volunteers, members and supporters to mobilize the more than 3 million Equality Voters in Pennsylvania in support of Kenyatta and other pro-equality candidates up and down the ballot.
Human Rights Campaign Responds to Partial Release of Medical Examiner's Report on Death of Nex Benedict
WASHINGTON - March 13, 2024 - Kelley Robinson, president of the Human Rights Campaign, released the following statement in response to a partial release of the Oklahoma Medical Examiner's report into the death of 16 year-old non-binary student Nex Benedict, indicating they died by suicide: "As parents, we send our kids to school expecting that they will be safe and cared for. Nex was failed by so many and should still be here today. We hold their family in our hearts as they grapple with the devastating reality that their beloved child, a teen with a bright future, is no longer making this world a brighter place. Nex died one day after being beaten unconscious in a school bathroom, and following more than a year of bullying and harassment at school. This is heartbreaking. And we have heard from so many parents and students that this culture of bullying and harassment is both pervasive at Owasso Public Schools and that many within the school had actual knowledge that it was occurring and took no steps to fix it.
ICYMI: A Missouri Lawmaker Wants to Criminalize Teachers Who Support Their Trans Students. The Lawmaker's Own Brother Says 'It's Just Whitewash for Hatred'
Jefferson City, MO - March 15, 2024 - Missouri State Representative Jamie Gragg introduced legislation last month that would label teachers as sex offenders for affirming any transgender student's gender identity, a cruel and heinous bill that Gragg's own brother condemned last week. "I saw this as blatant hatred wrapped up in the guise of protecting children," Charles Gragg, Jr. told reporters during a March 7 press conference held by PROMO, Missouri's leading LGBTQ+ advocacy organization.
ICYMI: Extremist Hate-Peddler & OK Library Advisory Board Appointee Libs Of TikTok Rattled by Call Out from Chasten Buttigieg
WASHINGTON - March 11, 2024 - Libs of TikTok founder and Oklahoma political appointee Chaya Raichik lobbed an attack at teacher, author, and advocate Chasten Buttigieg over the weekend. The move came after Buttigieg joined the Human Rights Campaign, American Federation of Teachers, and others on a press call marking one month since the brutal attack and death of 16-year old nonbinary teen Nex Benedict in Owasso, Oklahoma.
ICYMI: In States with Anti-LGBTQ+ Laws, School Hate Crimes Quadrupled, Washington Post Reports; Corresponding Surge in Youth Crisis Hotline Calls
WASHINGTON - March 12, 2024 - Today, an article published in the Washington Post spotlighted the disturbing and dangerous correlation between states that pass anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and a rise in bullying and hate crimes in schools. Bills that aim to write hate into state law, through censoring or banning LGBTQ+ topics and books in the classroom, only help to affirm bullying, hate and discrimination, as evidenced in recent FBI hate crime data analyzed by the Washington Post.
ICYMI: New Data Shows that Majority of Americans Support Nondiscrimination Laws for LGBTQ+ Individuals
WASHINGTON - March 19, 2024 - New findings released last week from Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) polling and focus groups show that strong majorities of Americans - including, critically, most people of faith - support nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ+ individuals (76%), are opposed to religiously based service refusals (60%), and support marriage equality (67%). While there was a slight decline of overall support for the LGBTQ+ community among certain subsets of the population, the American people are overwhelmingly rejecting the extremist anti-equality agenda peddled by MAGA politicians and personalities.
ICYMI: Oklahomans Demand Ryan Walters' Removal at State Board of Ed Meeting Before He Cancels Next Appearance
Oklahoma City - March 29, 2024 - Just ten members of the public are allowed to speak during the public comment period at the Oklahoma State Board of Education monthly meetings. And yesterday, all ten speakers used their time to call out State Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters for his failure to protect the state's LGBTQ+ students and keep Oklahoma schools safe. Their message was clear: Ryan Walters must be removed from office.
ICYMI: Ryan Walters' Week of Backlash, Criticism, and Continued Upheaval at State Dept. of Education
Oklahoma City - Oklahoma State Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters must be relieved the calendar has turned to April, because his last week of March was filled with continued backlash and criticism from Oklahomans, canceled events, and more staff upheaval at the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE). It's clear that no matter how much Walters tries to hide himself from criticism, Oklahomans refuse to let him off the hook.
ICYMI: Tennessee Lawmakers Giving Free Rein to Overt Discrimination - More Than a Dozen Anti-LGBTQ+ Bills Dominate Legislative Activity
Nashville, TN - March 12, 2024 - Last week, the Tennessee legislature heard more than a dozen bills attacking the LGBTQ+ community - and this week, the parade of discrimination is poised to be even worse with more anti-equality bills being considered. These proposals aim to restrict LGBTQ+ rights statewide and terminate resources for the community like the Tennessee Human Rights Commission. Outright attacks on health care for transgender people, education, and adoption services are also part of the coordinated legislative assault.
NEW DATA: LGBTQ+ Community Continues to Face Financial Challenges Compared to Peers
WASHINGTON - April 3, 2024 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, the educational arm of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, released a report in partnership with Community Marketing & Insights featuring data collected from 1,899 LGBTQ+ adults (age 18 and older) in the United States. The report, which comes at the start of Financial Literacy Month, fielded survey responses about financial wellness within the LGBTQ+ community and highlights the unique economic challenges that many in the community often face.
SINE DIE: LGBTQ+ and Allied Floridians Are Turning The Tide
Tallahassee, FL - As Florida's 2024 legislative session comes to a close, members of the LGBTQ+ community are breathing a sigh of relief that, after years of unprecedented onslaught, dozens of proposed anti-LGBTQ+ bills were defeated. Of the more than 20 pieces of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation introduced in Florida this year, only one made it over the finish line to Governor Ron DeSantis' desk. The defeat of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation was driven by the tireless advocacy of LGBTQ+ and allied Floridians, who have persevered through years of anti-LGBTQ+ policy attacks and dehumanizing rhetoric.
The Turning Tide: Every Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill Defeated as Georgia Session Ends
ATLANTA - March 29, 2024 - Georgia's state legislative session came to a close early this morning, with legislators failing to advance any of the more than 20 anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced in Georgia this year. In the waning days of session, MAGA lawmakers in the Senate launched a last ditch effort to further restrict freedoms for LGBTQ+ young people and families, hijacking two unrelated bills and stuffing them with anti-LGBTQ+ amendments. Neither bill was taken up for a vote in the House.
VICTORY: More than 50 Anti-LGBTQ+ Riders Stripped from Appropriations Bill
WASHINGTON - March 22, 2024 - Due to the work of Congressional equality champions and the relentless advocacy efforts of the Human Rights Campaign and other LGTBQ+ advocacy organizations, more than 50 proposed anti-LGBTQ+ riders were stripped from the final version of a $1.2 trillion funding package that heads for a vote in the US Senate today. Despite demands from MAGA lawmakers in the U.S. House that the critical budget bills be saddled with anti-LGBTQ+ provisions, the bipartisan, bicameral negotiations rejected 51 of 52 of the newly-proposed riders.
March, 2024
Beyond Workplace Inclusion: HRC Foundation Releases First-Ever Report Detailing Steps for Businesses to Become LGBTQ+ Allies in Action
WASHINGTON - January 25, 2024 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, the educational arm of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, released its first-ever Corporate Citizenship Report, The LGBTQ+ Corporate Citizen: A Framework for Emerging Best Practices in Allyship. The new report offers guidance to companies that want to invest in closing the ally gap. The ally gap acknowledges that LGBTQ+ allyship is a journey and describes the space between the intent to be an LGBTQ+ ally and the actions needed to get there. HRC Foundation's Corporate Citizenship Report is first-of-its-kind, providing in-depth insight, future-focused tips and real world examples for companies looking to put values of diversity, equity and inclusion into action across all their business operations - both internal and external, becoming leading LGBTQ+ corporate citizens.
Human Rights Campaign, ACLU Join 63 Other Organizations Urging Congressional Leaders to Continue to Push Back Against Anti-LGBTQ+ Poison Pills in Budget Bills
WASHINGTON - January 25, 2024 - The Human Rights Campaign, the ACLU, and 63 other organizations from across the country this week issued a joint letter calling on Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-NY) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) to continue to rally their pro-equality memberships in opposition to a slate of anti-LGBTQ+ riders that have been attached to annual appropriations bills.
ICYMI: New Data Shows that Nearly 30% of Gen Z Adults Identify as LGBTQ+
WASHINGTON - January 24, 2024 - New findings released this week from Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) polling and focus groups conducted last August and September show that 28% of Gen Z adults (ages 18-25) identify as LGBTQ+, which is substantially higher than what's been reported by other sources, such as Gallup. This increase highlights a positive change in the social acceptance of LGBTQ+ people amongst younger generations and is further proof that the American electorate will be increasingly more out and allied as members of Gen Z turn 18. In comparison, PRRI found that 16% of millennials, 7% of Generation X, 4% of baby boomers and 4% of the Silent Generation identify as LGBTQ+.
National and State Groups petition the UN about the Human Rights Crisis for LGBTQIA+ Texans
Austin, TX - January 22, 2024 - Today, Equality Texas, the ACLU of Texas, GLAAD, and the Human Rights Campaign with the support of the Human Rights Clinic at the University of Texas at Austin School of Law submitted a Joint Allegation Letter to 17 independent experts, working groups, and special rapporteurs at the UN about the human rights crisis facing LGBTQIA+ Texans.
New HRC State Equality Index Shows Devastating Impact of Radical Anti-LGBTQ+ 2023 State Legislative Season
WASHINGTON - January 30, 2024 -Today, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC), the education arm of the nation's largest Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, in partnership with the Equality Federation, an advocacy accelerator rooted in social justice that builds power in a network of state-based LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations, released the newest edition of its State Equality Index (SEI), the most comprehensive survey of state-level commitment to LGBTQ+ equality.
Pennsylvania "Solidifying Equality" According to New HRC State Equality Index, Nation's Most Comprehensive Survey of State Laws Impacting LGBTQ+ Lives
WASHINGTON - January 30, 2024 -Today, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC), the education arm of the nation's largest Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, in partnership with the Equality Federation, an advocacy accelerator rooted in social justice that builds power in a network of state-based LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations, released the newest edition of its State Equality Index (SEI), the most comprehensive survey of state-level commitment to LGBTQ+ equality.
Utah Legislature Passes First Anti-LGBTQ+ Bathroom Ban of the Year
WASHINGTON - January 26, 2024 - Today, the Utah House of Representatives passed HB 257 as amended, sending the bill to the desk of Governor Spencer Cox. The bill would bar transgender students from using restrooms and locker rooms that align with who they are, and restrict access to changing rooms in government owned or operated facilities for transgender people of all ages.
October, 2023
Sign Up NOW for Fall Lobby Day!
The Fairness Act would prohibit discrimination against LGBTQ+ people in housing, education, and access to public accommodations. Now is the time to enact clear, statewide non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ+ Pennsylvanians, and we urge the General Assembly to pass legislation without delay. We need your help to get over the finish line ADVOCATE with us in Harrisburg on October 24th for The Fairness Act! Sign up online at https://www.mobilize.us/hrcpa/event/577410/.
September, 2023
BREAKING: North Carolina Legislators Override Gov. Cooper's Veto of Three Anti-LGBTQ+ Bills
RALEIGH, N.C. - August 16, 2023 - The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) - the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization - condemned the North Carolina legislature for overriding Governor Roy Cooper's vetoes of three anti-LGBTQ+ bills.
Federal Judge Issues Injunction that Restores Health Care for Georgia Transgender Children
ATLANTA - August 21, 2023 -A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction late Sunday halting a provision in Georgia Senate Bill 140 ("SB 140," the "Health Care Ban," or the "Ban") from taking effect while a lawsuit filed by four Georgia families and an organization proceeds.
ICYMI: American Academy of Pediatrics UNANIMOUSLY Renews its Support of Gender-Affirming Care for Minors
New York Times reports that the powerful medical association has doubled-down on its approval of providing gender-affirming care to transgender patients, which proves the medical consensus is rock-solid given the extreme, dangerous climate right-wing extremists have created for healthcare providers
Nearly 8-in-10 LGBTQ+ Americans Report Increased Fears for Personal Safety, Further Intensifying an Already Dangerous State of Emergency
WASHINGTON, D.C. - August 17, 2023 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation released new analyses of data of proprietary questions from Community Marketing Insight's (CMI) 17th Annual LGBTQ+ Community Survey, co-sponsored by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation and others. The analysis, which reveals the virtually universal impact gender-affirming care bans are having on LGBTQ+ adults, comes just two months after HRC officially declared a national state of emergency for LGBTQ+ people for the first time ever. Nearly 8-in-10 LGBTQ+ adults report feeling less safe as a result of gender-affirming care bans, and nearly half report that gender-affirming care bans impact the physical and/or mental health of themselves or their loved ones.
New HRC Data Finds Many LGBTQ+ Youth Still Lack Critical Support and Acceptance
WASHINGTON - August 10, 2023 - The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, released a report in partnership with the University of Connecticut featuring data collected in 2022 from nearly 13,000 LGBTQ+ youth (age 13-18) across the country. The report presents extensive data on LGBTQ+ youth experiences in five domains: LGBTQ+ youth at home; Sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) development and milestones; LGBTQ+ youth at school; Mental Health and Well Being; and Hopes, Fears, and Dreams for the Future.
July, 2023
Amid Historic Wave of Anti-LGBTQ+ Attacks, Human Rights Campaign and SHOWTIME Launch Fourth Year of QUEER TO STAY, an LGBTQ+ Small Business Initiative
WASHINGTON - June 13, 2023 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, and SHOWTIME, announced the fourth consecutive year of "QUEER TO STAY: An LGBTQ+ Business Preservation Initiative" (QTS) that aims to uplift and preserve small businesses that serve the LGBTQ+ community; particularly businesses that are owned by or empower LGBTQ+ people of color, women and the transgender community.
As Congress Re-Introduces Equality Act, Human Rights Campaign President Calls for its Urgent Passage, Testifies Before Senate Judiciary Committee
WASHINGTON, D.C. - June 21 2023 - Today, as leaders in the U.S. House and Senate plan to reintroduce the Equality Act - historic federal legislation that would ensure comprehensive nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ+ people everywhere - Human Rights Campaign President Kelley Robinson called for its swift and urgent passage, telling members of a Senate panel that "LGBTQ+ people of the United States of America are living in a state of emergency." Testifying before the Senate Judiciary Committee about civil rights protections for LGBTQ+ people, Robinson said that HRC officially declared a state of emergency for LGBTQ+ people in the U.S. for the first time in its more than 40-year history following an unprecedented and dangerous spike in anti-LGBTQ+ legislative assaults sweeping state houses this year.
BREAKING: Louisiana Legislature Passes Bills Targeting LGBTQ+ Youth
Baton Rouge, Louisiana - June 5, 2023 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, condemns Louisiana legislators for advancing three discriminatory bills targeting LGBTQ+ youth. The Senate passed an extreme Gender Affirming Care Ban (HB 648), "Don't Say LGBTQ+" Bill (HB 466) and Pronoun Restriction Bill (HB 81), which will be sent to Gov. John Bel Edwards for signature or veto.
Eight Years After Historic Victory in Obergefell v. Hodges, Human Rights Campaign Celebrates Amidst State of Emergency For LGBTQ+ Americans
WASHINGTON - June 26, 2023 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, marks the eighth anniversary of Obergefell v. Hodges, the landmark Supreme Court case that granted same-sex couples the right to marry across the United States. Since the decision, public support for LGBTQ+ people has grown significantly, with nearly 80% of Americans favoring nondiscrimination laws that would protect LGBTQ+ people from discrimination in employment, public accommodations, and housing - an 11% increase since 2015. Additionally, public polling has shown a historic increase in support for marriage equality, reaching an all-time high of 71% in 2022 according to Gallup. Marking this trend is the reintroduction of the Equality Act, which would end a patchwork of state and local laws by protecting LGBTQ+ people from discrimination nationwide and was reintroduced in Congress on Wednesday, June 21, 2023.
HRC Foundation Launches National HIV Self-Testing Initiative: "Wellness in Action"
WASHINGTON, D.C. - June 28, 2023 - Today, on the heels of National HIV Testing Day, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, announces the expansion of the first-ever nationwide HIV self-testing initiative, Wellness in Action.
HRC Officially Declares 'State of Emergency' for LGBTQ+ Americans; Issues National Warning and Guidebook to Ensure Safety for LGBTQ+ Residents and Travelers
WASHINGTON, D.C. - June 6, 2023 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) - the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization - officially declared a state of emergency for LGBTQ+ people in the United States for the first time in its more than 40-year history, following an unprecedented and dangerous spike in anti-LGBTQ+ legislative assaults sweeping state houses this year. A new report released by HRC today - LGBTQ+ Americans Under Attack - details more than 75 anti-LGBTQ+ bills that have been signed into law this year alone, more than doubling last year's number, which was previously the worst year on record.
Human Rights Campaign Applauds Biden Administration for its Continued Support of LGBTQ+ Americans Amid Unprecedented Threats
WASHINGTON, D.C. - June 8, 2023 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, applauded President Biden's announcement today that the administration will roll out a series of actions to protect the rights, safety, and dignity of the LGBTQ+ community. The announcement comes at a critical moment, just two days after HRC declared a state of emergency for LGBTQ+ people - the first time in HRC's more than 40 year history - following an unprecedented and dangerous spike in anti-LGBTQ+ legislation sweeping through state houses this year. So far in 2023, more than 525 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been introduced in 41 states, with 78 bills enacted into law as of June 7 - more than double the number of bills enacted last year.
Human Rights Campaign Applauds Governor Gretchen Whitmer for Establishing LGBTQ+ Commission, Continuing Historic Progress For LGBTQ+ Rights in Michigan
Lansing, MICHIGAN - June 12, 2023 - The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) - the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization - commends Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer for establishing an LGBTQ+ commission.
Human Rights Campaign Calls Out Pentagon for Giving in to Bigoted, Far-Right Pressure by Canceling Drag Performance at Military Base on First Day of Pride Month
WASHINGTON, DC - June 1, 2023 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) - the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization - responded to the Department of Defense's decision to cancel a drag performance at Nellis Air Force Base, a discriminatory move that comes on the first day of Pride month. Despite the fact that previous drag events have been held at the Nevada base at least twice before, and with the military's long history of supporting drag entertainment, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and other officials called for today's performance to be canceled following pressure from Congressman Matt Gaetz and other extremist lawmakers.
Human Rights Campaign Commemorates Seven Years Since the Pulse Nightclub Shooting
WASHINGTON, D.C. - June 12 - The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) - the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization - remembers the lives of the 49 people, most of them young, LGBTQ+, and Latinx, who were killed in an act of LGBTQ+ hate seven years ago. The commemoration comes with a commitment to honor them with action, just days after HRC declared a State of Emergency for LGTBQ+ Americans as anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and legislation ratchets up at the state level across the country.
Human Rights Campaign Condemns North Carolina Senate for Passing Anti-Trans Sports Ban
Raleigh, North Carolina - June 20, 2023 - - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) - the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization - condemned the North Carolina Senate for passing House Bill 574, which would prohibit transgender students from participating in school sports consistent with their gender identity.
Human Rights Campaign Denounces Pence's 2024 White House Bid, Pledges to Defeat Presidential Candidate with the Longest Record of Stoking Anti-LGBTQ+ Hate
WASHINGTON, D.C. - June 7, 2023 - The Human Rights Campaign - America's largest LGBTQ+ civil rights organization - released the following statement in response to today's news that Former Vice President Mike Pence has officially filed his papers to run for President in 2024: "In the past two presidential elections, the majority of American people rejected the Trump-Pence ticket and the hateful, theocratic extremism associated with MAGA leadership, said Human Rights Campaign President Kelley Robinson. "Mike Pence's vision for the country is dangerously out of step with the average American's views on freedom and equality, and his potential presidency would create devastating consequences for the safety of the LGBTQ+ community and the ability of our people to live as full members of society. At a time when far-right groups are influencing horrific legislation in state legislatures like never before, we will need to ensure that Pence, who has deep ties to the likes of Alliance Defending Freedom and Focus on the Family, will never replicate the same hate from the most powerful position in the country.
Human Rights Campaign Endorses Pro-Equality Openly LGBTQ+ U.S. House Incumbents for Re-Election
WASHINGTON, DC - June 22, 2023 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign PAC (HRC PAC) announced its endorsement of nine pro-equality openly LGBTQ+ members of the U.S. House for reelection: Becca Balint (VT-At-Large), Angie Craig (MN-02), Sharice Davids (KS-03), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Chris Pappas (NH-01), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Eric Sorensen (IL-17), Mark Takano (CA-39) and Ritchie Torres (NY-15).
Human Rights Campaign Foundation Joins U=U National HIV Task Force as Inaugural Member
WASHINGTON - June 15, 2023 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, announced its inaugural membership in the first-ever U=U National Task Force organized by the Prevention Access Campaign (PAC), alongside partner organizations in the HIV and health equity space. The task force will work to educate and move federal health partners to implement U=U into their guidelines and policies and elevate awareness. Together, the task force's primary goal is to measure, optimize, and scale up the impact U=U has on improving the health, well-being, and emotional wellness of the more than 1.2 million people living with HIV in the U.S.
Human Rights Campaign Recognizes the 51st Anniversary of Title IX, Pledges to Continue Work to Further Important Legacy of Equal Opportunity
WASHINGTON - June 23, 2023 - The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) - the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization - recognizes the 51st anniversary of Title IX, a groundbreaking 1972 law passed to protect individuals from discrimination in education on the basis of their sex.
Human Rights Campaign: Pride is More than a Parade
WASHINGTON - June 1, 2023 -Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, is marking the first day of Pride Month 2023, with a video message that centers the crisis facing the LGBTQ+ community, particularly transgender and nonbinary people, and emphasizes the importance of activism during Pride.
ICYMI: Human Rights Campaign Calls on House to Reject Dangerous Anti-LGBTQ+ Language in Veterans Affairs Funding Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C. - June 14, 2023 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, called on the House of Representatives to reject last-minute additions during an Appropriations Committee markup of anti-LGBTQ+ language. The language attempts to ban gender-affirming care for veterans, allow for new forms of religious discrimination, and prohibit the display of LGBTQ+ pride flags, in the FY24 Military Construction/Veterans Affairs appropriations bill.
More Than 75 Leading Businesses Take Action for LGBTQ+ Community, Speak Out Against Anti-LGBTQ+ Bills; Sign Human Rights Campaign's "Count Us In" Pledge
WASHINGTON - June 26, 2023 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights advocacy organization, announced that over 75 large businesses and dozens of small businesses have signed on to its Count Us In pledge. Pledge signatories represent a cross-sector commitment from businesses to stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community during an unprecedented state of emergency. The pledge brings businesses together in allyship for the LGBTQ+ community while sending a powerful message to extremist lawmakers advancing anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, that equality for all is not negotiable.
One Year After Supreme Court Overturned Roe v. Wade, Human Rights Campaign Remains Committed to Fight for Reproductive Freedom
WASHINGTON - June 24, 2023 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, marks the one-year anniversary of the Supreme Court's decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, which overturned a half-century of precedent by reversing Roe v. Wade to end abortion rights supported by a majority of Americans. This affects everyone who wants to have autonomy over their body and medical decisions as the ability to receive abortion care became significantly more difficult - often outright impossible - for millions of people across the country, including LGBTQ+ people.
June, 2023
57 Brazilian Companies Achieve Top Score in Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Brazilian LGBTQ+ Workplace Equality Index
WASHINGTON - May 31, 2023 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC), the educational arm of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, in partnership with Instituto Mais Diversidade and the Forum de Empresas e Direitos LGBTI+, is releasing its second annual 'HRC Equidade BR: Global Workplace Equality Program' report. This is the leading benchmarking survey and report recognizing employers in Brazil that have demonstrated a commitment to LGBTQIA+ equality by adopting crucial LGBTQIA+-inclusive policies and practices for their employees.
All In For Equality Coalition Statement on Transgender Athlete Ban Bill
AUSTIN, Texas - May 17, 2023 - The Texas House voted today to advance Senate Bill 15, which will ban transgender athletes from participating in sports in Texas public colleges and universities according to their gender.
Anti-LGBTQ+ Extremism Reaches New Levels in Uganda with Signing of New Law Backed by Far-Right U.S. Figures
WASHINGTON, DC - May 29, 2023 -Today, Ugandan President Museveni signed a law passed by Parliament, first on March 21 and amended on May 2, that severely and drastically restricts the rights of LGBTQ+ Ugandans to engage in public life or advocacy. The bill further expands the "offense of homosexuality" and outlaws the "promotion of homosexuality." This new law, on top of Uganda's already existing criminalization law, will create a chilling effect on freedom of speech, expression, and association and will curtail liberty, privacy, and equality. The bill will also put health care out of reach for LGBTQ+ Ugandans, putting lives at great risk.
BREAKING: Louisiana Senate Health & Welfare Committee Kills Bans on Gender Affirming Care
Baton Rouge, Louisiana - May 24, 2023 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, thanks members of the Louisiana Senate Health & Welfare Committee for voting to involuntarily defer HB 648, a dangerous attack on age-appropriate, best-practice health care for transgender youth.
Governor Pillen, Refusing to Acknowledge What's at Stake, Signs Super-Sized Attack on Healthcare Targeting Gender Affirming Care, Reproductive Rights
LINCOLN, NE - May 22, 2023 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) - the nation's largest Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization - condemned Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen for signing LB 574 into law. This super-sized healthcare discrimination bill will now prohibit transgender youth from receiving age-appropriate, best practice gender affirming healthcare and will also prohibit abortions after 12 weeks of pregnancy. Pillen signed the legislation following a seven-week-long filibuster of the bill, an effort led by State Senator Michaela Cavanaugh that garnered national headlines. "If this legislature collectively decides that legislating hate against children is our priority, then I am going to make it painful - painful - for everyone," said Cavanaugh last month.
HRC's Transformational Work Advancing HIV & Health Equity Programming For Black And Latin LGBTQ+ Communities To Expand Over Next Three Years
Washington, D.C. - May 31, 2023 - The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, is proud to announce the expansion of its work -- supported by a three-year, $5 million grant from Gilead Sciences, Inc. -- to eradicate the stigma surrounding HIV in Black and Latin communities and end the HIV epidemic by 2030.
Human Rights Campaign Condemns Gianforte for Signing New Anti-LGBTQ+ Bills into Law
Helena, Montana - May 22, 2023 - The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) - the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization - slammed Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte today for signing several new anti-LGBTQ+ bills into law despite a growing chorus of detractors that included the Governor's own son, David, who called for the bills to be vetoed.
Human Rights Campaign Denounces DeSantis' 2024 Bid for President, Pledges to Keep Desperate Florida Man's Authoritarianism from Reaching the White House
WASHINGTON, D.C. - May 24, 2023 - The Human Rights Campaign - America's largest LGBTQ+ civil rights organization - released the following statement in response to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis' announcement that he will run for President in 2024: "In 2022, voters soundly rejected the divisive, cruel, and chaotic campaigns of MAGA politicians and Trump-imitators like Ron DeSantis, said Human Rights Campaign President Kelley Robinson. "Dangerously out of step with average Americans' views on freedom and equality, DeSantis has weaponized his position as governor to target and punish anyone he considers his political enemy, including LGBTQ+ families, Black and brown Floridians, immigrants and private businesses. Even with the majority of Floridians forcefully opposing his anti-LGBTQ laws and despite surging support for LGBTQ+ families nationally, DeSantis is failing to recognize the duties of the job for which he's campaigning. The 'freedom' Ron Desantis peddles is freedom for a very few at the expense of freedom and liberty for all.
Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Equidad CL Recognizes 57 Employers in Chile For Their Commitment to LGBTI+ Inclusion
WASHINGTON - May 18, 2023 -- Today, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC) launched the fifth annual HRC Equidad CL: Programa Global de Equidad Laboral. Implemented in partnership with Fundación Iguales and with the support of Pride Connection Chile, the survey evaluates LGBTI+ workplace inclusion within major Chilean businesses and multinationals. This year, 57 organizations earned the maximum score in the 2023 HRC Equidad CL report, and the total number of participating companies has increased from last year's total of 135 to 157, reflecting a growing commitment in Chile to creating LGBTI+ inclusive policies and practices in their workplaces. The HRC Foundation's work in Chile impacts more than 315,000 employees working for inclusive employers nationwide. LGBTI+ affirming policies are a win-win: workers can achieve their full potential and employers reaffirm their commitment to treating all employees with dignity and respect.
Human Rights Campaign Honors International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT) by Highlighting Impacts of Global Small Grants Program
WASHINGTON - May 17, 2023 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, is commemorating International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT) by celebrating the innovative outcomes of the third year of HRC Foundation's Global Small Grants Program, which supported 20 initiatives to advance LGBTQ+ equality in 18 different countries.
ICYMI: Human Rights Campaign Condemns Ohio State Senate for Passing Education Censorship Bill
Columbus, Ohio - May 24, 2023 - The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) - the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization - condemned the Ohio State Senate for passing Senate Bill 83 which would undermine efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion on college and university campuses.
In Face of Anti-LGBTQ+ Extremism, 200 Senior Living Communities Commit to LGBTQ+ Inclusion, Participating in Inaugural Long Term Care Equality Index (LEI)
WASHINGTON - May 24, 2023 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, and SAGE, the world's largest organization dedicated to improving the lives of LGBTQ+ elders, released the 2023 Long Term Care Equality Index (LEI). This year, 200 long-term care communities across 34 states participated in the LEI, with 75 percent of participating communities earning either the High Performer or Leader designation. Recent news about a senior living facility in Boston vandalized with hate speech, as well as a story of a 79-year-old transgender woman who was discriminated against by a nursing home in Maine, highlight the need to support LGBTQ+ elders.
Leading LGBTQ+ Advocacy Organizations Raise the Alarm to Business Community on Coordinated Anti-LGBTQ+ Attacks; Call on Target to Lead
Recent pushback against businesses such as Anheuser-Busch and Target, blatantly organized by extremist groups, serves as a wake up call for all businesses that support the LGBTQ+ community. We've seen this extremist playbook of attacks before. Their goal is clear: to prevent LGBTQ+ inclusion and representation, silence our allies and make our community invisible. These attacks fuel hate against LGBTQ+ people, just as we've seen this year with more than 500 anti-LGBTQ+ bills that restrict basic freedoms and aim to erase LGBTQ+ people.
Nation's Largest LGBTQ Advocacy Group Joins Equality Florida In Issuing Updated Florida Travel Advisory
ST. PETERSBURG, FL - May 23, 2023 -- In the wake of Florida's most anti-LGBTQ legislative session in history, Equality Florida and the Human Rights Campaign have issued an updated travel advisory that details risks associated with relocation or travel to the state. In all, six anti-LGBTQ bills were passed and nearly all have been signed by Governor DeSantis. While not a blanket recommendation against travel nor a call for boycott, the travel advisory outlines the devastating impacts of laws that are hostile to the LGBTQ community, restrict access to reproductive health care, repeal gun safety policies, foment racial prejudice, and attack public education by banning books and censoring curriculum in order that prospective travelers or residents can make the best decisions for themselves and their families.
Over 100 Leading LGBTQ+ Advocacy Organizations and Allies Call on Target and Business Community to Reject Coordinated, Extremist Anti-LGBTQ+ Attacks
WASHINGTON - May 31, 2023 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), GLAAD, GLSEN, Family Equality, National LGBTQ Task Force, National Center for Lesbian Rights and National Black Justice Coalition, in partnership with more than 100 organizations, renewed their call for Target and the business community to reject and speak out against anti-LGBTQ+ extremism going into Pride Month. Additionally, the coalition stands in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ employees at companies like Target, as well as the designers of Pride merchandise, who have experienced horrendous, unhinged attacks while simply showing up to work. Harassment and threats of violence, anywhere and at any time, against good people just doing their jobs to make a living is completely unacceptable and irrational. As highlighted in the statement below, the coalition has communicated expectations that Target provide necessary security measures for employees' safety while also showing support for the LGBTQ+ community by denouncing extremists.
Parents File for an Emergency Order to Block SB 254 as Governor DeSantis Signs Discriminatory Law Criminalizing Transgender Healthcare
May 17, 2023 (TALLAHASSEE) - Three Florida parents have asked a federal court to issue a temporary restraining order immediately blocking enforcement of SB 254, which Governor DeSantis signed into law today. The families, who have a pending challenge to the state Boards of Medicine and Osteopathic Medicine rules banning established medical care for their children and other transgender adolescents are also challenging provisions in SB 254 that codify those rules into state law, add criminal and civil penalties, and create additional barriers for families with transgender adolescents.
Pride Season to Overlap with Fairness Act Advocacy
June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month, but it is also the time of year that Harrisburg lawmakers focus on passing a budget and making other legislative deals before their summer recess. Those two traditions are meeting in an important way for LGBTQ+ rights this year.
Roundup of Anti-LGBTQ+ Legislation Advancing In States Across the Country
WASHINGTON, D.C. - May 16, 2023 - As extremist lawmakers in state houses across the country continue advancing a record-breaking number of anti-LGBTQ+ bills in state legislatures, the Human Rights Campaign - the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization - is providing the below snapshot (updated weekly) to illustrate the hostile legislative climate facing LGBTQ+ people, and the scale and scope with which the ongoing legislative assault is being waged.
Roundup of Anti-LGBTQ+ Legislation Advancing In States Across the Country
WASHINGTON, D.C. - May 23, 2023 - As extremist lawmakers in state houses across the country continue advancing a record-breaking number of anti-LGBTQ+ bills in state legislatures, the Human Rights Campaign - the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization - is providing the below snapshot (updated weekly) to illustrate the hostile legislative climate facing LGBTQ+ people, and the scale and scope with which the ongoing legislative assault is being waged.
Roundup of Anti-LGBTQ+ Legislation Advancing In States Across the Country - May 31, 2023
WASHINGTON, D.C. - May 31, 2023 - As extremist lawmakers in state houses across the country continue advancing a record-breaking number of anti-LGBTQ+ bills in state legislatures, the Human Rights Campaign - the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization - is providing the below snapshot (updated weekly) to illustrate the hostile legislative climate facing LGBTQ+ people, and the scale and scope with which the ongoing legislative assault is being waged.
May, 2023
BREAKING: Florida Senate Passes Extreme Gender-Affirming Care Ban
Tallahassee, Florida - April 4, 2023 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, condemns the Florida Senate for advancing Senate Bill 254, an extreme, unprecedented attack on transgender people, their health care, and the families and health care providers who care for them. The bill is a gender-affirming care ban that would also strip parental rights from parents who support their transgender children.
HRC Applauds Maryland Governor Wes Moore for Signing Trans Health Equity Act into Law, Legislation Requiring Equitable Access to Gender Affirming Care
Annapolis, MD - April 10, 2023 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, commended Maryland Governor Wes Moore for signing into law SB 460, also known as the Trans Health Equity Act. The historic legislation, advanced recently by the state legislature, will require the state's medical assistance program, or Medicaid, to provide coverage of gender affirming care to program enrollees beginning January 1, 2024.
HRC Condemns North Dakota Legislature for Advancing a Total of 10 Anti-LGBTQ+ Bills in a Single Day, Setting a Record of Rampant Hate Targeting the Community
Bismarck, ND - April 4, 2023 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, rebuked North Dakota lawmakers for passing a total of 10 anti-LGBTQ+ bills, setting a record for the highest number of legislative attacks targeting the community in a single day this year. This slate of hate advanced yesterday when the North Dakota Senate passed ten bills targeting the rights of LGBTQ+ North Dakotans.
Human Rights Campaign Celebrates Historic Pro-Equality Victory in Wisconsin Supreme Court Race
MADISON, WI April 5, 2023 - The Human Rights Campaign - the nation's largest LGBTQ+ civil rights organization - congratulated HRC-endorsed candidate for Wisconsin's Supreme Court Janet Protasiewicz on her historic election victory in a bellwether race that has generated significant national attention, and which will have important and lasting implications for LGBTQ+, voting, and abortion rights. Protasiewicz's election victory over her opponent Dan Kelly - a Trump-endorsed former Supreme Court justice who has opposed LGBTQ+, voting, and abortion rights - means that Wisconsin's Supreme Court will now swing from an anti-equality majority to a pro-equality majority in a state at the center of the 2024 presidential election.
Human Rights Campaign Condemns North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum for Signing Two Anti-Transgender Sports Bans into Law
Bismarck, ND - April 13, 2023 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, condemned North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum for signing into law two bills banning the participation of transgender student-athletes in school sports. HB 1249 will explicitly prohibit transgender students from playing school sports consistent with their gender identity, while HB 1489 will extend this discriminatory approach to collegiate sports - contrary to decades of NCAA policy. They were advanced by the legislature on April 3, along with eight other anti-LGBTQ+ bills, creating an unprecedented slate of anti-equality legislation passed in a single day.
Human Rights Campaign Denounces Kansas Legislature for Overriding Governor Laura Kelly's Veto of Bill Banning Transgender Students from School Sports
Topeka, KS - April 5, 2023 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, condemned Kansas legislators for voting to override Governor Kelly's veto of HB 2238, a bill banning the participation of transgender student-athletes in school sports. This is the third discriminatory sports ban that lawmakers sent to Governor Kelly's desk. Even though there are just three transgender students competing in school-related sports in Kansas, lawmakers continued to promote misinformation and fear surrounding transgender people throughout their time pushing the bill.
April, 2023
Ahead of Glenn Youngkin's CNN Town Hall, Human Rights Campaign Calls Out His Record of Attacking LGBTQ+ Virginians
WASHINGTON - March 9, 2023 - Tonight at 9:00 pm ET, ahead of an expected announcement of a 2024 presidential run, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin will host a CNN town hall with Jake Tapper. Youngkin has opposed marriage equality, rolled back protections for transgender students, jeopardizing their educational opportunities and dignity, and campaigned using transphobic and anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric.
Extremist House Leaders Advance Discriminatory Bill Denying Millions of Parents the Right to Make Decisions For their Kids
WASHINGTON - March 24, 2023 - The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) - the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization - condemned H.R. 5 - legislation that passed the U.S. House today - that aims to deny millions of parents the right to make decisions that are best for their children, and putting a straitjacket on teachers by continuing the trend of curriculum censorship seen in harmful, unnecessary bills passed in state legislatures recently. The bill - which picks and chooses which families have rights and which don't - has occupied the chamber's time while extremist House leaders continue neglecting the very real and urgent problems facing our schools, such as gun violence, teacher shortages and educational inequality.
Florida Parents Announce Lawsuit Challenging State Ban on Essential Medical Care for Transgender Children
TALLAHASSEE - March 16, 2023 - A new rule banning well-established, effective medical treatments for transgender youth with gender dysphoria takes effect in Florida today. As healthcare providers and researchers express alarm about the ban's disregard for science and medicine, a group of Florida parents committed to protecting the health and wellbeing of their children, and who are deeply concerned about the ban's impact, are preparing to challenge the rule in federal court.
Gov. Brian Kemp Signs Gender-Affirming Care Ban Into Law, Making Georgia Largest State to Legislatively Enact Such a Discriminatory Ban
ATLANTA - March 23, 2023 - The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) - the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization - denounced Gov. Brian Kemp's decision to sign into law Senate Bill 140, legislation that will deny gender-affirming care to transgender and nonbinary youth in flagrant defiance of the best practices recommended by every major medical association.
HRC Applauds Kansas Governor Laura Kelly for Blunting Latest Attack on LGBTQ+ Youth, Vetoing Legislators' Attempt to Ban Transgender Kids from School Sports
Topeka, KS - Mach 18, 2023 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, commended Kansas Governor Laura Kelly for vetoing HB 2238, a bill banning the participation of transgender student-athletes in school sports. This is the third discriminatory sports ban Kelly has vetoed during her tenure as governor. Despite there only being three transgender students competing in school-related sports in Kansas, and the fact that today's veto has been expected, lawmakers continued to push this bill and promote misinformation and fear surrounding transgender people.
HRC President, Singer-Songwriter Shea Diamond, Drag Artists, Local LGBTQ+ Orgs Rally With Hundreds of Tennesseans Against Governor Lee
Nashville, Tennessee - March 10, 2023 - On the heels of Gov. Bill Lee enacting a pair of discriminatory bills targeting transgender youth and LGBTQ+ spaces and culture, last night the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) hosted the Slay Hate: Fight Back Tennessee rally at Nashville's local LGBTQ+ Tribe bar. Tennesseans maxed out the venue's capacity in support of the rally, sending a clear message to Governor Lee that he cannot silence us.
Human Rights Campaign Applauds Michigan House for Bipartisan Passage of Civil Rights Law That Guarantees Protections for LGBTQ+ People
Lansing, MICHIGAN - March 8, 2023 - The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) - the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization - commends the Michigan House for passing an amendment to the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act (ELCRA) that explicitly includes protections for sexual orientation and gender identity. The bill passed with a bipartisan vote of 64-45 in favor, and now heads to Governor Whitmer's desk for her signature.
Human Rights Campaign Celebrates Landmark Victory as Michigan Enacts First-Ever LGBTQ+ Protections, Reaffirming that Elections Matter
Lansing, MICHIGAN - March 16, 2023 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) - the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization - commends Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer for signing into law a bipartisan amendment to the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act (ELCRA) that explicitly includes protections for sexual orientation and gender identity. This is the first statewide law in Michigan to prohibit discrimination against LGBTQ+ people, and is a repudiation against extremist lawmakers waging an anti-LGBTQ+ culture war across the country.
Human Rights Campaign Slams Gov. Gordon's Decision to Allow Anti-Transgender Sports Ban To Become Law
Cheyenne, Wyoming - March 18, 2023 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) - the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization - is condemning Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon's decision to allow SF133, legislation that bans transgender students from playing sports consistent with their gender identity, to become law. In a statement, Gordon called said legislation is "overly draconian, is discriminatory without attention to individual circumstances or mitigating factors, and pays little attention to the fundamental principles of equality."
Human Rights Campaign Slams Idaho Bill That Prohibits Transgender Students from Using Bathrooms Consistent with Their Gender Identity
Boise, Idaho - March 18, 2023 - The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) - the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization - slammed today's vote in the Idaho House to pass S. 1100, legislation that prohibits transgender public school students from using bathrooms and locker rooms consistent with their gender identity.
Human Rights Campaign: Extremists at CPAC Laid Bare Hatred at Root of Vile Legislation Targeting Trans People
WASHINGTON - March 6, 2023 - The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) - the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization - denounced the onslaught of transphobic statements threaded throughout the annual CPAC political gathering this past weekend. For several days extremist politicians and commentators peppered hateful statements toward trans people casually through remarks on unrelated topics. The wave of hatred culminated with a speech in which a Daily Wire commentator called for the "eradication" of transgender people.
ICYMI: New Data Shows Support for LGBTQ+ Rights Reaches Highest Rates Ever Recorded
- 10% of Americans now identify as LGBTQ+
- Eight in ten Americans favor laws that would protect LGBTQ+ people against discrimination in jobs, public accommodations, and housing
- 66% of Republicans favor nondiscrimination provisions for LGBTQ+ people
- Seven in ten Americans support marriage equality, including nearly half of Republicans
- Nearly two-thirds of Americans (65%) oppose religiously based refusals to serve LGBTQ+ people
- Majorities of almost every major religious group oppose allowing religiously based service refusals
New HRC Data Reveals Over Half of Transgender Youth Ages 13-17 Could Soon Face Barriers to Life-Saving, Medically Necessary Gender Affirming Care
Washington, D.C. - March 22, 2023 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, released data indicating that more than half (50.4%) of transgender youth (ages 13-17) have lost or are at risk of losing access to age appropriate, medically necessary gender-affirming care in their state - care which is, in many cases, life-saving. This alarming finding, as bans on gender affirming care are on the verge of going into effect in more than 10 states, is highlighted in a newly launched map developed by HRC that tracks legislative and administrative attacks on gender affirming care. Gender affirming care, when made in consultation between a provider, their patient, and the patient's parents, is backed by decades of research and is supported by every major medical association, representing over 1.3 million doctors nationwide.
New HRC Foundation Report: 3/4 of LGBTQ+ Community Believe Current Blood Donation Ban is Discriminatory and Ending Ban Should be Priority for Biden-Harris Admin
WASHINGTON - March 22, 2023 -- Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, released new data detailing how LGBTQ+ community members believe ending the blood donation ban should be priority for the Biden-Harris Administration. The data reveal that nearly three-quarters of the LGBTQ+ community find the current blood donation policy, which prevents gay, bisexual, queer, and same-gender loving (GBQ/SGL+) men from donating blood if they had reported sexual conduct with a man in the prior 90 days, unacceptable. Over half (57.9%) of LGBTQ+ respondents agree or strongly agree that the proposed FDA changes to the blood donation policies, which would drop specific deferral guidelines for GBQ/SGL+ men, are a step forward; however, almost three quarters (72.3%) believe the proposed policy is still discriminatory, as a significant number of individuals would still be ineligible to donate. Nearly 90% believe the federal government needs to prioritize investing in more technologies and research to expand eligibility.
The LGBTQ+ Community Speaks to Congress: HRC's Lobby Day Connects Advocates With Federal Lawmakers to Address Urgent Issues Affecting Our Rights
WASHINGTON - March 30, 2023 - The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) - the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization - today brought together more than 200 advocates for LGBTQ+ equality to flood the halls and offices of the Capitol and meet with lawmakers and staff and make clear the urgent priorities of our community and the dire threats we face.
March, 2023
10 New York Times Readers From All 50 States Join Coalition Calling on Times to Stop Irresponsible, Biased Coverage
(Friday, February 24, 2023) Today the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, and GLAAD, the world's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) media advocacy organization, are announcing that 10,000+ New York Times readers from all 50 states have joined last week's coalition call to the New York Times, demanding that the Times stop printing irresponsible misinformation about trans people, meet with trans community leaders, and hire trans writers and editors. The coalition plans to spotlight the 10k+ signers by flying an airplane across New York City at 9am with a banner stating "10k NYT readers say: better trans stories!" (Photos will be available via press@glaad.org and on GLAAD's Twitter @glaad once available.)
As Extremists Push Book Bans Across the Country, 25K Students, Educators and Parents Will Participate in National Day of Reading by HRC's Welcoming Schools Prog
WASHINGTON - February 16, 2023 -- Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation - the educational arm of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization - hosts its eighth annual "Welcoming Schools National Day of Reading: A Celebration of Stories Supporting Transgender and Non-Binary Youth (formerly called Jazz and Friends: National Day of School and Community Readings)," an opportunity for thousands of students, educators, parents, elected officials and allies to join in solidarity with transgender and non-binary students. The readings today are expected to draw over 25,000 participants across more than 300 locations. The Welcoming Schools National Day of Reading is sponsored by the HRC Foundation as well as the National Educational Association (NEA), the country's largest professional employee organization, representing 3 million educators across the U.S and the American Association of School Librarians (AASL), representing over 7,000 school librarians in the U.S., Canada and abroad.
Hateful and Abusive Speech Towards LGBTQ+ Community Surging on Twitter Under Elon Musk
WASHINGTON - February 9, 2023 -- Twitter is failing to protect LGBTQ+ organizations and individuals that advocate for members of the LGBTQ+ community from online violence and abuse, according to a new survey from Amnesty International USA (AIUSA), GLAAD and the Human Rights Campaign (HRC). Further, harassment of LGBTQ+ activists has intensified since Elon Musk acquired Twitter in October 2022.
HRC Mpox Data Analysis Finds Only One Tenth of Mpox Vaccine Recipients Are Black, Despite Making Up One Third of All New Mpox Cases
WASHINGTON - March 1, 2023 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation - the educational arm of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization - released a report, (In)Equity in the US Mpox Response: Trends and Disparities in National Data. The report analyzes available mpox case, vaccine and treatment data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) throughout the length of the public health emergency from May 2022 to the end of the public health emergency in January 2023. As the mpox public health emergency ends, this report provides vital, up-to-date information to assist public health authorities as they continue the ongoing work of managing the disease
Human Rights Campaign Calls Out New York Times for Publishing Transphobic Column One Day After an Open Letter Condemning its Anti-Transgender Coverage
WASHINGTON - February 16, 2023 - This morning, the New York Times published yet another opinion piece attacking the transgender and non-binary community. The piece, "In Defense of J.K. Rowling" was written by Pamela Paul and was published merely one day after 100+ journalists, organizations, community leaders and influencers sent an open letter calling on The Times to improve their coverage of transgender people and issues. Another 200 New York Times contributors also signed an open letter to the paper criticizing their bias in reporting about the transgender community.
Human Rights Campaign Condemns North Dakota House for Advancing Latest "Slate of Hate" Targeting the Existence of Transgender and Non-Binary People
Bismarck, ND - February 22, 2023 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, denounced members of the North Dakota House for passing another round of anti-LGBTQ+ bills that target both transgender youth and adults in the state. The bill that passed today - HB 1522- comes in addition to other anti-transgender bills that advanced yesterday and late last week. Together, these five bills represent an unconscionable, targeted attack on transgender and non-binary North Dakotans, aimed at preventing them from simply living as their authentic selves for no reason at all, other than discrimination.
Human Rights Campaign Condemns Tennessee House for Passing Discriminatory Anti-Drag Bill and Gender Affirming Care Ban; Urges Governor Lee to Veto
Nashville, Tennessee - February 23, 2023 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) condemned the Tennessee House for passing two anti-LGBTQ+ bills in a row. House Bill 9 is an anti-LGBTQ+ bill that would ban many drag performances from taking place on any public property in the state, as well as in any location where people under 18 could be present. House Bill 1 is an anti-LGBTQ+ bill that would ban age appropriate, medically necessary care to transgender youth under the age of 18. Both bills will now be sent to Governor Lee's desk for his signature.
Human Rights Campaign Congratulates Rep. David Cicilline of Rhode Island on Groundbreaking Career in Congress as Champion for LGBTQ+ Equality
PROVIDENCE - February 21. 2023 - Following the news that longtime U.S. Rep. David Cicilline of Rhode Island will be stepping down this spring, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) - the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization - saluted his exemplary support for the LGBTQ+ community during his 12 years in office as an openly gay Member of Congress.
Human Rights Campaign Pres Kelley Robinson Joins Lawmakers and Advocates in Michigan to Celebrate Legislation Ensuring LGBTQ+ Protections
Lansing, Michigan - February 9, 2023 - Today, the President of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) - the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization - joined advocates, lawmakers, and press at the Michigan State Senate Office Building to discuss the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act (ELCRA) amendments, which would modernize Michigan's civil rights laws by including explicit protections for sexual orientation and gender identity in Michigan law. The bill, introduced by State Senator Jeremy Moss, passed out of committee today and is anticipated to pass the state Senate next week.
Human Rights Campaign Strongly Condemns the West Virginia Legislature for Hastily Passing Dangerous Religious Refusal Bill, Calls on Gov. Justice to Veto Bill
CHARLESTON, WV - March 1, 2023 - The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, condemns the West Virginia Senate for passing House Bill 3042 - a "Religious Freedom Restoration Act" (RFRA) - yesterday. The religious refusal bill allows religious beliefs to be used as an excuse to violate the rights of others. The bill now heads to Governor Jim Justice's desk for signature.
Human Rights Campaign to North Dakota Lawmakers: "Stop Feigning Concern Over Women's Sports to Justify Yet Another Attack on Trans Kids"
Bismarck, ND - February 15, 2023 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, condemned members of the North Dakota House for passing two bills banning the participation of transgender student-athletes in school sports. If signed into law, HB 1249 will explicitly prohibit transgender students - including kindergarteners - from playing school sports consistent with their gender identity, while HB 1489 extends this discriminatory approach to collegiate sports - contrary to decades of NCAA policy.
Human Rights Campaign Working to Defeat 340 Anti-LGBTQ+ Bills at State Level Already, 150 of Which Target Transgender People - Highest Number on Record
WASHINGTON, D.C. - February 15, 2023 - The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) hosted a virtual briefing Tuesday on the unprecedented wave of anti-LGBTQ+ bills being introduced in state legislatures across the country. Less than two months into 2023, HRC is already tracking 340 anti-LGBTQ+ bills that have been introduced in statehouses across the country. 150 of those would specifically restrict the rights of transgender people, the highest number of bills targeting transgender people in a single year to date.
Human Rights Campaign, Drag Artists, and Other LGBTQ+ Groups Call Attention to Tennessee Lawmakers' Attempts to Silence LGBTQ+ Culture
Nashville, Tennessee - February 15, 2023 - Yesterday, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), local drag artists, along with other LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations, hosted a press conference bringing attention to Tennessee lawmakers' discriminatory attempts to restrict drag-related performances. These latest moves out of Nashville are part of greater efforts to ban LGBTQ+ events, spaces, and culture, with the goal of pushing LGBTQ+ people back in the closet. Speakers at today's briefing highlighted the implications of several bills currently moving through the state legislature. Find photos from the event here.
Human Rights Campaign, GLAAD, 100+ Organizations & Advocates Call Out Biased, Harmful New York Times Coverage of Transgender People in Joint Letter
WASHINGTON - February 15, 2023 -Today The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, joined GLAAD and more than 100 journalists, organizations, community leaders, and notable influencers in calling on the New York Times to improve their coverage of transgender people and issues. These calls come after more than a year of irresponsible, biased news and opinion pieces about the transgender community. A number of these pieces have been cited by politicians banning and criminalizing health care for transgender youth.
Human Rights Campaign: South Dakota Lawmakers Turn Their Backs on Trans Kids Once Again
Pierre, SD - February 9, 2023 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, condemned members of the South Dakota Senate for passing HB 1080, a bill that would ban age-appropriate, best practice gender-affirming care for transgender youth. The bill was passed by the South Dakota House last week.
SOTU: HRC Highlights Biden-Harris Record on Advancing LGBTQ+ Equality, Urges Action as Much More Remains to Be Done
WASHINGTON - February 6, 2023 - As President Biden prepares to deliver his second State of the Union address on Tuesday, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) - the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization - is calling attention to the administration's unparalleled record on advancing LGBTQ+ equality - from initiating executive actions and rulemakings to signing federal legislation into law. As state legislatures across the country have advanced hundreds of anti-LGBTQ+ bills - with an emphasis on attacking transgender youth - the Biden administration has served as an important and urgent counterweight, prioritizing policies that aim to protect against discrimination.
SOTU: Human Rights Campaign Condemns Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders for Demonizing Transgender People
WASHINGTON, D.C. - February 7, 2023 - Tonight, shortly after President Joe Biden delivered his State of the Union Address, Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders delivered the Republican response and used her platform to demonize transgender and non-binary people, an already marginalized population under attack in Huckabee Sanders' home state and across the country.
SOTU: Human Rights Campaign President: Biden's Focus on Supporting Transgender Young People Highlights that Anti-Trans Legislative Attacks are 'An Emergency'
WASHINGTON - February 7, 2023 - In tonight's State of the Union address, President Joe Biden made a point to defend transgender and non-binary youth from the wave of attacks they're facing, saying "Let's also pass the bipartisan Equality Act to ensure LGBTQ Americans, especially transgender young people, can live with safety and dignity." In addition to calling for passage of the LGBTQ+ nondiscrimination protections in the Equality Act, he also celebrated the recent passage of the Respect for Marriage Act. After attending the address in person, Kelley Robinson, President of The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) - the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization - released the following statement: "Tonight, in front of Congress and the nation, President Biden called attention to the campaign of hatred that is driving discriminatory legislation that targets transgender kids in statehouses around the country. Extremist lawmakers are banning best-practice, doctor approved care, kicking kids off sports teams, censoring curriculum and more. None of this is news to the LGBTQ+ community, but too many others don't seem to be getting the message that this is an emergency - families are being driven from their homes, people are being forced back into the closet, because decades-old homophobia, transphobia and discrimination are being resurrected in the form of anti-trans hatred. When marriage equality was under threat from the extreme rhetoric of a Supreme Court justice, Congress and the president took quick action to pass into law the Respect for Marriage Act. Now, as he calls for passage of the Equality Act, we appreciate that President Biden is making a point to focus national attention on this urgent topic and stand up for transgender kids, because we need our nation's leaders to show up and prove that collectively, we are greater than hate."
February, 2023
BREAKING: Human Rights Campaign Condemns Arkansas Senate for Advancing Bill Restricting Drag Performances
Little Rock, Arkansas - January 24, 2002 - Today, the Arkansas Senate advanced Senate Bill 43, an anti-LGBTQ+ bill that restricts drag performances. The bill would classify drag performances as "adult-oriented businesses'' and ban them from taking place on public property, as well as other locations where children and teenagers are present. The bill - which passed 29-6 - will now be transmitted to the Arkansas House for consideration.
BREAKING: Human Rights Campaign Condemns North Dakota House for Advancing Bill Criminalizing Drag Performances
Bismarck, North Dakota - January 26, 2023 - Today, the North Dakota House advanced H.B. 1133, an anti-LGBTQ+ bill that restricts drag performances. The bill would classify drag performances as "adult-oriented businesses'' and ban them from taking place on public property, as well as other locations where those under the age of 18 are present. If this bill becomes law, any individual who violates this discriminatory restriction would be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 360 days in prison and a $3,000 fine. The bill, which passed by 79-13, will now be sent to the North Dakota Senate for consideration
BREAKING: Human Rights Campaign on the College Board Caving to the Will of Extremist Conservatives like Ron DeSantis by Censoring African American Studies Curri
WASHINGTON, D.C. - February 1, 2023 - Today, the College Board released a revised curriculum for its new Advanced Placement course in African American Studies, which attempts to erase Black history by stripping out the names of many Black writers and scholars associated with critical race theory, the Black queer experience, and Black feminism. Other topics, like the Black Lives Matter movement, are now optional.
City of Erie Earns Perfect 100 Score on 2022 HRC Municipality Equality Index (MEI)
The City of Erie is proud to announce a perfect score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign's (HRC) 2022 Municipality Equality Index (MEI). The MEI examines and rates more than 500 municipalities on how inclusive their laws, policies, and services are of LGBTQ+ residents, employees, and visitors.
Human Rights Campaign Applauds FDA for Taking First Step Toward Dismantling Discriminatory Blood Donation Restrictions
WASHINGTON, D.C. - January 26, 2023 - Today the Human Rights Campaign - the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization - applauded the Biden administration and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for taking an important first step toward dismantling antiquated and discriminatory policy preventing men who have sex with men (MSM) from donating blood. The new policy - which is being reported in news outlets but expected to be officially announced by the administration on Friday morning - moves away from discriminatory policy based on identity and toward a science-based, individualized risk assessment approach.
Human Rights Campaign Condemns Wyoming Senate for Latest Shameful Attack on Life-Saving Care for Transgender Youth
Cheyenne, WY - February 3, 2023 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, condemned members of the Wyoming Senate for yesterday's passage of SF 111, a bill that would, if passed, make Wyoming only the second state to impose felony penalties (including charges of child abuse and up to 10 years of imprisonment) on those who provide age appropriate, medically necessary, life-saving care to transgender youth. The bill will now head to the House for consideration. This legislation is the result of ongoing far-right pressure placed upon lawmakers, spearheaded by national anti-LGBTQ+ organizations and political extremists peddling propaganda and disinformation on social media and other platforms. It is one of hundreds of bills being pushed by national anti-LGBTQ+ organizations across dozens of states.
Human Rights Campaign Foundation State Equality Index: 91% of Anti-LGBTQ+ Bills in 2022 Failed to Become Law
WASHINGTON, D.C. - January 26, 2023 -Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, and the Equality Federation Institute released their 9th annual State Equality Index (SEI). The SEI is a comprehensive state-by-state report that provides a review of statewide laws and policies that affect LGBTQ+ people and their families.
Human Rights Campaign on End of Mpox Public Health Emergency Declaration: "Today We Enter a New Phase in a Continuing Fight"
WASHINGTON - January 31, 2023 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) - the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization - marked the end of the Mpox Public Health Emergency, lauding the incredible efforts by the LGBTQ+ community to remain healthy while noting that Mpox continues to have disproportionately severe impacts on Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities and individuals living with HIV.
Human Rights Campaign Rebukes Utah Legislature for Advancing Ban on Gender Affirming Care for Transgender Youth, Urges Governor Cox to Veto
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - January 27, 2023 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, condemned the passing of SB 16, advanced by the Utah Senate today, that, if signed into law, will effectively ban the provision of gender affirming care to transgender patients under the age of 18. It will now head to Governor Spencer Cox's desk for a signature or veto.
Human Rights Campaign: The South Dakota Legislature is Continuing its Discriminatory Mission to Legislate Transgender Youth out of Existence
Pierre, SD - February 2, 2023 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, condemned members of the South Dakota House for passing HB 1080, a bill that would ban gender-affirming care for transgender youth. If the legislation were to become law, healthcare providers could lose their medical license or other certifications if they continue to administer age appropriate, medically necessary, life-saving care to transgender children. The bill will now head to the Senate for consideration. This legislation is the result of ongoing far-right pressure placed upon lawmakers, spearheaded by political extremists and disinformation campaigns on social media and other platforms. It is one of hundreds of bills being pushed by national anti-LGBTQ+ organizations across dozens of states.
Pennsylvania's Laws Impacting LGBTQ+ People Rated in Human Rights Campaign's Annual State Equality Index
WASHINGTON, D.C. - January 26, 2023 -Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, and the Equality Federation Institute released their 9th annual State Equality Index (SEI). The SEI is a comprehensive state-by-state report that provides a review of statewide laws and policies that affect LGBTQ+ people and their families.
January, 2023
HISTORIC VICTORY: The Respect for Marriage Act is Law
WASHINGTON - December 13, 2022 - The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) - the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization - celebrated today as President Biden signed the Respect for Marriage Act into law. Arguably the biggest legislative win in the fight for LGBTQ+ equality since the so-called "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law was repealed in 2010, this legislation will guarantee the federal rights, benefits and obligations of marriages in the federal code for same-sex couples; repeal the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA); and affirm that public acts, records and proceedings should be recognized by all states. It also codifies the same rights for interracial couples.
Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Equidad MX Recognizes 298 Employers in Mexico For Their Commitment to LGBTQ+ Inclusion
WASHINGTON - December 5, 2022 -- Today, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRCF) launched the sixth annual HRC Equidad MX: Programa Global de Equidad Laboral, a survey evaluating LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion within major Mexican businesses and multinationals. This year, 252 employers have earned top ratings in the 2023 HRC Equidad MX report, and total participants have increased to 298 from last year's total of 262, reflecting a growing commitment in Mexico to creating LGBTQ+ inclusive policies and practices in their workplaces. The HRC Foundation's work in Mexico impacts more than 1.4 million employees currently working for inclusive employers nationwide and represents 38 different industries. LGBTQ+ affirming policies are a win-win: workers can achieve their full potential and employers reaffirm their commitment to treating all employees with dignity and respect.
Human Rights Campaign: Ohio Board of Education's Vote to Reject Federal Title IX Protections is a Shameful Attack on LGBTQ+ Youth
Columbus, OH - December 13, 2022 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, condemned the Ohio State Board of Education for its vote taking aim at the protection, privacy, livelihood, and well-being of LGBTQ+ students throughout the state. In a 10-7 vote, the Board chose to resist the enforcement of the Biden Administration's updated Title IX anti-discrimination guidelines designed to preserve the rights of transgender students.
Human Rights Campaign: Reports of Texas AG's Attempts to Collect Data on Trans Adults Are a Terrifying Overstep into the Lives and Privacy of LGBTQ+ People
Washington, D.C. - December 14, 2022 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, responded to reports of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's purported efforts to collect names and other identifiable information of transgender adults living throughout the state. As originally reported by The Washington Post this morning, the Texas Department of Public Safety received communication from Paxton's office earlier this year requesting a total number of gender marker changes on driver's licenses since 2020, later expressing interest in names and full license numbers as well.
New Human Rights Campaign Foundation Report: Online Hate & Real World Violence Are Inextricably Linked
WASHINGTON - December 13, 2022 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation - the educational arm of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization - released Online Harassment, Offline Violence: Unchecked Harassment of Gender-Affirming Care Providers and Children's Hospitals on Social Media, and its Offline Violent Consequences, a report showing how anti-equality, online extremists are leading a proactive and coordinated campaign of hate against hospitals and medical providers who offer gender-affirming care for transgender, non-binary and questioning youth. According to this new research, accounts like LibsOfTikTok and individuals like Matt Walsh are leading a highly-organized attack campaign; HRC Foundation researchers identified online harassment campaigns against 24 different hospitals and health care providers, across 21 states, between August and November alone. In addition to the report, HRC released a video featuring Dr. Angela Goepferd of Children's Minnesota, discussing the attacks on medical providers.
SCOTUS Arguments in SCOTUS 303 Creative Case; Case Could Have Consequences for LGBTQ+ People and Other Vulnerable Groups
WASHINGTON, D.C. - December 5, 2022 - Today, the Supreme Court of the United States will hear oral arguments for the case of 303 Creative LLC v. Elenis. The case will either protect the fundamental equality of LGBTQ+ people - or it could set a dangerous precedent giving businesses a license to discriminate.
STATEMENT: Mpox Working Group Sends Letter to Congress Calling for $900 million in Funding
WASHINGTON - December 6, 2022 - The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, in partnership with 39 other leading public health, HIV/AIDS, medical and LGBTQ+ organizations, signed on to a letter sent to the Committee on Appropriations calling for $900 million in mpox response funding.
Warnock's Win Marks Major Victory for LGBTQ+ Equality
GEORGIA - December 6, 2022 - Georgians re-elected U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock to a full six-year term this evening, repudiating months of anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and millions of dollars in anti-LGBTQ+ advertising from his opponent, Herschel Walker, that sought to attack the LGBTQ+ community for political gain.
WATCH: HRC President Kelley Robinson Testifies to U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Reform On Surging Anti-LGBTQ+ Extremism and Violence
WASHINGTON - December 14, 2022 - Kelley Robinson, President of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, just finished testifying before the U.S. House of Representatives Oversight and Reform Committee about the rise of anti-LGBTQ+ extremism and violence in the United States in the wake of the recent Club Q shooting. At the hearing, titled "The Rise of Anti-LGBTQI+ Extremism and Violence in the United States," Robinson discussed the threats facing the LGBTQ+ community, including a rise in online harassment, anti-LGBTQ+ state legislation, threats of violence, and attacks on queer spaces and people, particularly Black and Brown transgender women.
WPP unveils Beyond the Rainbow, a new global insights study on LGBTQ+ marketing and its future
December 9, 2022 - Unite, WPP's LGBTQ+ community, and Choreograph, WPP's global data products and technology company, today launched Beyond the Rainbow, a new study into LGBTQ+ marketing and its future. The study surveyed 7,500 LGBTQ+ and non-LGBTQ+ people in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada to better understand their perceptions and experiences of viewing LGBTQ+ identities in media and advertising. Beyond the Rainbow is intended to equip brands, advertisers, marketing communicators and others in the industry with actionable data and insights to help build a more inclusive future.
December, 2022
History Made: More LGBTQ+ People Elected to Congress Than Ever Before
Washington, DC - November 9, 2022 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) - the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization - hailed the victory of at least 10 pro-equality, openly LGBTQ+ members of the House of Representatives Equality Caucus, a record. Those members are Becca Balint (VT-1), David Cicilline (RI-1), Angie Craig (MN-2), Sharice Davids (KS-3), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Chris Pappas (NH-1), Mark Pocan (WI-2), Eric Sorensen (IL-17), Mark Takano (CA-39), and Ritchie Torres (NY-15). When the new congressional term begins in January, these House members will join openly LGBTQ+ Senators Tammy Baldwin and Kyrsten Sinema in Congress. Votes are still being counted in CA-41 and OR-5, where openly LGBTQ+ Will Rollins and Jamie McLeod-Skinner are in close races.
HISTORY MADE: Oregon's Tina Kotek Becomes One of the First Lesbian Governors in U.S History
SALEM - November 9, 2022 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, hailed the victory of HRC-endorsed Tina Kotek in her bid to become the governor of Oregon. Tina Kotek joins Massachusetts Governor-elect Maura Healey as the first lesbian governors elected in the United States.
HRC Responds to Tragic Fatal Shooting at LGBTQ+ Nightclub in Colorado Springs; Calls Attention to Rise in Anti-LGBTQ+ Hate & Senseless Gun Violence
Colorado Springs, CO - November 20, 2022 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, responded to media reports of a fatal shooting at Club Q in Colorado Springs, a nightclub serving the local LGBTQ+ community. The club was hosting a drag performance that evening and was hosting events in honor of Transgender Day of Remembrance on the morning following the shooting. Police reported a long rifle was used in the shooting.
Human Rights Campaign Calls on House Leadership in 118th Congress to Uphold LGBTQ+ Equality
WASHINGTON - November 17, 2022 - The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) - the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization - called upon leaders of the House of Representatives in the upcoming 118th Congress to uphold LGBTQ+ equality and to work with their colleagues in the Senate on behalf of all Americans.
Human Rights Campaign Celebrates Maura Healey's Historic Election as First Lesbian Governor in the Nation
WASHINGTON - November 8, 2022 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, hailed the victory of HRC-endorsed Maura Healey in her bid to become governor of Massachusetts. Healey will become the country's first lesbian governor - pending results in Oregon, where Tina Kotek could share in that honor - and Massachusetts' first LGBTQ+ governor.
Human Rights Campaign Celebrates New Pro-Equality Majority in Pennsylvania State House of Representatives
HARRISBURG - November 9, 2022 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) - the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization - celebrated the newly elected pro-equality majority in the Pennsylvania State House of Representatives.
Human Rights Campaign Congratulates Josh Shapiro for Winning Election as Governor of Pennsylvania
HARRISBURG - November 8, 2022 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) - the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization - hailed the victory of HRC-endorsed Attorney General Josh Shapiro in his bid to become governor of Pennsylvania.
Human Rights Campaign Congratulates Lt. Gov. John Fetterman on Victory in Race for U.S. Senate
HARRISBURG - November 9, 2022 -- Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) -- the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization -- congratulated HRC-endorsed Lieutenant Governor John Fetterman on his election to the US Senate from Pennsylvania.
Human Rights Campaign Congratulates Senator Raphael Warnock, Pledges Continued Support as He Heads to December Runoff Election
ATLANTA - November 9, 2022 - With the news that Georgia's U.S. Senate election now heads to a December 6 runoff between Sen. Raphael Warnock and Herschel Walker, the Human Rights Campaign PAC pledges to continue its efforts mobilizing Equality Voters, a voting bloc of demographically and geographically diverse Americans who are united by the advancement of LGBTQ+ equality.
Human Rights Campaign Denounces Trump's 2024 Bid for President, Vows to Work to 'Ensure Trump Forever Remains a One-Term President'
WASHINGTON, D.C. - November 15, 2022 - The Human Rights Campaign - America's largest LGBTQ+ civil rights organization - released the following statement in response to former President Donald Trump's announcement that he will run for a second presidential term. "We in the LGBTQ+ community have watched over the past seven years as Donald Trump's hateful language and discriminatory policies have emboldened waves of bigotry, disinformation and violence," said Human Rights Campaign Interim President Joni Madison. "Even as Republican voters have become increasingly supportive of LGBTQ+ people - registering majority approval of nondiscrimination projections and marriage equality - he and his extremist MAGA supporters have worked tirelessly to try to slander and demonize us, our relationships, and our families. His time in office saw a relentless onslaught of unconscionable executive orders that made it harder to live as an LGBTQ+ person in this country.
Human Rights Campaign Foundation Marks Ten Years of Tracking Violence Against Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming People, Recording 32 Fatalities in 2022
WASHINGTON - November 16, 2022 -- Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, released "An Epidemic of Violence: Fatal Violence Against Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming People in the United States in 2022" a report honoring the lives of at least 32 transgender and gender non-conforming people killed in 2022 and shining a light on data that HRC has continued to collect on the epidemic of violence.
Human Rights Campaign Thanks House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer for His Decades-Worth of Congressional Leadership and Championship of LGBTQ+ Equality
WASHINGTON - Nvember 17, 2022 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, responded to the announcement of U.S. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer's plan to not seek reelection to congressional leadership, commending his longtime work in advancing the rights of LGBTQ+ Americans and other marginalized communities as a stalwart public servant.
Human Rights Campaign Thanks House Majority Whip and Champion of LGBTQ+ Equality Jim Clyburn For Decades of Leadership
WASHINGTON - November 17, 2022 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, responded to the news that House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn, the third-ranking Democrat in the United States House of Representatives, will be stepping down from his position as whip.
Human Rights Campaign: It's Time to Pass the Respect for Marriage Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. - November 14, 2022 - Today, Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced that the U.S. Senate will vote on the Respect for Marriage Act this week. In response, Human Rights Campaign Interim President Joni Madison issued the following statement: "We thank Majority Leader Schumer and Senators Baldwin, Collins, Feinstein, Portman, Sinema, and Tillis for their leadership on this vital bipartisan legislation that will officially strike the indefensible Defense of Marriage Act from our nation's laws and help secure nationwide marriage equality. Because of their leadership spearheading the Respect for Marriage Act, the U.S. Senate has the opportunity to right a historic wrong, creating an inclusive law that reflects the will of the vast majority of Americans - 71% of whom support marriage equality - and eases the minds of those who may worry what the impact of the Dobbs decision could mean for their marriages. It's time to pass the Respect for Marriage Act and we strongly urge all Senators to do so."
In the Face of Rising Anti-LGBTQ+ Legislation in States, A Record 120 U.S. Cities Excel in Protecting LGBTQ+ Rights; Achieve Top Score on Human Rights Campaign
WASHINGTON - November 30, 2022 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, in partnership with The Equality Federation Institute, released its 11th annual Municipal Equality Index (MEI), the only nationwide assessment of LGBTQ+ equality in the areas of municipal policies, laws and services. This year, a record-breaking 120 cities earned the highest score of 100, up from 11 in 2012's inaugural index, the MEI's inaugural year, illustrating the striking advancements municipalities have made despite some being in states that have seen increased extremist-led anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and legislation.
NEW POST-ELECTION POLL: Equality Voters Stopped the Red Wave in Pennsylvania, Rejecting Trump-Backed Candidates' Extremism and Anti-LGBTQ+ Attacks
PENNSYLVANIA - November 18, 2022 - New polling in Pennsylvania released today by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) - the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization - shows that the 2022 election defied pre-election predictions of a massive "red wave" in no small measure because Equality Voters pushed back against extremism and voted to protect commonly held values and our democracy.
NEW POST-ELECTION POLL: Equality Voters Stopped the Red Wave, Rejecting Extremism and Anti-LGBTQ+ Attacks
WASHINGTON - November 17, 2022 - New polling released today by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) - the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization - shows that the 2022 election defied pre-election predictions of a massive "red wave" in no small measure because Equality Voters pushed back against extremism and voted to protect commonly held values and our democracy.
RESPECT FOR MARRIAGE ACT: What It Does, How It Interacts With the Obergefell Ruling, and Why They're Both Essential to Protecting Marriage Equality
WASHINGTON, D.C. - November 17, 2022 - This week, the U.S. Senate is poised to pass the Respect for Marriage Act (RMA) - a bill that will codify federal marriage equality by guaranteeing the federal rights, benefits and obligations of marriages in the federal code; repeal the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA); and affirm that public acts, records and proceedings should be recognized by all states. By doing so, it protects the status quo that exists following the U.S. Supreme Court's landmark rulings in Loving v. Virginia (1967), Windsor v. United States (2013) and Obergefell v. Hodges (2015) - decisions that together made equal marriage the law of the land.
Statement from Human Rights Campaign Interim President Joni Madison on 2022 Midterm Elections
WASHINGTON, D.C. - November 9, 2022 - Below is a statement from Joni Madison, the Interim President of the Human Rights Campaign, on the 2022 midterm elections. "While we likely won't know the full outcome of the election for several days - we do know a few things right now. We know that extremist candidates didn't generate the tsunami they were betting on, thanks to the historic turnout of pro-equality, pro-democracy, and pro-choice voters, who showed up to the polls in record numbers to make their voices heard. In some of the most consequential and bellwether races in key battleground states, voters sent a strong message: Extremists, conspiracy theorists, and far-right radicals won't be readily handed the keys to our democracy - and certainly won't prevent the gears of progress from turning.
The State of LGBTQ+ Equality in 10 Pennsylvania Municipalities Detailed in Human Rights Campaign Index - Erie Gets 100/100!
WASHINGTON - November 30, 2022- Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, in partnership with The Equality Federation, released its 11th annual Municipal Equality Index (MEI), the only assessment of LGBTQ+ equality regarding municipal policies, laws and services in 506 cities across the nation, including 10 in Pennsylvania.
Trailing Warnock Late In The 4th Quarter, Walker Dials Up Anti-LGBTQ+ Hail Mary with Transphobic Ads and Campaign Surrogates
GEORGIA - With a new AARP poll showing his campaign trailing Senator Raphael Warnock by four points ahead of the December 6th U.S. Senate runoff election in Georgia, Herschel Walker is reaching deep into an outdated playbook and running a desperate Hail Mary play running anti-transgender ads, attacking LGBTQ+ people in vicious terms and campaigning with an anti-LGBTQ+ extremist just days after a gunman killed five people and injured at least 25 more at an LGBTQ+ nightclub in Colorado Springs.
U.S. Senate Invokes Cloture for Bipartisan Respect for Marriage Act 62-37, with every Democrat and 12 Republican Votes; Vote Moves to Senate Floor
WASHINGTON - November 16, 2022 - The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) - the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization - today celebrated the bipartisan vote to invoke cloture on the Respect for Marriage Act (RMA) in the U.S. Senate, a vote which requires 60 Senators' 'yea' votes to overcome a filibuster and allow the Senate to consider the legislation.
VICTORY: Pro-Equality Majority Maintains Control of the U.S. Senate Following Midterm Election
WASHINGTON, D.C - November 12, 2022 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) - the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization - celebrated as the reelection of HRC-endorsed U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada guaranteed that a pro-equality majority will maintain control of the U.S. Senate in the 118th Congress when it begins in January.
November, 2022
HRC: FL's Decision to Refuse Life-Saving Care for Trans Youth Only Intensifies a Public Health Crisis & Will Cause Real Harm to Countless Youth & their Families
Orlando, FL - November 4, 2022 - Today, the Florida Board of Medicine voted to approve language for a statewide rule that will create a freeze frame for transgender youth already accessing gender-affirming medical care and effectively prohibit new care for transgender youth under the age of 18, making Florida the first U.S. state to limit and partially ban such treatment through an administrative process. The Board passed the measure in a 6-3 vote, on the heels of pressure generated by Governor Ron DeSantis, the Florida Department of Health (FDOH), and Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo. Ladapo, who has a history of issuing widely discredited public health guidance, circulated a memo earlier this year that advised medical professionals against providing gender-affirming care, stating his case by using misleading, cherry-picked, and thoroughly debunked data. The rule contradicts guidance from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Human Rights Campaign Applauds Social Security Administration for New Policy Allowing People to Self-Select Their Gender in Social Security Records
WASHINGTON, D.C. - October 20, 2022 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) praised the U.S. Social Security Administration for allowing individuals to self-select their gender in social security number records, regardless of gender identification on other identification documents. The option to self-identify on federal documents aligns with recommendations outlined in HRC's 2020 Blueprint for Positive Change.
Human Rights Campaign Denounces Federal Bill That Would Impose Sweeping 'Don't Say Gay or Trans' Restrictions Nationally
WASHINGTON - October 19, 2022 - The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) - the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization - today denounced a bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Republican Rep. Mike Johnson of Louisiana that seeks to forbid any acknowledgement of a person's LGBTQ+ status in many educational settings.
Human Rights Campaign Responds to Elon Musk's Purchase of Twitter
WASHINGTON - October 28, 2022 -- Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, issued a statement following Elon Musk completing his purchase of Twitter, one of the world's largest social media platforms: "We are very concerned about Elon Musk's acquisition of Twitter. Musk has pledged to restore the accounts of dangerous people who push extremism and disinformation. When this happens, Twitter - a place where many marginalized people, including LGBTQ+ people, find both community and face an onslaught of hate - will quickly become even more hostile. Adding insult to injury, Musk's reported plans to cut staff levels - including employees who provide moderation - are deeply troubling," said Jay Brown, HRC's Senior Vice President of Programs, Research, and Training.
Human Rights Campaign Scores Members of Congress on LGBTQ+ Support
WASHINGTON - October 14, 2022 - The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) - the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization - today released its Congressional Scorecard measuring support for LGBTQ+ equality in the 117th Congress. Members of Congress were scored based on a range of key indicators of support - from votes in the House to pass pro-equality legislation like the Respect for Marriage Act and Equality Act to votes in the Senate to confirm historic, pro-LGBTQ+ Biden-Harris cabinet officials and judicial nominees, as well as co-sponsorships in both chambers on pieces of legislation that significantly impact LGBTQ+ people and their families.
Human Rights Campaign Supporting Pro-Equality Candidates, Empowering LGBTQ+ Voters and Allies in Pennsylvania Ahead of Election Day
PENNSYLVANIA - November 1, 2022 - As Pennsylvanians are targeted by extremist, anti-equality politicians trying to strip away the rights of LGBTQ+ people, women, and people of color, the Human Rights Campaign PAC (HRC PAC) has been mobilizing voters in support of pro-equality, pro-choice, and pro-democracy candidates across the state. HRC PAC is committed to engaging volunteers, members and supporters to mobilize the 3 million Equality Voters in Pennsylvania in support of pro-equality candidates up and down the ballot.
ICYMI - NBC: 20+ Politicians Promote Bizarre Claim That Youth Are Identifying as Cats
Washington, D.C. - October 15, 2022 - Reaching a new low in their effort to attack and malign LGBTQ+ kids and their families, at least 20 extremist candidates and elected officials have claimed that schools are making litter boxes available for students who identify as cats. This bizarre lie is meant to call into question school policies related to transgender and nonbinary youth, and the fact that extremist politicians are repeating it demonstrates their cravenness and the power of misinformation and propaganda driving anti-LGBTQ+ attacks.
ICYMI: Billie Eilish and Family Add Their Voices to the 62 Million "Equality Voters", Supporting LGBTQ+ Rights
WASHINGTON, D.C. - November 3, 2022 - Today, Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Billie Eilish, her mother, actress/screenwriter Maggie Baird, along with her older brother, singer-songwriter Finneas O'Connell, shared on Instagram that they are Equality Voters, joining 62 million Americans in expressing the need to turn out to vote this election & the importance of lived & legal equality for the LGBTQ+ community. The posts were featured before their collective audience of over 116 million followers.
ICYMI: HRC Calls Out Meta for Accepting Millions in Ad Revenue for Transphobic Ads
Washington, D.C. - As violent attacks against the transgender community continue to rise across the country, Meta has made over $4 million off of advertisements for What Makes a Woman?, Matt Walsh's anti-trans propaganda film, according to new reporting from the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) in Xtra. Many of these ads explicitly violate Facebook's community guidelines-out of the 342 ads surveyed by HRC, 29 actively include misinformation about gender-affirming care.
ICYMI: Leading Medical Organizations Call for Action to Counter Threats, Abusive Behavior Targeting Health Care Facilities, Workers and Families
WASHINGTON - October 3, 2022 - As a wave of violent threats targeting medical professionals, children's health care facilities, and parents and families continues across the country, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American Medical Association (AMA) and Children's Hospital Association (CHA) today sent a joint letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland and the Department of Justice calling on the authorities to investigate these violent threats.
ICYMI: Watch John Oliver Hit Back Against Latest Round of Attacks on Transgender Youth
Washington, D.C. - As extremist politicians continue their unprecedented legislative assault on transgender individuals - especially transgender children and young people - working overtime to shamelessly advance discrimination on a scale never seen before, the newest episode of HBO's hit show, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver discusses the newest threats facing transgender rights. The episode comes one week after Jon Stewart debunked anti-transgender myths on his AppleTV show, "The Problem with Jon Stewart."
ICYMI: Watch Jon Stewart Debunk Anti-Trans Myths about Gender-Affirming Care
Washington, D.C. - October 7, 2022 - As a reckless, unprecedented misinformation campaign to justify harmful policies to prevent transgender children from being able to access age-appropriate, medically-necessary, gender-affirming care sweeps across the country, the newest episode of the Apple TV+ hit show "The Problem with Jon Stewart," debunks these hateful lies with a focus on the people who are being harmed and the truth about what this care looks like.
NEW REPORT: LGBTQ+ Voters Becoming One of the Fastest Growing Voting Blocs in the Country, Projected to Represent Nearly One-Fifth of Voters By 2040
WASHINGTON - October 13, 2022 - LGBTQ+ Americans are projected to become one of the fastest growing voting blocs in the country, growing at a scale, scope, and speed that will fundamentally reshape the American electoral landscape, according to a new report from the Human Rights Campaign and Bowling Green State University.
Pro LGBTQ+ Organizations Slam Dangerous, False Advertisements That Harm Transgender Children
Lansing, MICHIGAN - October 24, 2022 - On Saturday, ten pro LGBTQ+ organizations condemned the false advertisements released by the Citizens to Support Michigan Women and Children that include misinformation about Proposal 3. The organizations include the Human Rights Campaign, ACLU of Michigan, Affirmations, Equality Michigan Action Network, Gender-identity Network Alliance, Great Lakes Bay Pride, Grand Rapids Pride Center, LGBT Detroit, OutFront Kzoo, and Stand with Trans. Proposal 3 would establish a right to access reproductive health care, including abortion, in the Michigan Constitution. The proposed amendment does not address gender affirming care and would not change the status quo.
STATEMENT: Human Rights Campaign Condemns Violent Attack Against Tulsa Business
WASHINGTON, D.C. - November 3, 2022 - On October 31, news broke that a business based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the Donut Hole, was vandalized when someone threw a Molotov cocktail - a hand-thrown incendiary weapon - after hosting an event involving drag queens. It was the second time the shop had been vandalized within three weeks.
October, 2022
BACKGROUNDER: Education Censorship, Book Bans, and Attacks on Free Speech
WASHINGTON - As we approach Banned Books Week, which runs from September 18-24, 2022, LGBTQ+ youth and content is under attack in states across the country. All students -- no matter their background, sexual orientation, or gender identity -- deserve to feel safe and welcomed in schools, libraries, and bookshops alike. But power-hungry politicians like Gov. Ron DeSantis, who signed the "Don't Say Gay or Trans" and "Stop WOKE" bills into law in Florida, are using the levers of government to dictate to children, their parents, and educators what they can read, what they can learn, what they can say, and who they can be. The dangerous practice of banning books and silencing educators is not new and has always been used by those who want to roll back progress, sow fear and division, hide important truths, and induce moral panic. So while extremist politicians are seeking to advance an agenda of discrimination, they're triggering a larger backlash against their actions in states across the country. For those looking to affirm LGBTQ+ youth, the Human Rights Campaign's (HRC's) Welcoming Schools program provides age-appropriate book lists for Elementary and Secondary school students that affirm LGBTQ+ identities, as well as for their educators & caregivers.
Human Rights Campaign Condemns Anti-LGBTQ+ 'Commitment to America' GOP Agenda
Washington, DC - September 23, 2022 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) - the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization - condemned the recently released House Republicans' midterms platform, the "Commitment to America" agenda.
Human Rights Campaign Condemns Oklahoma Legislators for Proposal Banning Gender Affirming Care, Weaponizing Federal COVID Relief Funds
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - September 29, 2022 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, responded to the passing of SB 3, proposed today during the Oklahoma legislature's special session. The bill threatens to withhold almost $40 million in federal COVID relief dollars granted in President Biden's American Rescue Plan from OU Health if the medical facility continues to provide age-appropriate, medically necessary gender-affirming care. Today's move comes on the heels of far-right pressure placed upon lawmakers, spearheaded by ongoing disinformation campaigns on social media and other platforms. This development also comes as medical professionals who provide gender-affirming care continue to face escalating threats of violence, which are not only occurring online, but are carrying over into the real world as well. The American Academy of Pediatrics expressed solidarity and support of these providers in a statement yesterday, along with their opposition to any legislation that attempts to ban or severely limit gender-affirming care.
Human Rights Campaign Delivers Letters to Senator Toomey Urging Support for 'Respect for Marriage Act' as Senate Vote Nears
PITTSBURGH, PA - September 14, 2022 -As the US Senate prepares to vote on the bipartisan Respect for Marriage Act before the end of September, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) today brought the voices of pro-equality Pennsylvanians directly to Senator Toomey's Pittsburgh office, delivering more than 1,500 letters urging the Senator to vote "yes" on the legislation to codify the right of same-sex and interracial couples to marry. The bill will guarantee the rights, benefits, and obligations of marriages in the federal code, repeal the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), and affirm that public acts, records and proceedings should be recognized by all states. Senator Toomey is undecided on the bill.
Human Rights Campaign Foundation and Power the Polls Partner to Recruit More Poll Workers Before Midterm Elections
SEPTEMBER 22, 2022 - With the midterm elections fast approaching in November, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC) - the educational arm of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization - is partnering with Power the Polls to help recruit potential poll workers from LGBTQ+ communities across the country to serve in the midterm election, alleviate poll worker shortages, and ensure representation at the polls. Power the Polls is a first-of-its-kind, nonpartisan initiative for recruiting the next generation of poll workers. The initiative first launched in 2020 and has recruited more than 125,000 potential poll workers since relaunching in May 2022.
Human Rights Campaign Mobilizes Over 220 Businesses & More than 43,000 Supporters to Rally Behind Respect for Marriage Act Senate Vote
WASHINGTON - September 8, 2022 -With Congress now back in session and passing the Respect for Marriage Act a top priority in the Senate, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, is mobilizing 226 major businesses representing over 8.5 million employees, its more than 3 million highly engaged members and supporters, and the nation's 62 million "Equality Voters" to call on the U.S. Senate to pass the Respect for Marriage Act (RMA). The legislation that would nationally codify federal marriage equality by guaranteeing the federal rights, benefits and obligations of marriages in the federal code; repeal the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA); and affirm that public acts, records and proceedings are recognized by all states.
Human Rights Campaign: U.S. Senate Must Vote On; Pass Respect for Marriage Act As Soon As Possible
WASHINGTON - September 15, 2022 - The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) - the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization - expressed disappointment that the U.S. Senate has declined to vote on the vital Respect for Marriage Act before the Senate recess. In response, Human Rights Campaign Interim President Joni Madison issued the following statement: "The Respect for Marriage Act is an incredibly necessary, popular and bipartisan bill - and the and the lack of 10 Republican yes votes right now is extremely disappointing. Marriage equality - for both LGBTQ+ and interracial couples - is not and should not be a partisan issue, and to treat it as such is an insult to the millions of families who are impacted. The Respect for Marriage Act must be brought to a vote at the earliest possible moment - in the aftermath of Dobbs v. Jackson, it is clear there's a timely, urgent need to declare that the days of debate around marriage equality are over.
New Poll: Two-Thirds of Likely Voters in Battleground States Support Marriage Equality
WASHINGTON - September 14, 2022 - New polling released today by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) - the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization - shows that about two-thirds (64%) of likely voters in 2022 battleground states - Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, New Hampshire, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin - support a law "protecting the national right to same-sex marriage." The polling results are consistent with numbers seen throughout this year indicating that a strong majority of the public is in favor of allowing LGBTQ+ people to marry those they love.
September, 2022
Anti-LGBTQ+ Grooming Narrative Surged More Than 400% on Social Media Following Florida's 'Don't Say Gay or Trans' Law
WASHINGTON - August 10, 2022 - In the wake of the passage of Florida's discriminatory "Don't Say Gay or Trans" bill, extremist politicians and their allies engineered an unprecedented and dangerous anti-LGBTQ+ misinformation campaign that saw discriminatory and inflamatory "grooming" content surge by over 400% across social media platforms, according to a new report released today by the Human Rights Campaign and the Center for Countering Digital Hate. The report - Digital Hate: Social Media's Role in Amplifying Dangerous Lies About LGBTQ+ People - reveals that the average number of tweets per day using slurs such as "groomer" and "pedophile" in relation to LGBTQ+ people surged by 406% in the month after the Florida bill was passed, resulting in a sharp spike in online homophobia and transphobia that social media platforms not only failed to crack down on, but also profited from.
BACKGROUNDER: "Back To School As You Are" Campaign Supports LGBTQ+ Students, Families, Educators Amidst Wave of Disturbing Anti-LGBTQ+ Legislation
WASHINGTON - August 9, 2022 - Across the nation, LGBTQ+ students of all ages are returning to school under an unprecedented and hostile political climate. An uptick in discriminatory legislation and rhetoric targeting LGBTQ+ youth - particularly transgender and non-binary youth - in recent months has created a sense of hopelessness and fear for many. Students' safety is being compromised as elected officials seek to attack them for political gain. From anti-trans sports bills to book bans to curriculum censorship legislation, LGBTQ+ students are seeing their rights attacked and identities erased.
Human Rights Campaign Announces Lawsuit Against Tennessee's Anti-Transgender Student Bathroom Bill
WASHINGTON - August 4, 2022 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, joined by the law firm of Linklaters, filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against the Williamson County Board of Education and the Tennessee Department of Education in the District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee challenging a discriminatory law that denies transgender students, faculty, and staff access to the bathroom, locker rooms and other sex-segregated facilities consistent with their gender identity.
Human Rights Campaign Calls for Equitable Monkeypox (MPV) Response Amidst Disturbing Reports of Vaccine Disparities
WASHINGTON - August 12, 2022 - The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, has been closely monitoring the monkeypox (MPV) outbreak in the United States and tracking equity in overall public health response. Concerning reports have been released this week with demographic data that shows in some areas, Black and Brown people within the men who have sex with men (MSM) community are most impacted by the virus, yet they are receiving a fraction of the limited vaccines in comparison with their white peers.
Human Rights Campaign Commends the Biden Administration's Monkeypox (MPV) Public Health Emergency Declaration; Calls for Swift Federal Action
WASHINGTON - August 4, 2022 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, commended the Biden Administration for declaring the monkeypox virus (MPV) outbreak a national public health emergency while noting that more needs to be done to ensure equitable access to vaccines and treatment.
Human Rights Campaign Commends White House for Hosting Summit to Combat Extremist Violence
WASHINGTON - August 19, 2022 - Today, the White House announced it would host the "United We Stand Summit," an event to combat the spread of extremist violence and misinformation. The Summit comes at a time when hate-driven violence against people of color and LGBTQ+ people is on the rise. In just the last few months, 10 Black people were killed at a shooting in Buffalo, New York; white nationalists targeted a Pride event in Idaho; Proud Boys crashed Drag Queen story hour at a local library in California to shout homophobic and transphobic slurs; and Boston Children's Hospital's patients and providers have found themselves the targets of violent threats following a campaign of disinformation on Twitter.
Human Rights Campaign Commends White House Monkeypox (MPV) Coordinator Appointments; Calls for Greater Federal Response
WASHINGTON - August 2, 2022 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, commended the Biden Administration for appointing Robert Fenton and Dr. Demetre Daskalakis to serve as White House coordinator and deputy coordinator, respectively, to combat the spread of Monkeypox (MPV), while calling for more immediate action on the part of the federal government. Fenton helped lead FEMA's COVID-19 mass vaccination campaign as FEMA's acting administrator and Dr. Daskalakis is the director of the CDC's HIV prevention division who also serves as an expert on issues impacting the LGBTQ+ community.
Human Rights Campaign Condemns Texas School Board for Sweeping Set of Attacks on Transgender Youth
WASHINGTON, D.C. - August 25, 2022 - This week, the Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District voted to approve a series of bans and policies taking aim at the existence of open dialogue regarding race, gender identity, and the rights of transgender and gender fluid students. In response, Human Rights Campaign Texas Field Organizer Preston Knight issued the following statement criticizing the decision and its implications for the wellbeing of LGBTQ+ youth:
Human Rights Campaign Foundation Releases New Data Highlighting the Ongoing Impact of COVID-19 on the LGBTQ+ Community
WASHINGTON - August 18, 2022 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, the educational arm of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, released new data highlighting how the LGBTQ+ community, particularly Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) and Latinx LGBTQ+ adults, have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic across various facets of life.
ICYMI: HRC Condemns Threats Against Boston Children's Hospital, Other Pediatricians
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Septe,ber , 2022 - In the wake of escalating, often violent rhetoric against physicians and hospitals providing best-practice, age-appropriate, medically-necessary gender affirming care - including recent violent threats against Boston Children's Hospital - HRC's Senior Vice President of Programs, Research and Training, Jay Brown, spoke with PBS NewsHour about the current moment where violent, extreme-right rhetoric is threatening parents, young people, and medical providers.
Parents, Medical Experts, Faith Groups and 21 States Urge Appeals Court Not to Reinstate Alabama Law Criminalizing Healthcare for Transgender Youth
ALABAMA - August 18, 2022 - Parents of transgender children have filed a friend-of-the-court brief asking the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit to uphold the injunction against S.B. 184. The Alabama law, blocked by a federal judge in May 2022, would criminalize doctors and parents for ensuring their transgender children can access necessary medical care. Medical experts, faith groups, and 21 U.S. states also filed briefs urging the Appeals Court to keep the bar on S.B. 184 in place.
August, 2022
BACKGROUNDER: As Senate Prepares for Vote on Bipartisan 'Respect for Marriage Act', Pennsylvanians are Mobilizing in Support, Urging Sen Toomey to Vote in Favor
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania - July 27, 2022 - As the U.S. Senate prepares for a vote on the Respect for Marriage Act, Pennsylvanians in communities across the state are mobilizing to urge Sen. Pat Toomey to vote in support of the bill. The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) is activating a grassroots army of 3.1 million members, volunteers, and supporters nationwide to mobilize voters in states across the country, including the more than 3,006,825 Equality Voters in Pennsylvania - who are among the more than 62 million Equality Voters in the nation made up of LGBTQ+ people and allies who prioritize LGBTQ+ equality at the ballot box. HRC has maintained a full-time, on-the-ground staff in Pennsylvania for several years, building coalitions, mobilizing around elections, and training a highly-engaged grassroots network.
Bipartisan Respect for Marriage Act Passes 267-157, with 47 Republican Votes
WASHINGTON - July 19, 2022 - The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) - the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization - today celebrated the bipartisan passage of the Respect for Marriage Act in the House of Representatives. The bill passed 267 to 157 and garnered the votes of 47 Republicans, demonstrating the widespread and bipartisan support for marriage equality. This legislation would guarantee the federal rights, benefits, and obligations of marriages in the federal code, repeal the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), and affirm that public acts, records and proceedings should be recognized by all states. HRC celebrates the House of Representatives for moving this important legislation forward and now calls on the U.S. Senate to pass this important legislation swiftly.
Comments Now Open for Proposal to Include Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity in Title IX Protections
WASHINGTON - July 12, 2022 - The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) - the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization - marked the publication today of the U.S. Department of Education's Title IX Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. The proposed regulation, which will add sexual orientation and gender identity as enumerated protected characteristics within the Title IX regulation, is now open for public comment for 60 days. The Department is inviting comments from members of the general public and offers a helpful tip sheet on how to compose comments that will have an impact on the rulemaking process.
HRC Interim Pres Joni Madison at NOW National Conference: Inclusive Language "Highlights Just How Many People Are Being Impacted" By Attacks on Abortion Access
CHICAGO - July 25, 2022 - On Saturday morning, Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Interim President Joni Madison delivered a keynote address on "The LGBTQIA+ Community in the Intersectional Feminist Movement" at the National Organization for Women (NOW) 2022 National Conference in Chicago. In her remarks, Joni highlighted the need for united action between the LGBTQ+ and intersectional feminist movements in the fight against the recent attacks on LGBTQ+ rights and abortion access. She also takes on those who claim that inclusive language erases women, saying, "We understand that inclusive language around issues such as abortion access and reproductive rights doesn't erase women -rather, it highlights just how many people are being impacted."
Human Rights Campaign Commends World Health Organization for Declaring Monkeypox a Global Health Emergency
WASHINGTON - July 23 , 2022 -Today, The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, commended the World Health Organization (WHO) for taking the step to declare the monkeypox virus (MPV) a global health emergency. The designation means the WHO views the outbreak as a significant threat to global health, requiring a coordinated international response. The last time a global health emergency was declared was in 2020, in response to COVID-19.
Human Rights Campaign Endorses Austin Davis for Lieutenant Governor
PENNSYLVANIA - July 12, 2022 - Today the Human Rights Campaign PAC (HRC PAC) announced its endorsement of Austin Davis's campaign for Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania. HRC PAC, which also endorsed Josh Shapiro's campaign for Governor last month, is committed to engaging volunteers, members and supporters to mobilize 3 million Equality Voters in Pennsylvania in support of Davis and other pro-equality candidates up and down the ballot.
Human Rights Campaign Endorses John Fetterman for Senate
HARRISBURG - July 28 2022 - Today the Human Rights Campaign PAC (HRC PAC) announced its endorsement of John Fetterman for U.S. Senate. HRC PAC is committed to engaging its volunteers, members and supporters to mobilize more than three million Equality Voters across Pennsylvania in support of Fetterman and other pro-equality candidates up and down the ballot.
Human Rights Campaign Endorses Pro-Equality Champions in Pennsylvania House and Senate Races
PENNSYLVANIA - Today the Human Rights Campaign PAC (HRC PAC) announced its initial round of endorsements of nearly four dozen pro-equality candidates running for the Pennsylvania General Assembly. HRC PAC, which also endorsed the Shapiro/Davis ticket, is committed to engaging volunteers, members and supporters to mobilize 3 million Equality Voters in Pennsylvania in support of pro-equality candidates up and down the ballot. HRC's endorsements in Pennsylvania do not reflect a comprehensive list of pro-equality candidates for the General Assembly, but rather the first group of races HRC will prioritize for engagement from volunteers and members in 2022.
Human Rights Campaign Legal Director at House Judiciary Committee Hearing: "A Domino Effect Could Occur" if Majority Swayed by Justice Thomas on LGBTQ+ Rights
WASHINGTON - July 14, 2022 -Today, the Human Rights Campaign's Legal Director, Sarah Warbelow, testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on the Judiciary during a hearing about the threat to individual rights in a post-Roe world, specifically highlighting the potential impact of Dobbs v. Jackson on the LGBTQ+ community.Warbelow discussed how the Dobbs decision may affect LGBTQ+ civil rights, including the potential impact on Obergefell v. Hodges and Lawrence v. Texas-her written testimony can be found here.
Human Rights Campaign Mobilizes More than 170 Businesses & Over 20,000 Supporters in Support of Respect for Marriage Act Senate Vote
WASHINGTON - July 28, 2022 - As the U.S. Senate prepares for a vote on the Respect for Marriage Act, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) is mobilizing 173 major businesses representing over 5.3 million employees, its more than 3 million highly engaged members and supporters, and the nation's 62 million "Equality Voters" to call on the Senate to pass the bill. The Respect for Marriage Act is legislation that would nationally codify federal marriage equality by guaranteeing the federal rights, benefits, and obligations of marriages in the federal code; repeal the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA); and affirm that public acts, records and proceedings are recognized by all states.
Human Rights Campaign on DeSantis's "Don't Say Gay or Trans" Law Going into Effect, Targeting LGBTQ+ Youth and Turning Back the Clock on Equality
Washington, D.C. - June 30, 2022 - Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis's shameful "Don't Say Gay or Trans" law will officially go into effect in Florida on Friday, targeting LGBTQ+ youth and educators across the state by preventing them from having and providing a safe, inclusive classroom. It will block teachers from talking about LGBTQ+ issues or people, further stigmatizing LGBTQ+ people and isolating LGBTQ+ kids.
Human Rights Campaign Responds to Federal Judge Temporarily Blocking Trans-Affirming Guidance on Title IX
WASHINGTON - July 16, 2022 -Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) responded to news that a federal judge temporarily enjoined Department of Education guidance affirming that the rights of transgender students are protected by Title IX.
ICYMI: NBC: Opponents Of Same-Sex Marriage Face An Uphill Climb. They Should Give Up.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - July 22, 2022 - In the lead-up to the Senate's vote on the Respect for Marriage Act, Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Interim President Joni Madison published an op-ed in NBC THINK about how the bipartisan vote for the legislation in the House of Representatives demonstrates widespread support for marriage equality - and the uphill climb anti-equality opponents will face if they want to roll back this right. The Respect for Marriage Act, which passed the House XX-XX and garnered 47 Republican votes, will guarantee the federal rights, benefits, and obligations of marriages in the federal code, repeal the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), and affirm that public acts, records and proceedings should be recognized by all states.
Public Support for Marriage Equality at All-Time High Approaching the Anniversaries of Landmark Supreme Court Decisions that Contributed to LGBTQ+ Equality
WASHINGTON - June 24, 2022 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, commemorates the anniversaries of three historic U.S. Supreme Court decisions that led to securing the right to marriage for same-sex couples-Lawrence v Texas, United States v Windsor and Obergefell v Hodges. Since Obergefell cemented marriage equality into law seven years ago, it has quickly grown in acceptance and support. Seven in ten Americans (71%) express support for marriage equality; that number has consistently risen since 2015 when 60% of Americans were in favor of marriage equality. Now, there are approximately 568,000 married same-sex couples, which is 58% of all same-sex households.
The Human Rights Campaign Foundation Recognizes 53 Argentinian Companies Dedicated to LGBTQ+ Workplace Inclusion
WASHINGTON - July 14, 2022 - Today, The Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC), the educational arm of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, in partnership with Instituto de Políticas Públicas LGBT, is releasing its first annual 'HRC Equidad AR: Global Workplace Equality Program' report. This program stands alongside leading South American benchmarking surveys completed in Mexico, Chile and Brazil. These surveys share information about employers who have demonstrated a commitment to LGBTQ+ equality by adopting crucial LGBTQ+-inclusive policies and practices for their employees. In 2022, 53 Argentinian companies participated and 22 earned top marks for their efforts to promote workplace LGBTQ+ inclusion.
VIDEO: Human Rights Campaign Legal Director at House Judiciary Committee Hearing: "A Domino Effect Could Occur" if Majority Swayed by Justice Thomas on LGBTQ+ R
WASHINGTON - July 14, 2022 -Today, the Human Rights Campaign's Legal Director, Sarah Warbelow, testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on the Judiciary during a hearing about the threat to individual rights in a post-Roe world, specifically highlighting the potential impact of Dobbs v. Jackson on the LGBTQ+ community.Warbelow discussed how the Dobbs decision may affect LGBTQ+ civil rights, including the potential impact on Obergefell v. Hodges and Lawrence v. Texas-her written testimony can be found here.
July, 2022
DeSantis Administration Moves Toward Denying Health Care to Transgender Floridians; HRC Calls on State Health Officials to Reverse Course on Discriminatation
TALLAHASSEE - June 17, 2022 - The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration, bowing to the wishes of the openly discriminatory DeSantis Administration, released proposed rule changes today that would - contrary to all medical best practices - deny gender affirming care to Floridians of all ages who rely on Medicaid. The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) - the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization - denounced the transparently political move that seeks to take decisions about best care practices out of the hands of medical professionals and patients.
HRC Praises Department of Defense for Reversing Policy on Service Members Living with HIV, Allowing Those With Undetectable Viral Load to Serve, Be Deployed
WASHINGTON - June 8, 2022 - The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) - the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization - hailed the decision of the Department of Defense this week to abandon an outdated and discriminatory policy from the 1980s that called for service members to be discharged, deployed or prevented from advancing merely because they were HIV-positive, even if they had an undetectable viral load. The new guidance follows an April ruling by a federal judge striking down the former policy as a result of a pair of lawsuits brought by Lambda Legal on behalf of three service members.
Human Rights Campaign Celebrates Anniversary of Bostock v. Clayton; Calls for Passage of Nondiscrimination Protections for LGBTQ+ People
WASHINGTON - June 15, 2022 -Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, is celebrating the two-year anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court's historic ruling in Bostock v. Clayton County, which cemented the legal interpretation that discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity is a form of sex discrimination prohibited by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Human Rights Campaign Marks Six Years Since Pulse Nightclub Shooting
WASHINGTON - June 10, 2022 - The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) - the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization -honors the lives of the 49 people - most of them young, LGBTQ+ and Latinx - killed in the attack at the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando on June 12, 2016. Sunday's commemoration falls as the United States continues to grapple with the scourge of gun violence, with recent shootings in Buffalo, NY; Uvalde, TX; and Laguna Woods, CA, to name only three. A total of 32 people - most of them people of color - were killed in those events.
Human Rights Campaign Slams Discriminatory FINA Policy Banning Transgender Swimmers
WASHINGTON, D.C. - June 19, 2022 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, condemned swimming's international governing body, FINA, for its new policy to ban transgender women from participating in swimming competitions. The new policy from FINA, released on Sunday, June 19, 2022, comes at a time when transgender people are under attack in states across the country. It requires that transgender swimmers complete their transition by the age of 12 - an unrealistic and effectively impossible requirement especially as some states, including Alabama and Arkansas, are attempting to ban transgender youth from accessing the very same age-appropriate, medically necessary gender-affirming care that would allow them to comply with this policy.
The Human Rights Campaign Foundation Recognizes 57 Chilean Companies Dedicated to LGBTQ+ Workplace Inclusion
WASHINGTON - June 14, 2022 - Today, The Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC), the educational arm of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, in partnership with Fundación Iguales, is releasing its fourth annual 'HRC Equidad CL: Global Workplace Equality Program' report. This program is the leading South American benchmarking survey and report recognizing employers in Chile (CL) who have demonstrated a commitment to LGBTQ+ equality by adopting crucial LGBTQ+-inclusive policies and practices for their employees. In 2022, the total number of workplace participants rose to 135, an increase of more than 40% compared to 2021.
VIDEO: Transgender & Non-Binary People of All Ages Share Why it is So Important to Celebrate Pride Month and #ProtectTransKids
WASHINGTON - June 8, 2022 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, released a new video titled "My First Pride." In the video, transgender and non-binary people ages 8-65 years old recount their first experiences at Pride and discuss how it feels to celebrate Pride at a time when the LGBTQ+ community is under attack in statehouses across the country. The video calls on viewers to fight against anti-transgender legislation in the states and help make Pride feel like a real celebration. As eight-year-old Violet says in the video, "trans is gorgeous."
June, 2022
Florida Health Officials Again Advance Plans to Attack Transgender Floridians, Reject Consensus of Medical Professionals
TALLAHASSEE - June 2, 2022 - Following up on a thoroughly discredited preliminary report in April, Florida's Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) on Thursday released an expanded report that repeats many of the same fallacies in the name of rejecting the medical consensus on gender affirming care. In response, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) - the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization - condemned the move as a transparent ploy to create controversy, ignore medical best practices, and refuse to provide age-appropriate, medically-necessary care to some Floridians for purely partisian, discriminatory reasons.
Get the Facts on Gender-Affirming Care
Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. But across the country, politicians desperate to gain or hold onto power and their allies in the media are attacking LGBTQ+ people and making it impossible for LGBTQ+ youth - particularly transgender and non-binary youth --to be their authentic selves. Bills in statehouses across the country aim to take away access to gender-affirming care -- medically necessary, safe, health care backed by decades of research and supported by every major medical association representing over 1.3 million US doctors. And some even accuse parents of transgender children who want to transition of child abuse.
HRC Interim President Calls Out Marjorie Taylor Greene, Kay Ivey, Ron Desantis for Hypocrisy in Spreading Anti-LGBTQ+ Misinformation
New York, NY - May 2, 2022 - Saturday night, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, hosted its Greater New York Dinner. The event featured speeches from HRC's interim president Joni Madison, who used her remarks to directly confront the right-wing anti-LGBTQ+ misinformation campaign and called the current moment - when a slate of anti-LGBTQ+ bills are passing in states across the country and misinformation is rampant-- - an "emergency."
Human Rights Campaign and SHOWTIME® Launch Third Year of QUEER TO STAY, an LGBTQ+ Small Business Initiative
WASHINGTON - June 3, 2022 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, and SHOWTIME announced the third consecutive year of "QUEER TO STAY: An LGBTQ+ Business Preservation Initiative" (QTS) that aims to uplift and preserve small businesses that serve the LGBTQ+ community; particularly businesses that are owned by or empower LGBTQ+ people of color, women and the transgender community. This year, the initiative is expanding its pool of funding to $250,000 to be distributed among at least 25 small businesses.
Human Rights Campaign Condemns Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt For Signing Anti-Equality Legislation In Violation Of Federal Civil Rights Law
OKLAHOMA CITY - May 25, 2022 - Today, The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) - the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization - condemned Governor Kevin Stitt's signature of legislation, S.B. 615, a bill copying other efforts - most recently in Alabama - to discriminate against LGBTQ+ youth in schools. Specifically, the bill puts Oklahoma in a small and infamous group of states that have chosen to defy federal civil rights law by forbidding transgender youth to access restrooms consistent with their gender identity. North Carolina and Tennessee both faced swift challenges in the courts for these violations, and Alabama's recent law is only months old. The legislation also adds penalty provisions for schools that fail to comply (5% decrease in funding from the state) and gives parents a cause of action if they believe the law has been violated.
Human Rights Campaign Endorses Josh Shapiro for Governor of Pennsylvania
HARRISBURG - June 6, 2022 - Today the Human Rights Campaign PAC (HRC PAC) announced its endorsement of Attorney General Josh Shapiro for governor of Pennsylvania. HRC PAC is committed to engaging our volunteers, members and supporters to mobilize the 3 million Equality Voters in Pennsylvania in support of Shapiro and other pro-equality candidates up and down the ballot.
Human Rights Campaign Fact Sheet: Lesbian, Bisexual, Queer Women Who Have Been Pregnant Are More Likely to Need Abortion Services
WASHINGTON - June 2, 2022 -Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, launched a new fact sheet on LGBTQ+ people & Roe v. Wade. This new resource highlights the importance of the protections enshrined in Roe v. Wade to members of the LGBTQ+ community. The data shows that LGBTQ+ women who have been pregnant are more likely to have had unwanted or mistimed pregnancies than heterosexual women and are more likely to need abortion services as well. Furthermore, their pregnancies are more likely to be the result of violence.
Human Rights Campaign Foundation Files Amicus Brief in Carpenter v. James, in Support of Business & Corporate Interest in LGBTQ+ Inclusion
WASHINGTON - May 17, 2022 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, the educational arm of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, as co-counsel with Steptoe & Johnson LLP, filed an amicus brief before the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit on behalf of a group of diverse businesses. The case, Carpenter v. James, involves a wedding photographer in New York who is effectively seeking permission to turn away same-sex couples and to advertise that she will not provide services to same-sex weddings. The argument before the Court addresses the scope of protections against discrimination for LGBTQ+ patrons seeking goods or services under New York State Human Rights Law and Civil Rights Law.
Human Rights Campaign Honors International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT) by Highlighting Impacts of Global Small Grants Program
WASHINGTON - May 17, 2022 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, is commemorating International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT) by celebrating the innovative outcomes of the second year of HRC Foundation's Global Small Grants Program, which supported 20 initiatives to advance LGBTQ+ equality in 20 countries.
Human Rights Campaign Interim President: This Pride, the LGBTQ+ Community is in Crisis, State of Emergency
WASHINGTON - June 1, 2022 -Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, is marking the first day of Pride Month 2022, with an op-ed and video message from Interim President Joni Madison that centers the crisis facing the LGBTQ+ community and emphasizes the importance of activism during Pride.
ICYMI: Human Rights Campaign Responds to New Gallup Poll Confirming the Growing Support of Marriage Equality
WASHINGTON - June 1, 2022 -Today, Gallup released a new poll that showed a growing percentage of people (71%) in the U.S. support same-sex marriage. In response, Human Rights Campaign Legal Director Sarah Warbelow released the following statement: "This new data not only shows the continuing growth of support for same-sex marriage but also underscores what we have long known-anti-LGBTQ+ politicians and activists attacking marriage equality do not reflect the beliefs of the nation and are working contrary to public opinion," said Sarah Warbelow, Human Rights Campaign Legal Director. "Notably, the Supreme Court doesn't take public opinion into account when makings its decision; the Court will override decades of precedent if it strikes down Roe, despite the fact that a majority of Americans support access to abortion care. If that does indeed happen, it will likely embolden state legislatures - who have already been introducing and passing anti-LGBTQ+ legislation at a record pace - to continue to test the limits of court recognized LGBTQ+ equality. "
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.
Pennsylvania Senate Wastes Time Attacking Transgender Kids By Passing Bill It Knows Governor Will Veto
HARRISBURG - June 7, 2022 - Instead of working on real solutions to the problems facing the Commonwealth, the Pennsylvania Senate took time out of its schedule today to pass a discriminatory bill that targets a marginalized population of students - transgender girls and women - knowing full well that Gov. Tom Wolf will veto the legislation if it reaches his desk.
May, 2022
AL Parents, Joined by Minister & Medical Providers, Seek Emergency Court Order Blocking Law that Will Criminalize their Transgender Children's Medical Care
Four Alabama parents are asking a federal court to stop SB 184 from taking effect on May 8, saying the law strips them of the right to make important decisions about their children's healthcare. SB 184 punishes parents and their children's doctors for providing - or even suggesting - well-established essential medical care for their transgender children. The punishment can include up to 10 years in prison.
BREAKING: Human Rights Campaign Condemns Florida Gov. DeSantis' for Signing 'Stop WOKE' Act
Washington, D.C. - April 22, 2022 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) - the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization - condemned Governor Ron DeSantis for signing the "Stop WOKE" act (HB 7), legislation limiting protected speech in workplaces and classrooms by censoring honest dialogue about systemic racism, gender, and race discrimination. The legislation also changes Florida's employment discrimination statutes to give employees the ability to file discrimination claims against an employer engaging in trainings or discussions about Black history, LGBTQ+ issues, and other concepts of injustice and discrimination.
FACT CHECK: Human Rights Campaign Rebuts Florida Department of Health Disinformation About Gender Affirming Care Point by Point
WASHINGTON - April 22, 2022 -In response to Thursday's release from the Florida Department of Health which attacked the established standards of age-appropriate, medically-necessary, and often life-saving care for transgender youth, the Human Rights Campaign has released a point-by-point rebuttal detailing the bad science and disinformation behind the newest attack on transgender and non-binary youth in Florida.
First Openly Transgender NCAA Division I Athlete, Schuyler Bailar, Debunks Myths about Transgender Athletes in Human Rights Campaign Video
WASHINGTON - April 26, 2022 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, released a new video featuring male swimmer and the first openly transgender NCAA Division I athlete, Schulyer Bailar. In the video, Bailar breaks down several myths about transgender athletes, specifically transgender female athletes, that have gained wide-spread traction amid the surge in transgender sports-bans in state legislatures.
HRC and Equality Florida Respond to Florida Department of Health Spreading Dangerous Disinformation about Gender Affirming Care & Trans Youth
WASHINGTON - April 20, 2022 -Today, the Florida Department of Health released a statement, which it sent to licensed health and human services providers in the state of Florida, attacking the established standards of age-appropriate, medically-necessary, and often life-saving care for transgender youth. In response, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) condemned it as Gov. Ron DeSantis's latest move to attack transgender and non-binary children and adolescents, only weeks after signing his widely-derided "Don't Say Gay or Trans" bill into law.
HRC Condemns AL Gov. Kay Ivey for Enacting Nation's First Bill to Impose Criminal Penalties On Providers of Gender-Affirming Care for Transgender Youth
MONTGOMERY - April 8, 202 - Today, Governor Ivey signed Senate Bill 184, legislation passed in the final hours of the session by anti-equality legislators, is the first in the nation to impose felony criminal penalties on medical professionals who offer evidence-based, age-appropriate, gender-affirming treatment to youth. This bill defies the best practices supported by the American Academy of Pediatrics and other leading medical authorities; strips away parents' right to make decisions, in consultation with their doctor, about providing their child with best practice medical care; and, would require school personnel to out transgender youth to their parent(s). In response to this discriminatory move, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) - the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization - condemned the governor's action that needlessly harms families, transgender youth, and medical care providers.
Human Rights Campaign and WarnerMedia Release "Let Us Play" Video: The Story of Transgender Youth who Just Want to Play Sports
WASHINGTON - April 7, 2022 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) announced a collaboration with WarnerMedia to launch a video called "Let Us Play." The video, which features transgender youth playing sports with their friends, calls on leaders and legislators in states across the country to simply let transgender kids play
Human Rights Campaign Commends Biden-Harris Administration for Releasing Report on Efforts to Support Global LGBTQ+ Rights
WASHINGTON - April 28, 2022 - Today, The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, commended the release of a report from the Biden-Harris administration that examines the efforts of each federal agency with an international portfolio to advance LGBTQ+ equality around the world. The report points both to the progress that the administration has made, as well as obstacles that agencies face.
Human Rights Campaign Condemns Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey for Signing Discriminatory Anti-Trans Bathroom Ban, "Don't Say Gay or Trans" Bill Into Law
MONTGOMERY - April 8, 2022 - Today, Governor Ivey signed House Bill 322, bans K-12 students from using bathrooms and school facilities consistent with gender identity and enacts "Don't Say Gay or Trans" provisions in grades K-5. In response to this discriminatory move, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) - the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization - condemned the governor's action that needlessly harms transgender kids and benefits no one.
Human Rights Campaign Foundation Launches Inaugural Report LGBTQ+ School Inclusion Efforts
WASHINGTON, DC - April 12, 2022 -Today, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, the educational arm of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization released the 2021 Annual Report from the Welcoming Schools Program. The inaugural Welcoming Schools Annual Report exhibits marked growth and expanded equitable access to virtual PreK-12 training opportunities for educators across the country and internationally. In 2021, Welcoming Schools trained over 16,000 educators in 37 states, the District of Columbia, Canada and Taiwan impacting over 3.9 million students.
Human Rights Campaign Mobilizes to Defeat Ohio's "Don't Say Gay or Trans" Education Censorship Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C. - April 7, 2022 - Following the introduction yesterday of HB616, a new version of the "Don't Say Gay, Don't Say Trans" bill, in the Ohio House of Representatives, the Human Rights Campaign is working alongside parents and advocates to call on House Speaker Robert R. Cupp to stop this latest attack on the LGBTQ+ community.
Human Rights Campaign Responds to Governor DeSantis Revoking Disney's Special Tax Status
Washington, D.C. - April 22, 2022 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) - the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization - responded to news that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis had revoked Disney's special tax status. HRC Interim President Joni Madison issued the following statement in response: "Governor DeSantis is wielding the power of the state to punish businesses simply for not falling in line with his brutal and discriminatory attacks. It's simply another example of Gov. DeSantis's attempts to tell people what to say, how to teach, what they can learn, what they can believe, and who they can be, and shows that Gov. DeSantis is prioritizing attacking LGBTQ+ people over the well-being of his state.
Human Rights Campaign: The Real Threat to Women's Sports Isn't Trans Athletes - It's Underfunding, Lack of Resources
WASHINGTON, DC - April 19, 2022 - As states across the country continue to debate and pass anti-transgender sports bans - bills that would prevent transgender girls from playing on sports teams that align with their gender identity - a new Human Rights Campaign analysis points out that the real threat to women's sports is not allowing transgender young people to play; it is underfunding and lack of resources for collegiate women's sports. HRC's analysis of data from a USA Today series on Title IX found that colleges and universities in the 15 states that have passed or have pending anti-transgender sports bill spent $64 million more on men's than women's sports - spending only approximately $0.70 on women's sports for every $1 spent on men's sports
New Billboard Campaign Greets Visitors to DeSantis's Florida: 'The Sunshine "Don't Say Gay or Trans" State'
Washington, D.C. - April 21, 2022 - Visitors to Tallahassee, Tampa, Orlando, and South Florida are being greeted by new billboards this week welcoming them to "Florida: The Sunshine 'Don't Say Gay or Trans' State." The billboards, which are being placed in key areas across the state with high visitor traffic and visibility, including near airports and along large interstate highways, are part of a new advertising campaign launched by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest LGBTQ+ civil rights organization. The billboards will raise public awareness around the ways Florida's image has been irreversibly damaged by the new "Don't Say Gay or Trans" law, which is designed to silence teachers from talking about LGBTQ+ issues or people - further stigmatizing and isolating LGBTQ+ kids and also undermining existing protections for LGBTQ+ students, as well as yesterday's decision by the Governor DeSantis's Department of Health to release a statement attacking the established standards of age-appropriate, medically-necessary, and often life-saving care for transgender youth.
We Fixed It For You: Human Rights Campaign Corrects Disinformation in Florida Department of Health Memo on Gender Affirming Care
WASHINGTON D.C. - April 27, 2022 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) - the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization - released a corrected version of recent guidance issued by the Florida Department of Health on gender-affirming care. HRC took a red pen to the guidance, which was rife with inaccuracies and dangerous disinformation, and created a redlined, corrected version of the document to show the falsehoods included in the Department of Health's original guidance.
April, 2022
200+ Major U.S. Companies Oppose Anti-LGBTQ+ State Legislation
WASHINGTON, D.C. - March 31, 2022 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign and Freedom for All Americans announced that more than 200 major companies have joined together to sign on to the Human Rights Campaign and Freedom for All Americans Business Statement on Anti-LGBTQ+ Legislation. Together, these companies are united in opposing the wave of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, much of which specifically harms transgender youth, in states across the country. The list of signatories has more than quadrupled in the past year.
A Historic Nomination: Human Rights Campaign Releases Report on Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson
WASHINGTON - March 18, 2022 -Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, released a 12-page report detailing the pragmatic and empathetic judicial approach of President Joe Biden's Supreme Court nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson. Judge Jackson was nominated to fill the seat that will be left vacant by the retirement of Supreme Court Associate Justice Stephen Breyer, a champion for LGBTQ+ equality.
As Top U.S. Companies Urge Elected Leaders In Texas and Other States to Abandon Anti-Transgender Efforts, Surging Opposition to Attacks on LGBTQ+ Youth Begins
WASHINGTON, D.C. - March 11, 2022 - A tidal wave of national opposition is rapidly forming in response to the attacks on LGBTQ+ youth being led by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and other elected leaders in states across the country - who are continuing to double down on efforts to advance the most extreme, hateful slate of anti-transgender legislation in history. Mounting opposition to the anti-trans efforts reached a crescendo today as more than 60 major U.S. companies joined with HRC to not only condemn Gov. Abbott's hateful attacks on LGBTQ+ youth, but to call on leaders across the country to abandon efforts to write anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination into law and policy.
BREAKING: Florida Senate Passes "Don't Say Gay or Trans" Bill, Legislation Heads to DeSantis' Desk for Signature or Veto
Washington, D.C. - March 8, 2022 - Today, the Florida Senate passed the "Don't Say Gay or Trans" bill (HB 1557), and it now heads to Governor Ron DeSantis' desk for his signature or veto. If enacted, the bill would prevent teachers from providing a safe, inclusive classroom for all. It would block teachers from talking about LGBTQ+ issues or people, further stigmatizing LGBTQ+ people and isolating LGBTQ+ kids. This bill would also undermine existing protections for LGBTQ+ students.
BREAKING: Florida Senate Passes "Stop WOKE Act," Bill Heads to DeSantis' Desk for Signature or Veto
Washington, D.C. - March 10, 2022 - Today, the Florida Senate passed the "Stop WOKE Act" (House Bill 7), and the bill now heads to Governor Ron DeSantis' desk for his signature or veto. If enacted, the bill would limit protected speech in workplaces with more than fifteen employees and classrooms by censoring honest dialogue about systemic racism, gender, and race discrimination. It would also change Florida's employment discrimination statutes to give employees the ability to file discrimination claims against an employer engaging in trainings or discussions about Black history, LGBTQ+ issues, and other concepts of injustice and discrimination.
BREAKING: Oklahoma Governor Signs Bill That Bans Transgender Students From Playing Sports Consistent With Gender Identity
OKLAHOMA CITY - March 30, 2022 - Today, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt signed into law Senate Bill 2, a bill preventing transgender students from playing school sports that passed the House last year, and then was revived and rushed through the Senate last week for passage. Against the guidance of leading health experts, the Governor signed the bill in a ceremony alongside anti-equality legislators.
BREAKING: South Dakota Governor Signs Curriculum Censorship Bill
Pierre, South Dakota - March 30, 2022 - Today, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem signed House Bill 1012, a curriculum censorship bill that she authored and submitted to the legislature. The Senate passed the bill in early March.
Get the Facts about Transgender & Non-Binary Athletes
Transgender and non-binary people, in particular trans and non-binary student athletes, are under attack by politicians at all levels of government, as well as in the media. 2021 officially surpassed 2015 as the worst year for anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in recent history, with 27 anti-LGBTQ bills enacted. 2022 looks to be continuing this trend, with the first weeks of the year seeing anti-LGBTQ+ bills under consideration in state legislatures across the country. More than 55 directly target transgender girls and women in sports and would prevent them from playing on the team that aligns with their gender identity.
Human Rights Campaign Foundation Releases Business Guide for Supporting Employees in Texas and Beyond
WASHINGTON, DC - March 17, 2022 -Today, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, the educational arm of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization launched a guide for businesses in Texas and around the country on how to support transgender and other LGBTQ+ employees during recent waves of anti-LGBTQ+ and anti-transgender legislative attacks.
Human Rights Campaign Interim President Gives Update on Disney, Honors Brandi Carlile & Features Guest Speaker Brian Michael Smith at Los Angeles Dinner
Los Angeles, CA - March 13, 2022 - Saturday night, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, hosted its Los Angeles dinner. The event featured speeches from HRC's interim president Joni Madison, who updated the audience on HRC's recent conversations with Disney. and trailblazer Brian Michael Smith, the first out Black trans man in a series regular role on network television. Soccer icon and LGBTQ+ rights activist Abby Wambach and her wife, author Glennon Doyle, presented six-time Grammy Award-winner Brandi Carlile with HRC's Visibility Award, an award for LGBTQ+ individuals who are living open and honest lives at home, at work and in their greater community. The evening featured remarks from U.S. Congresswoman Sharice Davids (D-KS) as well as performances by Shea Diamond, VINCINT and comedian Dana Goldberg.
Human Rights Campaign Praises Republican Indiana Gov. Holcomb for Vetoing Anti-Trans Sports Legislation; Urges Legislators to Not Override
INDIANAPOLIS - March 21, 2022 - Tonight, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) - the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization - praised Republican Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb for vetoing House Bill 1041, legislation that would have denied transgender students in Indiana the opportunity to play school sports with their peers. Though Governor Holcomb vetoed the bill, the House and Senate could override the veto with a simple majority vote in both chambers. It's now on Indiana lawmakers to uphold the veto. Otherwise, transgender youth will be denied the social, physical and emotional benefits of playing school sports. Further, the state would be opening itself up to legal challenges, as have followed similar laws in other states.
Human Rights Campaign Statement on Idaho Senate Republicans Deciding Not to Move Forward on Gender Affirming Medical Care Ban
BOISE - March 16, 2022 - Idaho Senate Republicans announced late last night that they will not move forward on HB 675, a House-passed bill that would have made it a felony for medical professionals to provide age-appropriate, medically necessary, best practice gender-affirming care for transgender children.
ICYMI: New Data Shows Support for LGBTQ+ Rights Continues to Tick Upward, In Contrast to Onslaught of Anti-LGBTQ+ Legislation in States Across Country
New PRRI Survey Reveals Vast Majorities of Americans Support Federal LGBTQ+ Nondiscrimination Protections, Including in States with Pending Anti-Equality Legislation.
Idaho House Passes Discriminatory Bill to Criminalize Gender Affirming Care for Transgender Youth
BOISE - March 8, 2022 - The Idaho House approved legislation today that makes it a felony for a doctor to provide age-appropriate, medically-necessary, best practice gender affirming care for transgender children. H.675 now heads to the Idaho Senate for further consideration.
In Dead of Night, Georgia Lawmakers Sneak Through Legislation Allowing Discrimination Against Transgender Kids Playing School Sports
ATLANTA - April 5, 2022 - Following the passage early this morning of Georgia House Bill 1084, legislation that creates an athletics committee with the authority to ban transgender youth from playing on sports teams aligning with their gender identity, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) - the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization - denounced the move as discriminatory, unnecessary and damaging to the state's LGBTQ+ students.
New HRC Foundation Data: Though Most People Are Supportive of Transgender Rights, How Stories are Framed--and What Stories They Hear--Matters.
WASHINGTON, DC - March 29, 2022 -Today, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, the educational arm of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization released a new report on transgender visibility in the United States using analyzing data from a Civis Analytics poll. The report, Trans Lives & Positive Visibility: How News & Media Can Positively Cover Trans and Non-Binary Stories, gives new insight on how media coverage and broader "visibility" can both affect society's perception of the transgender community as well as transgender individuals. The report finds that a plurality of adults (33%) are very (17%) or somewhat (16%) unfamiliar with topics and issues about the transgender and non-binary community, while a majority (52%) said their news and media did not mention trans or non-binary people in the last week. Despite this relative lack of familiarity with the community and its social issues, 72% of adults said they strongly (51%) or somewhat (21%) agree that "transgender people should have equal rights and be able to live free of violence and discrimination."
Record 747 Healthcare Facilities Recognized for Paving the Way Toward LGBTQ+ Equality
WASHINGTON - March 28, 2022 -Today, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, the educational arm of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, released its 15th anniversary edition of the Healthcare Equality Index (HEI), the country's foremost benchmarking survey of healthcare facilities on policies and practices dedicated to the equitable treatment and inclusion of their LGBTQ+ patients, visitors and employees. A record 906 healthcare facilities actively participated in the 2022 HEI survey and 496 of those earned an "LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader" designation, while 251 earned the "LGBTQ+ Healthcare Top Performer" designation.
South Dakota State Legislature Sends Curriculum Censorship Bill to Governor's Desk for Signature
Pierre, South Dakota - March 8, 2022 - Yesterday, the South Dakota Senate passed House Bill 1012, a curriculum censorship bill that was authored and submitted to the legislature by South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem. The bill now heads to Gov. Noem's desk for signature.
March, 2022
BREAKING: Utah Poised to Become First State to Veto Anti-Trans Sports Ban in 2022
Salt Lake City, Utah - March 5, 2022 - Early this morning, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox pledged to veto House Bill 11 - anti-transgender legislation that would ban transgender youth from participating in school sports, and which was approved late night and sent to the governor's desk. With the governor's pledge to veto the bill, Utah is poised to become the first state this year to reject an anti-trans sports bill approved by the legislature. Gov. Cox's pledge to veto the bill - which was hastily pushed through the Senate on the last night of Utah's legislative session - was met with resounding praise and appreciation for standing up on behalf of transgender student athletes who the governor addressed by saying, "I just want them to know that it's gonna be okay."
GENDER AFFIRMING CARE: Setting the Record Straight As Extremist Politicians in Texas and Other States Continue Doubling Down on Attacking Trans Youth
WASHINGTON, D.C. - March 2, 2022 - Lawmakers in statehouses across the country are doubling down on attacking trans youth, embarking on a reckless, unprecedented misinformation campaign to justify harmful policies to prevent transgender children from being able to access age-appropriate, medically-necessary, gender affirming care - and in some cases, as in Alabama and Texas, attach criminal penalties to those who allow such care. While these attacks are popping up in states across the country - including in Alabama, Florida, Iowa, Oklahoma and many others - actions this week in Texas by Gov. Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton are coming into national focus after bombshell reports indicate Texas officials are now actively investigating and targeting parents of transgender adolescents for what the governor is falsely calling "child abuse."
HRC Launches Nationwide 'Reality Flag' Campaign to Expose Basic Freedoms Missing for LGBTQ+ People, Galvanize Public in Support of Equality Act
February 23, 2022 (Washington, D.C.) - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) - the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization - launched the Reality Flag campaign: An ambitious, nationwide public awareness campaign to highlight the many basic freedoms missing for LGBTQ+ people in states across the country, and to galvanize public support for the Equality Act - historic federal legislation that would ensure comprehensive nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ+ people everywhere. At the heart of the campaign is the evocative Reality Flag - an altered version of the American flag with 29 of its stars removed, representing each of the 29 states lacking comprehensive protections for LGBTQ+ people, underscoring the 'reality' that millions of LGBTQ+ people lack a number of protections and basic freedoms.
HRC, Children's Health Experts Condemn Texas Gov Abbott and Extremist Politicians Across the Country For Threatening the Lives of Transgender Kids
AUSTIN, TX - February 25, 2022 - Yesterday, the Human Rights Campaign joined with Equality Texas, the Transgender Education Network of Texas, medical providers, parents of transgender youth, and a young transgender person to condemn this week's craven, politically motivated attacks on transgender youth by Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton - and to provide important context on the nationwide onslaught of attacks on transgender youth over the last three years.
Human Rights Campaign and the Fairness Campaign Condemns Senate Education Committee for Advancing Anti-Trans Sports Bill
Louisville, KY - February 10, 2022 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and the Fairness Campaign condemn the Kentucky Senate Education Committee for advancing a bill to ban transgender youth from playing sports consistent with their gender identity. With SB 83 one step closer to becoming law, Kentucky is starting down the wrong path: if SB 83 passes into law Kentucky risks joining the ranks of West Virginia, Idaho, Tennessee and Florida, where similar legislation has faced costly lawsuits as well as injunctions.
Human Rights Campaign Applauds President Biden's Historic Nomination of Ketanji Brown Jackson, D.C. Circuit Judge, to the Supreme Court
WASHINGTON - February 25, 2022 -Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, released the following statement on President Biden's historic nomination of D.C. Circuit Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court of the United States. Human Rights Campaign Interim President Joni Madison issued the following statement. "The Supreme Court and its Justices are tasked with the sacred responsibility of upholding the rights of all Americans. Throughout Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson's career, where she was appointed to the U.S. Sentencing Commission and during her time on the federal bench, she has earned a reputation for integrity, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to the Constitution. Her tenure on the bench provides ample evidence that she is both prepared and trustworthy of this highest privilege, and responsibility, that comes with sitting on our highest court.
Human Rights Campaign Condemns Mississippi House's Passage of HB 1099, 'Real You Act'
Jackson MS - February 4, 2022 - The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, condemns the Mississippi House for passing HB 1099, legislation which bans incarcerated individuals from petitioning the court to legally change their name and bars individuals from updating their gender marker while serving their sentence. The bill now goes to the Senate for a vote.
Human Rights Campaign Foundation Releases List of LGBTQ+ Affirming Books In the Wake of Discriminatory Book Bans Across the Country
WASHINGTON - February 16, 2022 - Today, in the wake of discriminatory book bans being instituted across the country, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, the educational arm of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, released an LGBTQ+ affirming book list for middle school and high school students, available to those looking for reading material that features LGTBQ+ storytelling and characters.
Human Rights Campaign Hails House Passage of Global Respect Act to Help Fight for International LGBTQ+ Rights
WASHINGTON - February 9, 2022 - The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) - the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization - praised the House of Representatives for voting today to pass the Global Respect Act, an important piece of legislation that holds individuals around the world accountable for committing human rights abuses against their LGBTQ+ populations.
Human Rights Campaign on Verdict in Ahmaud Arbery Federal Hate Crime Trial
WASHINGTON, D.C. - February 22, 2022 - Today, a federal jury in Georgia found the three men convicted of killing Ahmaud Arbery guilty of committing hate crime and other charges. In response, Human Rights Campaign Senior Vice President of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Nicole Cozier issued the following statement: "Today, we are thinking of Ahmaud Arbery's family and loved ones, who have spent the last two years fighting for accountability. Thanks to them, Ahmaud's legacy will live on," said Human Rights Campaign Senior Vice President of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Nicole Cozier. "I hope that today's verdict sends a very clear message to everyone in this country and the world that Ahmaud's life mattered, and that in this case, our hate crimes statutes were able to create accountability for deadly actions fueled by racism. It is my hope that today's conviction drives us several steps closer to the day when we put an end to racism and racist violence."
Human Rights Campaign, Allies Call Out Indiana Legislators for Partnership with National Hate Group on House Bill 1041
Indianapolis - February 9. 2022 - Yesterday, the Human Rights Campaign State Legislative Director and Senior Counsel Kate Oakley, State Senator JD Ford (District 29), Greencastle City Councilor Veronica Pejril and activist Dana Black called out the Indiana General Assembly for partnering with a national hate group - the Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) - to pass House Bill 1041, legislation that targets innocent minors who simply want to play the sports they love.
ICYMI: Gov. Kristi Noem, Champion of Anti-Trans Bill "Doesn’t Know" Why LGBTQ+ South Dakotans Suffer From Depression
Pierre, South Dakota - February 18, 2022 - South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem - who not only signed the first anti-trans bill of 2022 into law, but even authored it herself - was stumped Thursday when asked why she thinks nearly 90% of LGBTQ+ South Dakotans suffer from anxiety and depression.
ICYMI: Houston Chronicle & National Medical, Education and Mental Health Organizations Condemn Anti-transgender Measures in Texas and Across Country
March 1, 2022 - In the wake of discriminatory attacks on trans youth in state legislatures across the country - including the unprecedented move earlier this week by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott directing Texas's Department of Family and Protective Services to consider best-practice, age-appropriate, medically-necessary, gender-affirming care for transgender children as child abuse - parents of transgender young people and national organizations - including medical, education, and mental health organizations - are speaking out against anti-trans policies Texas and across the country.
Thousands of Parents Join Human Rights Campaign in Condemning State Attacks on Transgender and Non-Binary Youth
WASHINGTON - March 2, 2022 - Today, more than 2,500 parents from all 50 U.S. states and Washington D.C. issued an open letter organized by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, condemning the avalanche of anti-transgender legislation moving in legislatures across the country. There are dozens of bills filed in state legislatures across the country attempting to criminalize or prevent access to age-appropriate, medically-necessary, gender-affirming care, forbid transgender youth from playing sports consistent with their gender identity, and preventing transgender youth from accessing school restrooms consistent with their gender identity. Further, legislatures are trying to ban books that include LGBTQ+ characters or themes, censor curriculum content, and allow teachers to refuse to use a student's preferred name or correct pronouns. And last night, in his State of the Union speech, President Joe Biden condemned the "onslaught of state laws targeting transgender Americans," pledging support for trans youth being targeted by lawmakers in statehouses across the country. "To our younger transgender Americans, I will always have your back as President, so you can be yourself and reach your God-given potential."
February, 2022
As 2022 State Legislative Sessions Begin, A Review of 2021's Record-Breaking Anti-LGBTQ+ Sessions
Last year was a record-breaking year with more anti-LGBTQ+ - and specifically anti-transgender - laws enacted in modern history. More than 268 anti-LGBTQ+ bills and 147 specifically anti-trans bills were introduced, and a record 26 anti-LGBTQ+ bills were enacted into law across ten states. These bills are the latest iteration of an anti-equality fight that began in opposition to marriage equality before evolving into discriminatory bathroom bills and beyond, and national anti-LGBTQ+ groups are spending millions to spread misinformation in service of this agenda.
Erie's MEI Score Increases Again
The Mayor's LGBTQ+ Advisory Council received word that Erie's Municipal Equality Index (MEI) has increased yet again. In 2017, Erie's score was 29. After four years of working to implement programs, policies, and initiatives to increase our score, last month, officials from the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) notified the City that we are now at an 86. With this recent scorecard, 2021 marks the fourth year in a row that we have experienced an increase.
Human Rights Campaign Celebrates Advances in LGBTQ+ Policies One Year Into Biden-Harris Administration
WASHINGTON, DC - January 19, 2022 -- One day before the one year anniversary of the inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) celebrates the advances that have been made in LGBTQ+ rights under the Biden-Harris administration. Since day one, the Biden-Harris White House has taken concrete, meaningful steps to reverse the anti-LGBTQ+ policies of the previous administration, while also working to ensure government agencies don't discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, close the gaps in measurable outcomes for marginalized populations and increase LGBTQ+ representation at all levels of government.
Human Rights Campaign Condemns NCAA For Failure To Take Responsibility, Unresponsiveness In Calls To Protect LGBTQ+ Athletes
WASHINGTON, D.C. - January 21, 2022 - Late last night, the NCAA ratified its new constitution, which does not include nondiscrimination policy language that had been a part of previous constitutions. The organization took this action despite the urging of 18 national advocacy groups across a wide spectrum of issues, led by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and Athlete Ally to reinstate and strengthen previously-existing nondiscrimination policy language protecting LGBTQ+ athletes, women, and athletes of color into their new draft constitution. The NCAA also announced a new policy regarding participation of transgender athletes that raises significant concerns. While the NCAA says it supports a safe environment for all student-athletes, it has repeatedly failed to take responsibility for ensuring that safe environment in fact exists for LGBTQ+ athletes, women, and athletes of color.
Human Rights Campaign Congratulates Minneapolis City Councilor Andrea Jenkins on Her Election As City Council President
MINNEAPOLIS January 10, 2022 -Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) congratulates Andrea Jenkins, a Minneapolis City Councilor and Human Rights Campaign board member, on her election to the role of City Council President. Jenkins, who became the first openly transgender Black woman elected to public office in 2017, was endorsed for re-election by HRC PAC last year.
Human Rights Campaign Foundation Releases New Data on the LGBTQ+ Wage Gap
WASHINGTON - January 19, 2022 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, the educational arm of the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, released new data outlining the pay disparities of LGBTQ+ workers with a particular emphasis on the disproportionate wage gap that transgender, non-binary and LGBTQ+ people of color face.
Human Rights Campaign Foundation Releases State Equality Index After Most Anti-Transgender State Legislative Season in History
WASHINGTON - January 20, 2022 -Today, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, the educational arm of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, and the Equality Federation Institute released their 8th annual State Equality Index (SEI). The SEI is a comprehensive report that groups states into several broad categories regarding the type of advocacy that occurs there and details statewide laws and policies that affect LGBTQ+ people and their families.
Human Rights Campaign Honors Black History Month
WASHINGTON, D.C. - February 1, 2022 - Today, in honor of Black History Month, Human Rights Campaign Interim President Joni Madison issued the following statement: "During Black History Month, we honor the contributions that Black people have made throughout U.S. history while we recommit ourselves to doing the necessary work to protect Black futures, including those of Black LGBTQ+ people. It is also a time when we must recognize that all civil rights movements have the same goal in mind - liberation - and that together we can more readily defeat those forces which threaten to oppress us and benefit from division. This year, in addition to celebration, let us also pledge to develop partnerships and intersectional efforts as a means to finally defeat white supremacy and build a society that truly celebrates and includes us all."
Human Rights Campaign Honors Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Calls for Passage of Federal Voting Legislation
WASHINGTON, D.C. - January 17. 2022 - Today, in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Human Rights Campaign Interim President Joni Madison issued the following statement: "Martin Luther King Jr. taught us that only love can drive out hate. Every MLK Day, we bring life to his words by spreading love throughout our communities in the form of acts of service. This year, there could be no greater act of love and service than working to pass federal voting legislation to ensure no one is denied the right to vote. This is a crucial way in which we can truly be of service to our communities. Passing this legislation will go a long way towards fulfilling MLK's dream of a world where all people can sit together at the table of democracy as equals."
Human Rights Campaign Marks National Girls & Women In Sports Day, Urges Acceptance of Trans Athletes
WASHINGTON - February 2, 2022 -Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, marks National Girls & Women in Sports Day.
Human Rights Campaign Responds to USA Swimming's Last-Minute Policy Unfairly Impacting Transgender Swimmers
WASHINGTON - February 2, 2022 -Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, condemned USA Swimming for its abrupt about-face on inclusion of transgender swimmers. USA Swimming's new policy, released the evening of February 1, 2022, appears to have been done with little consultation with appropriate stakeholders, including transgender athletes, and, among other concerns, would apply adult standards to swimmers as young as thirteen
ICYMI: NCAA Facilitator Resigns in Protest Over NCAA's Failures to Protect Trans Athletes
WASHINGTON, D.C. - January 24, 2022 - Today, Dorian Rhea Debussy, Ph.D. (they/them), one of 54 facilitators in the NCAA Division III LGBTQ OneTeam program, resigned in protest of recent actions the NCAA has taken, including a new policy around transgender participation and the lack of nondiscrimination policy language in the NCAA's newly ratified constitution despite widespread urging and advocacy by national organizations. The Human Rights Campaign responded to the NCAA's ratified constitution and policy for transgender participation on Friday. Last year, Rhea led 38 OneTeam members in publishing a letter urging the NCAA to take further action to prevent anti-transgender legislation being introduced and passed in the 2021 state legislative session. Their announcement was posted on Athlete Ally's blog.
More than 500 Major U.S. Corporations Join Business Coalition for the Equality Act, Registering Unprecedented Support for Federal Non-Discrimination Protections
WASHINGTON - January 25, 2022 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign - the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization - announced its Business Coalition for the Equality Act has reached a new and unprecedented milestone, growing to include more than 500 major U.S. corporations now calling for the U.S. Senate to pass the Equality Act - historic federal legislation that would modernize our nation's civil rights laws by including explicit protections for LGBTQ+ people, as well as improve protections for women, people of color, and people of all faiths. The Business Coalition, which includes more than 160 Fortune 500 companies, is the largest business coalition to ever come together in support of legal LGBTQ+ equality.
Pennsylvania's LGBTQ+ Laws Rated in Human Rights Campaign Foundation's 2021 State Equality Index
WASHINGTON - January 20, 2022 -Today, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, the educational arm of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, and the Equality Federation Institute released their 8th annual State Equality Index (SEI). The SEI is a comprehensive report that groups states into several broad categories regarding the type of advocacy that occurs there and details statewide laws and policies that affect LGBTQ+ people and their families. Pennsylvania falls into the category, "Solidifying Equality."
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem Signs Anti-Trans Sports Bill into Law
Washington D.C - February 3, 2022 - Today Republican South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem signed Senate Bill 46, becoming the first governor to sign discriminatory anti-transgender legislation into law in 2022. SB 46, which bans trans youth from participating in school sports consistent with their gender identity, was authored and submitted to the legislature by Gov. Noem.
Statement from Human Rights Campaign on the Retirement of Justice Stephen Breyer, a Champion of LGBTQ+ Equality
WASHINGTON - January 26, 2022 - Today, in response to United States Supreme Court Associate Justice Stephen Breyer announcing his retirement, Human Rights Campaign Interim President Joni Madison issued the following statement: "With Justice Stephen Breyer's retirement, the Supreme Court is losing a brilliant legal mind and a champion of liberty and equality. Justice Breyer's tenure on the Court established him as a defender of LGBTQ+ civil rights and his decisions delivered important progress toward our country's founding ideal of a more perfect union that is inclusive and equitable for all. The Human Rights Campaign is deeply grateful for Justice Breyer's impact.
The Human Rights Campaign Foundation Releases 20th Corporate Equality Index & Announces New, Robust Criteria
WASHINGTON - January 27, 2022 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, the educational arm of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, released its 2022 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), which is celebrating 20 years of being the nation's foremost benchmarking survey and report measuring company policies and practices related to LGBTQ+ workplace equality. This year, a record-breaking 842 businesses employing 14.3 million workers earned the CEI's top score of 100, up from only 13 in its inaugural year-demonstrating the incredible impact the CEI has had on the business world over its 20-year life.
To Address National Blood Crisis, Human Rights Campaign Calls for End to Discriminatory Restrictions on Gay and Bisexual Men Donating Blood
WASHINGTON - January 11, 2022 - In the wake of news that the American Red Cross had declared the first "national blood crisis" due to critically low blood supplies, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) - the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization - on Tuesday once again called for federal authorities to remove unnecessary restrictions on blood donation by men who have sex with men.
January, 2022
Human Rights Campaign Foundation and SAGE Launch Guide to Help LGBTQ+ Elders Find Affirming Long-Term Care Communities
WASHINGTON - December 8, 2021 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, and SAGE, the world's largest and oldest organization dedicated to improving the lives of older LGBTQ+ people, unveiled a first-of-its-kind consumer guide for LGBTQ+ elders to find safe, affirming long-term care communities. This guide, an extension of the Long-Term Care Equality Index (LEI), aims to inform aging members of the LGBTQ+ community and their loved ones what questions they should ask and what they should look for when they begin the process of selecting a long-term care community that is right for them or a loved one.
We Are Here: LGBTQ+ Adult Population in United States Reaches At Least 20 Million, According to Human Rights Campaign Foundation Report
WASHINGTON - December 9, 2021 -- Today, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC) released "We Are Here: Understanding the Size of the LGBTQ+ Community," a report analyzing recent results from the U.S. Census Bureau's Household Pulse Survey. Based on data from respondents in the Household Pulse Survey, a national household probability survey of adults in the United States, at least 20 million adults in the United States could be lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender - nearly 8% of the total adult population, almost double prior estimates for the LGBTQ+ community's size. It also suggests that more than 1% of people in the United States identify as transgender, higher than any prior estimates. Additionally, it confirms prior research showing that bisexual people represent the largest single contingent of LGBTQ+ people, at about 4% of respondents.
December, 2021
2021 Becomes Deadliest Year on Record for Transgender and Non-Binary People
WASHINGTON - November 9, 2021 -Today, with news of the killing of Marquiisha Lawrence in Greenville, S.C., the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, has now officially recorded more violent deaths of transgender and gender non-conforming people than any year prior. At least 45 transgender or gender non-conforming people have been killed this year; HRC Foundation uses "at least" because too often these stories go unreported or misreported. Previously, the highest number of fatal deaths of transgender or gender non-conforming people that HRC Foundation has tracked over a 12 month period was just last year in 2020, when at least 44 transgender or gender non-conforming people were killed.
For the First Time 100+ U.S. Cities Achieve Top Score on Human Rights Campaign LGBTQ+ Equality Index
WASHINGTON - November 19, 2021 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, in partnership with The Equality Federation, released its 10th annual Municipal Equality Index (MEI), the nation's only nationwide assessment of LGBTQ+ equality regarding municipal policies, laws and services. This year, a record-breaking 110 cities earned the highest score of 100, which is up from 11 in 2012, the MEI's inaugural year, illustrating the striking advancements municipalities have made over the past 10 years.
Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Equidad MX Recognizes Record-Breaking 242 Employers in Mexico For Their Commitment to LGBTQ+ Inclusion
WASHINGTON - December 2, 2021 -- Today, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC) launched the fifth annual HRC Equidad MX: Programa Global de Equidad Laboral, a survey evaluating LGBTQ+ workplace inclusion within major Mexican businesses and multinationals. This year, 242 employers have earned top ratings in the 2022 HRC Equidad MX report, a 14% increase over last year's total of 212, reflecting a growing commitment in Mexico to creating LGBTQ+ inclusive policies and practices in their workplaces.
Human Rights Campaign Hails Health & Human Services Decision To Rescind Discriminatory Waivers and Recalibrate Use of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. - November 18, 2021 - The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) - the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization - praised the announcement Thursday by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that it would rescind waivers granted to Texas, Michigan and South Carolina that allowed agencies in those states to disburse federal dollars to entities that claim religious exemptions as a pretext to discriminate against marginalized populations.
Human Rights Campaign Marks World AIDS Day
WASHINGTON- December 1, 2021 -- Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, marks World AIDS Day 2021 with a slate of events designed to bring together LGBTQ+ communities around the world to rewrite the narrative and end the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
Human Rights Campaign Reacts to Supreme Court Oral Arguments on Mississippi Abortion Ban that Threatens Roe v. Wade
WASHINGTON - December 1, 2021 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) issued the following statement as the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health, a case challenging a Mississippi law that bans abortion access after 15 weeks of pregnancy. The outcome of this case is particularly critical because in defending its law, the state has asked the Supreme Court to overrule Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey, the two cases that set the legal precedent to abortion access in 1973 and 1992 respectively.
Marking the Deadliest Year on Record, Human Rights Campaign Announces Release of Annual Report on Violence Against Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming People
WASHINGTON - November 17, 2021 -- Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, released "An Epidemic of Violence: Fatal Violence Against Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming People in the United States in 2021" a report honoring the at least 46 transgender and gender non-conforming people killed in 2021 as of today and shining a light on data that HRC has continued to collect on the epidemic of violence.
Pennsylvania All Stars: Allentown, Carlisle, Erie, New Hope, Philadelphia, Pittsburg and Reading Lead the Way in LGBTQ+ Equality & Inclusion
WASHINGTON - November 18, 2021 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, in partnership with The Equality Federation, released its 10th annual Municipal Equality Index (MEI), the only nationwide assessment of LGBTQ+ equality regarding municipal policies, laws and services. This year, a record-breaking 110 cities earned the highest score of 100, which is up from 11 in 2012, the MEI's inaugural year, illustrating the striking advancements municipalities have made over the past 10 years.
October, 2021
Human Rights Campaign Endorses Dr. Tyler Titus For County Executive
ERIE, PA - September 22, 2021 - On Thursday, the Human Rights Campaign PAC (HRC PAC) announced its endorsement of Dr. Tyler Titus for Erie County Executive. Dr. Titus would become the first transgender county executive ever elected in the United States, marking the highest executive office any transgender person in the United States has ever held.
September, 2021
New Report Features Five Child Welfare Agencies in Pennsylvania Working with Human Rights Campaign Foundation Toward Fully LGBTQ+ Inclusive and Affirming Care
WASHINGTON - August 26, 2021 -- Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, released a new report, 2021 Change-Makers, highlighting the HRC Foundation All Children-All Families (ACAF) program's partnership with 119 organizations -- a 19% increase in participation from last year -- working to improve the services they provide to the LGBTQ+ community, including children in foster care, 1 in 3 of whom are LGBTQ+, and prospective foster and adoptive parents. These organizations serve more than 1 million clients annually in 35 states and employ more than 24,000 employees.
August, 2021
Human Rights Campaign and SAGE Release First Edition of the Long-Term Care Equality Index
WASHINGTON - June 29, 2021 -- Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization, and SAGE, the world's largest and oldest organization dedicated to improving the lives of LGBTQ older adults, released the first edition of the Long-Term Care Equality Index (LEI). This national benchmarking tool evaluates long-term care communities based on the equity and inclusion of their LGBTQ residents and patients. This initial report does not score long-term care communities, but instead includes research data on how many long-term care communities currently have LGBTQ-inclusive policies, and lays out how organizations can participate in the LEI and improve their policies.
Human Rights Campaign Files Lawsuit Against Florida's Transgender Sports Ban & Announces Future Litigation in Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee
WASHINGTON - June 30, 2021 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization, joined by the law firm of Arnold & Porter, filed a federal civil rights lawsuit in the District Court for the Southern District of Florida, challenging a Florida law banning transgender girls from participating in sports. The so-called "Fairness in Women Sports Act" is one of eight state laws passed this year that restrict transgender girls from participating on girls' athletic teams. Amid the unprecedented attack on transgender youth, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation announced that, in addition to its Florida lawsuit, it will bring a series of legal challenges across the country of anti-equality laws in Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee.
June, 2021
National organizations release report detailing policy, legal, educational, and interpersonal actions for LGBTQ-inclusive sex education
(Washington, DC - May 25, 2021) - Today, leading policy and health organizations released a major new report detailing the urgent need for LGBTQ+-inclusive sex education programs and supports. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) youth - particularly those who are at the intersection of multiple marginalized communities - need to be able to learn in settings that are inclusive of their experiences and that give them the necessary tools to stay safe and healthy. However, whether legally barred or simply ignored, LGBTQ+-inclusive sex education is not available for most youth, especially for LGBTQ youth who are Black, Indigenous, and other people of color (BIPOC).
April, 2021
More Than 250 Advocates Meet with Congress to Push for the Equality Act
WASHINGTON - March 24, 2021 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) - the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization, held its annual spring Lobby Day, joining hundreds of HRC members and volunteers on Capitol Hill to meet with members of Congress. This spring, over 257 participants from 33 states, including Washington, D.C., will participate in over 160 meetings with their lawmakers to advocate for the Equality Act and other issues critically important to the LGBTQ community.
NEW POLL: 7 In 10 Voters Support the Equality Act
WASHINGTON - March 17, 2021 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign released new polling conducted by HRC and Hart Research Associates, which showed that an overwhelming seven in 10 voters support the Equality Act, spanning across demographic and partisan groups, including across all ages, races, religions, and political parties. Click here for the full polling memo.
March, 2021
AASL cosponsors "Jazz & Friends National Day of School and Community Readings" with HRC's Welcoming Schools and NEA
CHICAGO - The American Association of School Librarians (AASL) will serve as an official co-sponsor of the sixth annual "Jazz & Friends National Day of School & Community Readings" organized by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation's Welcoming Schools Program. The National Education Association (NEA) joins AASL as a cosponsor of the event taking place on Thursday, February 25, 2021. As part of the event, AASL President Kathy Carroll will read from "When Aiden Became a Brother" by Kyle Lukoff along with the presidents of HRC and NEA and other spokespeople.
January, 2021
Human Rights Campaign on Newly Passed Anti-LGBTQ Laws in Hungary
WASHINGTON - December 16, 2020 - The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization, responded to news today that the Hungarian Parliament passed a package of laws on Tuesday including some that specifically target and discriminate against the LGBTQ community. The new laws bars same-sex couples from adopting children in Hungary.
November, 2020
Trump's Attacks on LGBTQ Families
The Trump-Pence administration's rollback of LGBTQ rights extends to actions that attempt to unravel LGBTQ families. Their extreme policies are an attempt to shape America in the image desired by anti-LGBTQ groups that have the ear of this administration.
Trump's Global Attack On LGBTQ Equality
The Trump-Pence Administration has weakened the United States' leadership role on LGBTQ rights around the world. From its global disengagement on LGBTQ issues to its silence in the face of human rights violations to its abandonment of LGBTQ people here at home, the Trump-Pence Administration has made clear that they are not interested in assuming America's traditional global leadership role.
September, 2020
LGBTQ People Make History At 2020 Democratic National Convention
August 17, 2020 - Yesterday, the Democratic Convention announced the Keynote address participants slated to speak Tuesday evening at the 2020 Democratic National Convention including 3 openly-LGBTQ people who together will make the first openly-LGBTQ people to speak in the keynote address. In response, HRC President Alphonso David issued the following statement:
Over 30 Major Corporations Join Human Rights Campaign Supreme Court Amicus Brief Stating No Loving Foster Parent Should Face Discrimination in Child Welfare
WASHINGTON 0- August 20, 2020 -- Today, the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization, joined Steptoe & Johnson in filing an amicus, or "friend of the court," brief in the Supreme Court of the United States on behalf of more than 30 major U.S. companies supporting the City of Philadelphia's ability to enforce nondiscrimination laws to ensure foster children have every option for a safe and loving home. In Fulton v. City of Philadelphia, Catholic Social Services claims a constitutional right to exclude prospective foster families headed by LGBTQ couples when providing public child welfare services for purposes of placing children in foster homes. It claims it has a right to do so because it has religious objections to approving the homes of same-sex couples as suitable placements for foster children. The City of Philadelphia maintains that the Constitution is not violated by the City's decision to refuse to permit discrimination with city funds.
August, 2020
HRC Announces Slate of Pro-Equality Champions for Pennsylvania General Assembly
PENNSYLVANIA - July 22, 2020 -- Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization, announced its endorsement of a record 47 pro-equality candidates in the Pennsylvania State Legislature.
February, 2020
HRC Scores Pennsylvania Companies' LGBTQ-Inclusive Workplace Policies in New Corporate Equality Index
WASHINGTON - January 21, 2020 - America's leading companies and law firms are stepping up in record numbers to adopt increasingly forward-looking policies and practices to meet the needs of their lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) workers in the U.S. and abroad, according to the 2020 Corporate Equality Index (CEI) released today by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the nation's largest LGBTQ civil rights organization.
January, 2020
Civil Rights Groups: The "Fairness for All" Act is an Affront to Existing Civil Rights Protections, Treats LGBTQ People and Women as Second-Class Individuals
WASHINGTON - December 6, 2019 -- Today, national advocacy groups including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Americans United for Separation of Church and State, Center for American Progress (CAP), the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), GLAAD, Lambda Legal, the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, the NAACP, the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, the National Black Justice Coalition (BJC), National Fair Housing Alliance, National Partnership for Women and Families, National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance (NQAPIA), the National Women's Law Center (NWLC), PFLAG National and the Transgender Law Center expressed strong opposition to the so-called "Fairness For All" Act, as introduced in Congress. If enacted, this bill would undermine civil rights protections for women, people of color, people of faith and create substandard protections for LGBTQ people. In a joint statement, the groups wrote:
December, 2019
Human Rights Campaign President Calls on Trump Jr. To Apologize for Vile HIV and AIDS Tweet
WASHINGTON, D.C. - November 26, 2019 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization, called on Donald Trump Jr., son of President Trump, to apologize for his vile weekend tweet stigmatizing people living with HIV.
October, 2019
CNN/HRC LGBT Presidential Town Hall Viewing Party on Oct 10
Please join the Erie County LGBTQIA+ Democratic Caucus and the Erie County Democratic Party on Thursday, October 10, 2019 for the Democratic Party Presidential Candidate LGBTQ Town Hall from 8 to 10 pm at the Bourbon Barrel, 1213 State St, Erie PA for a viewing party. Note: the full forum runs from 7 to 11:30 pm and doors will open at 6:30 for any who wish to watch the full forum. The Democratic Party Presidential Candidate LGBTQ Town Hall is a collaborative project between the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and CNN.
June, 2019
Trump-Pence Admin Announces Plan to Eliminate Important LGBTQ Non-Discrimination Protections in Healthcare
WASHINGTON - May 24, 2019 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) - the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization - responded to the Trump-Pence administration's latest attempt to undermine the rights and welfare of LGBTQ people and their families. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is proposing a major change to the administrative rule interpreting Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to remove explicit protections for LGBTQ people in healthcare programs and activities by excluding protections from discrimination based on sex stereotyping and gender identity.
April, 2019
HRC Partners With Award-Winning Directors Dustin Lance Black and Paris Barclay on Star-Studded "Americans for the Equality Act" Public Education and Advertising
WASHINGTON - March 25, 2019- Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization, announced the launch of a star-studded Americans for the Equality Act public awareness and advertising campaign filmed by award-winning directors Dustin Lance Black and Paris Barclay. The series, which launches today with a debut video featuring Academy Award-winning actress Sally Field and her son Sam Greisman, will feature prominent figures in entertainment, sports and beyond speaking about the need for the Equality Act - a crucial civil rights bill that would extend clear, comprehensive non-discrimination protections to millions of LGBTQ people nationwide.
HRC Scores Pennsylvania Companies' LGBTQ-Inclusive Workplace Policies in New Corporate Equality Index
WASHINGTON - March 28, 2019 - America's leading companies and law firms are meeting strengthened criteria to meet the evolving needs of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) community around the world, according to the 2018 Corporate Equality Index (CEI) released today by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the nation's largest LGBTQ civil rights organization.
HRC: Senate Must Join House in Reauthorizing VAWA
WASHINGTON - April 4, 2019 -- Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization, responded to news that the U.S. House passed a reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) by calling upon the Senate to do the same.
TODAY: Historic, Bipartisan Equality Act to be Reintroduced in Congress With Unprecedented Support
WASHINGTON - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization, hailed the historic support for the Equality Act - critically important bipartisan legislation that would finally provide clear, comprehensive non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ people under our nation's civil rights laws. Set to be reintroduced in Congress today by Representatives David Cicilline (D-RI) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) in the House and Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Cory Booker (D-NJ) in the Senate, the measure has unprecedented support from nearly 70 percent of Americans, more than 280 members of Congress, 165 major businesses and 288 statewide and national organizations. Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) has made passing the Equality Act a top priority for the new Congress.
February, 2019
HRC and Equality Federation Release Annual State Equality Index Ratings
WASHINGTON - January 31, 2019 -- Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation and the Equality Federation Institute released their 5th annual State Equality Index (SEI), a comprehensive report detailing statewide laws and policies that affect LGBTQ people and their families, and assessing how well states are protecting LGBTQ people from discrimination. Because there are currently no comprehensive civil rights protections for LGBTQ people at the federal level, the rights of millions of LGBTQ people and their families depend on which state they live in. In 30 states, LGBTQ people remain at risk of being fired, evicted or denied services because of who they are. For this reason, the incoming pro-equality majority in the U.S. House of Representatives has made the Equality Act -- a bill to establish comprehensive federal protections for LGBTQ people -- a top priority.
December, 2018
Victory for HRC-Backed Candidates in Historic Pennsylvania Election
WASHINGTON - November 6, 2018 -- Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization, released the following statement on the victories of HRC-endorsed candidates Governor Tom Wolf; U.S. Senator Bob Casey; Representatives Brendan Boyle, Dwight Evans and Michael Doyle.
November, 2018
10 Days Out: HRC's Historic Effort to #TurnOUT Millions of LGBTQ and Equality Voters Enters Final Push
WASHINGTON - October 26, 2018 -- Today, with only 10 days until the critical midterm elections, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization, entered the final push of its campaign in key states and races to #TurnOUT 10 million LGBTQ voters and millions more allies across the country. HRC also published a new full page ad in USA Today; all Gannett papers, including The Cincinnati Enquirer, Detroit Free Press, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, The Arizona Republic, and more; and the Washington Blade and Los Angeles Blade urging voters to turn out for pro-equality candidates and make the difference on November 6.
HRC Statement on Mass Shooting in Pittsburgh
WASHINGTON - October 27, 2018 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization, responded to the mass shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, PA, where at least seven people were killed during a prayer service.
Human Rights Campaign Endorses George Scott for United States Congress (PA-10)
HARRISBURG - October 15, 2018 -- Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization, announced its endorsement of George Scott for U.S. House of Representatives in Pennsylvania's 10th Congressional District. In November, Scott will face Rep. Scott Perry, who has a long record of undermining progress for the LGBTQ community.
Pennsylvania All Stars: Allentown, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and State College Lead the Way in LGBTQ Equality
according to a report issued today by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC), the educational arm of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization.
State of LGBTQ Equality in 10 Pennsylvania Cities Detailed in HRC's 7th Edition of the Municipal Equality Index
WASHINGTON - October 10, 2018 -- Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization, in partnership with the Equality Federation Institute, released its seventh annual Municipal Equality Index (MEI), assessing LGBTQ equality in 506 cities across the nation, including 10 in Pennsylvania.
October, 2018
HRC Runs Full-Page USA Today Ad for National Voter Registration Day Urging Americans to Pledge to Vote for Equality
WASHINGTON - September 25, 2018 - Today, on National Voter Registration Day, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) - the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization - published a full-page ad in USA Today urging Americans to pledge to vote for equality in the upcoming midterms. With only 42 days left until Election Day, HRC calls on voters in the ad to join the more than 10 million LGBTQ voters and 52 million "Equality Voters" in making a difference this November by checking their voter registration status and making a plan to #TurnOUT and vote. HRC has already helped to register more than 28,000 voters.
September, 2018
HRC Announces Historic Slate of Pro-Equality Endorsements in State Legislative Races
PENNSYLVANIA - August 13, 2018 -- Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization, announced its endorsement of a record 19 pro-equality candidates in the Pennsylvania State Legislature.
August, 2018
100 Days Out: HRC Doubles Staff in Key 2018 States & Races to #TurnOUT Millions of Equality Voters
WASHINGTON - With Sunday marking just 100 days before this November's critical midterm elections, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) - the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization - is more than doubling its staff in key states and races to a total of 130 in order to #TurnOUT 10 million LGBTQ voters and millions more allies. For the final 100 days, HRC is hiring another 45 organizers and deploying 50 more staff, who will join 35 existing staff already on the ground in key districts and states leading GOTV efforts, training hundreds of local organizers and volunteers across the country, and organizing online as part of the largest grassroots expansion in the organization's 38-year history. For more than a year, HRC has been on the ground building support for pro-equality candidates with priority investments in six key states - Arizona, Michigan, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.
As Pence Campaigns for Barletta, Here's What Their Anti-LGBTQ Agenda Means for Pennsylvania
PHILADELPHIA - July 23, 2018 -- Today, Vice President Mike Pence is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for a campaign event where he is expected to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for Pennsylvania U.S. Senate Candidate Rep. Lou Barletta who shares -- among other things -- his extreme views and antipathy towards LGBTQ people. With deeply disturbing records undermining equality, Pence and Barletta remain out of touch with a majority of Pennsylvania voters who overwhelmingly support LGBTQ equality.
Bethlehem City Council Passes Measure Protecting LGBTQ Youth from Dangerous "Conversion Therapy"
WASHINGTON - July 18, 2018-- Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization praised the Bethlehem City Council for passing a measure protecting LGBTQ youth in the city from the dangerous, abusive and discredited practice of so-called "conversion therapy." The ordinance, which was introduced by City Councilmember Bryan Callahan and sponsored by Councilmember Shawn Martell, also had strong support from the Bradbury-Sullivan LGBTQ Community Center, KidsPeace Hospital, Valley Youth House, and Metropolitan Community Church of the Lehigh Valley. Bethlehem is the eighth Pennsylvania locality to pass such a measure following Reading, Allentown, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Doylestown, State College, and Yardley Borough.
Human Rights Campaign Endorses PA Rep. Conor Lamb for Re-election
PHILADELPHIA - August 1, 2018 -- Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization, announced its endorsement of Congressman Conor Lamb (D-PA) for election to Pennsylvania's 17th Congressional District.
June, 2018
HRC Celebrates Pro-Equality Champions in Pennsylvania Primary
PHILADELPHIA - May 15, 2018 -- Tonight, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization, released the following statement celebrating the victories of pro-equality candidates Senator Bob Casey, Representatives Brendan Boyle (PA-2), Dwight Evans (PA-3), Matt Cartwright (PA-8), and Michael Doyle (PA-18), and Chrissy Houlahan.
May, 2018
HRC Exposes "The Real Mike Pence" -- From His History of Anti-LGBTQ Fanaticism to His Assault on American Institutions
WASHINGTON - April 19, 2018 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization, launched "The Real Mike Pence," a comprehensive campaign -- including a scathing report and microsite -- exposing the vice president's long history of anti-LGBTQ animus and shining a spotlight on the inordinate influence he and his inner circle wield in the administration. As part of the campaign, HRC will also be launching a series of videos exposing Mike Pence's record; today The Real Mike Pence campaign launches with a look at his career of attacks on LGBTQ people: WATCH.
State Lawmakers Emphasize Crucial Need to Pass the Pennsylvania Fairness Act
WASHINGTON - April 5, 2018 -- Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization, released the following statement after Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf and state lawmakers renewed calls for the passage of SB 613, the Pennsylvania Fairness Act. "We welcome these renewed calls to pass the Pennsylvania Fairness Act, which would extend equal and comprehensive non-discrimination protections to LGBTQ Pennsylvanians," said HRC Pennsylvania State Manager Allison Van Kuiken. "But Governor Wolf and the bill's cosponsors cannot drive progress alone. For too long, lawmakers in the General Assembly have refused to take action to protect the thousands of LGBTQ Pennsylvanians at risk of losing their jobs or being denied services simply because of who they are. Make no mistake, come November, the overwhelming majority of Pennsylvania voters who support equality will hold their lawmakers accountable at the ballot box. No matter who they are or whom they love, all Pennsylvanians deserve to be able to live, work and thrive in their communities free from unfair and unjust discrimination."
April, 2018
HRC Releases Annual Healthcare Equality Index, Honors 19 Pennsylvania Health Care Facilities for LGBTQ Inclusion
WASHINGTON - March 27, 2018 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC) released the 11th edition of its annual Healthcare Equality Index (HEI), which scores healthcare facilities on policies and practices dedicated to the equitable treatment and inclusion of their LGBTQ patients, visitors and employees. A record 626 healthcare facilities actively participated in this year's survey, including 34 in Pennsylvania. Of the Pennsylvania facilities surveyed, 19 earned a top score of 100 and received HRC's coveted "Leader in LGBTQ Healthcare Equality" designation
February, 2018
NEW REPORT: A Path to Victory in 2018 - HRC and the Power of the Equality Voter
WASHINGTON, D.C. - February 2, 2018 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization, released a new report, A Path To Victory In 2018: The Power Of The Equality Voter, on the growing political power of the LGBTQ movement and HRC's groundbreaking work to mobilize millions of "Equality Voters" in the 2018 elections.
Pennsylvania's LGBTQ Laws Rated in Human Rights Campaign's Annual State Equality Index
WASHINGTON - January 10, 2018 -- The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization, in partnership with the Equality Federation, today released its fourth annual national report assessing the status of state legislation affecting LGBTQ equality across America and placing states in one of four categories based on their pro- and anti-LGBTQ state laws. Pennsylvania falls into the category, "Building Equality."
January, 2018
PA POLL: Voters Overwhelmingly Back LGBTQ Protections, Won't Tolerate Politicians Who Attack LGBTQ People
WASHINGTON - December 29, 2017-- The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ), civil rights organization and Equality Pennsylvania, the statewide organization working to advance LGBTQ equality, today released new polling data conducted by Hart Research Associates one year out from the 2018 midterm elections, showing that likely voters across Pennsylvania overwhelmingly support LGBTQ-inclusive policies and are less likely to vote for a candidate who does not. HRC is on the ground in Pennsylvania, a priority state through HRC Rising -- the largest and earliest grassroots expansion in its 37-year history.
Reading, PA Becomes Latest Municipality to Protect Youth from "Conversion Therapy"
WASHINGTON - Dece,ber 19, 2017 -- Today, the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization praised the Reading, Pennsylvania City Council for unanimously passing a measure to protect LGBTQ youth from "conversion therapy." The ordinance prohibits licensed medical and mental health professionals from engaging in the dangerous and discredited practice upon minors within city limits. Reading is the fourth Pennsylvania city to pass such a measure following Allentown, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.
December, 2017
HRC Responds to Pennsylvania Gubernatorial Candidate Paul Mango's Support for Anti-Transgender Legislation
WASHINGTON - December 1, 2017 -- Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization, responded to Pennsylvania gubernatorial candidate Paul Mango's support for discriminatory laws that would bar transgender people from using public restrooms that correspond with their gender identity.
HRC Scores Pennsylvania Companies' LGBTQ-Inclusive Workplace Policies in New Corporate Equality Index
WASHINGTON - November 9, 2017 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization, announced a record number of the nation's major companies and law firms are advancing vital policies and practices to protect LGBTQ workers around the world, according to the 2018 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), an annual report assessing LGBTQ inclusion in major companies and law firms across the nation, including 44 in Pennsylvania.
New Discriminatory Anti-Transgender Bill Moving Through PA Assembly
December 1, 2017 - Following the introduction of the "Taxpayer-Funded Gender or Sex Reassignment Services Act" (HB1933) in the Pennsylvania House, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest LGBTQ civil rights organization, released the following statement: "Weeks after their attempt to hold health care for Pennsylvania children hostage during CHIP re-authorization, some state lawmakers have doubled down with new legislation that will not only harm children, but all Pennsylvanians who rely on Medicaid," said JoDee Winterhof, HRC's Senior Vice President of Policy and Political Affairs. "It is despicable that these lawmakers are willing to sacrifice lifesaving programs in order to attack the LGBTQ community in a cynical attempt at making political gains. We urge the Pennsylvania House to do the right thing and reject this bill."
November, 2017
HRC Releases Critical Measure of Municipal LGBTQ Inclusivity and Key Corporate Tool for Expansions and Relocations
WASHINGTON - October 19, 2017 -- Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization, in partnership with the Equality Federation Institute, released its sixth annual Municipal Equality Index (MEI), the only nationwide rating system of LGBTQ inclusion in municipal law, policy and services.
Pennsylvania Senate Advances Troubling Anti-Transgender Amendment on CHIP Reauthorization Bill
WASHINGTON - October 25, 2017 -- Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization reacted to the Pennsylvania State Senate's dangerous vote to advance discriminatory anti-transgender amendment to the reauthorization of the state Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Introduced by State Senator Don White, the amendment would cut transition-related surgical services for transgender youth out of the program. HB1338 passed the Senate by a 37-13 vote and now heads to the House Rules committee for final amendments.
State of LGBTQ Equality in 10 Pennsylvania Cities Detailed in HRC's 6th Edition of the Municipal Equality Index
WASHINGTON - October 19, 2017 -- Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization, in partnership with the Equality Federation Institute, released its sixth annual Municipal Equality Index (MEI), assessing LGBTQ equality in 506 cities across the nation, including 10 in Pennsylvania.
August, 2017
Allentown, PA Becomes Latest Municipality to Protect Youth from 'Conversion Therapy'
WASHINGTON - July 20, 2017 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization, and Equality Pennsylvania, the statewide organization working to advance LGBTQ equality, praised the Allentown, Pennsylvania City Council for unanimously passing and Mayor Ed Pawlowski for signing a measure protecting LGBTQ youth from the dangerous and discredited practice of "conversion therapy." The ordinance prohibits licensed mental health professionals from engaging in conversion therapy with minors within the city and imposes potential business license revocation for violations.. Allentown is the third Pennsylvania city to pass such a measure, following Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.
HRC: New Senate Proposal Jeopardizes Health Coverage for Millions of Americans
WASHINGTON - July 13, 2017 -- Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization, responded to the latest draft of their so-called "health care" bill. While the Congressional Budget Office has yet to score this version of the legislation, a previous projection estimated the legislation will result in 22 million Americans losing their health insurance by 2026 -- with 15 million losing their insurance by the end of next year.
Human Rights Campaign Announces Largest Grassroots Expansion in its History, Opens New Offensive Against Trump-Pence Age
Washington, D.C. - July 11, 2017 -- The Human Rights Campaign today announced a bold, proactive grassroots expansion with the launch of HRC Rising, a campaign to accelerate progress in states from coast-to-coast, resist the politics of hate, fight anti-LGBTQ legislation, and fuel pro-equality candidates and initiatives. In June, HRC partnered on dozens of nationwide marches -- from the Los Angeles #ResistMarch to the National Equality March in Washington, D.C. and cities in between. HRC is harnessing that momentum to begin organizing for the 2018 elections earlier than ever before, with its biggest strategic investment in the organization's 37-year history.
March, 2017
Civil and Human Rights Community Condemns Rescission of Title IX Guidance Clarifying Protections for Transgender Student
WASHINGTON - February 22, 2017 -; Today The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, the National Center for Transgender Equality, GLSEN, the National Women's Law Center, the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc., the American Civil Liberties Union, the Human Rights Campaign, and MALDEF issued the following statement in response to the Trump administration's rescission of Title IX guidance, which clarifies protections for transgender students under the law: "The U.S. Department of Education has a critical and well-established role in clarifying and enforcing civil rights protections for all students. The department has an obligation to ensure that all students have equal educational opportunities, a mandate that applies regardless of a student's gender identity. Transgender students who face discrimination in schools have worse educational outcomes, and poorer psychological well-being than their cisgender peers.
January, 2017
Erie Insurance earns perfect score on 2017 Corporate Equality Index
ERIE, Pa., Dec. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- For the second year in a row, Erie Insurance has received a perfect score of 100 on the 2017 Corporate Equality Index, a national benchmark on corporate policies and practices related to LGBT workplace equality. The index is administered by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation.
HRC Highlights Pennsylvania LGBTQ Protections, Laws and Legislative Proposals in New National Report
WASHINGTON - December 14, 2016 – The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization, in partnership with the Equality Federation, today released its third annual national report assessing the status of state legislation affecting LGBTQ equality across America, including in Pennsylvania.
HRC Scores LGBT-Inclusive Workplace Policies of Pennsylvania Companies in New Corporate Equality Index
WASHINGTON - December 5, 2016 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization, released the 2017 Corporate Equality Index, an annual report assessing LGBT inclusion in major companies and law firms across the nation, including 45 in Pennsylvania.
Record Number of Top U.S. Companies Embracing Inclusive Policies for LGBTQ Workers
WASHINGTON, Dec. 5, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The nation's major companies and law firms are advancing in record numbers vital policies and practices to protect lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) workers around the world, according to the 2017 Corporate Equality Index released today by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the nation's largest LGBTQ civil rights organization.
December, 2016
BREAKING: VICTORY! NC Governor-Elect Roy Cooper Hits Crucial 10,000 Vote Margin; Game Over for McCrory
RALEIGH, N.C., Nov 30, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and Equality North Carolina hailed Governor-Elect Roy Cooper's victory -- which crossed the crucial 10,000 vote mark today -- and called on Pat McCrory to concede in the North Carolina gubernatorial race immediately. With a stunning 66 percent of North Carolina voters reporting opposition to HB2 in exit polling, it's clear that HB2 cost McCrory his re-election bid. According to polling commissioned by HRC and ENC and performed by Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research, 57 percent of voters put HB2 as the top reason "not to vote for Pat McCrory" -- exceeding any other issue by 17 points. The latest tally shows McCrory 10,329 votes behind. Because Cooper has a 10,000 vote margin of victory, McCrory is no longer entitled to a recount paid for by taxpayers, but he may request one at his own expense.
November, 2016
HRC Releases New Digital Ad in Pennsylvania: Clinton & McGinty For Equality
WASHINGTON - October 31, 2016 -- Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization, released a new digital ad in Pennsylvania for Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and U.S. Senate candidate Katie McGinty. With one week until Election Day, this ad highlights for Keystone State voters the pro-equality records of both Secretary Clinton and Katie McGinty.
State of LGBTQ Equality in 10 PA Cities Detailed in HRC's 5th Edition of the Municipal Equality Index
WASHINGTON - October 17, 2016 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization, in partnership with the Equality Federation Institute, released its fifth annual Municipal Equality Index (MEI), assessing LGBTQ equality in 506 cities across the nation, including 10 in Pennsylvania.
July, 2016
WATCH: 49 Celebrities Honor 49 Victims of Orlando Tragedy in New Ryan Murphy-Produced Tribute Released by HRC
WASHINGTON, June 29, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization, released a special tribute to the 49 victims of the Orlando shooting at Pulse nightclub on Latin night. The 18-minute tribute -- directed by Emmy Award-winning Ryan Murphy and Ned Martel, with the support of their colleagues at Ryan Murphy Television -- features a diverse cast of 49 actors, directors and other entertainment leaders recounting individual stories of the people killed in our nation's deadliest mass shooting. Viewers are asked to visit http://stopthehate.hrc.org/ and take action by supporting victims' families and survivors through healorlando.org, as well as contacting legislators to demand passage of LGBTQ protections and common-sense gun violence prevention measures.
June, 2016
Educators, LGBT Advocates Slam General Assembly for Refusing DOJ Order to End Civil Rights Violations Under HB 2
RALEIGH, NC - May 9, 2016 -- Today at a press conference in Raleigh, NC, the Human Rights Campaign, Equality NC, the North Carolina Association of Educators, and Campus Pride blasted Governor Pat McCrory for filing a lawsuit defending his deeply discriminatory HB2.
Historic Confirmation As Eric Fanning Becomes First Openly-Gay Secretary of the U.S. Army
WASHINGTON - May 17, 2016 -- Today the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, praised the Senate for confirming Eric Fanning to serve as Secretary of the U.S. Army. Fanning is the first openly-gay leader of a U.S. military service, and is now the highest-ranking, Senate-confirmed openly-LGBT appointed official.
May, 2016
Tens of Thousands Call for Repeal of North Carolina Anti-LGBT Law As Legislature Returns
RALEIGH, N.C. - April 25, 2016 - More than 150,000 signatures demanding the repeal of North Carolina's anti-LGBT House Bill 2 were delivered to the office of Gov. Pat McCrory today by a collection of civil rights, faith, business, and advocacy groups as the state legislature returns for the first time since it introduced and passed the law limiting legal protections for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people in a one-day special session on March 23. Thousands of people are expected to rally for the discriminatory law's repeal outside the legislature throughout Monday.
April, 2016
More than 80 Major CEOs and Business Leaders Demand NC Repeal Discriminatory & Radical New Anti-LGBT Law
WASHINGTON, March 29, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, and Equality NC, the state organization working to secure equal rights and justice for LGBT North Carolinians, released a letter from more than 80 leading CEOs and business leaders calling on Governor Pat McCrory and the North Carolina General Assembly to repeal the radical provisions in the deeply discriminatory House Bill 2 that was rammed through the legislature last week.
March, 2016
80,000 Reasons to Veto: South Dakota Gov. Daugaard Must Block Vile Legislation Attacking Transgender Children
WASHINGTON - February 23, 2016 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) equality organization, joined with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the ACLU of South Dakota, Believe Out Loud and Reconciling Ministries, Freedom for All Americans, the National Center for Transgender Equality, and the Transgender Law Center to deliver over 80,000 petition signatures to South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard urging him to veto HB 1008– legislation that would prevent transgender students in public schools from using restrooms and other facilities consistent with their gender identity. This outrageous legislation would make South Dakota the first state in the nation to pass a law attacking transgender children, and has earned widespread criticism from leading children's medical and advocacy organizations.
A Strong Majority of Americans in all 50 States Support the Equality Act, New Nonpartisan Polling Shows
WASHINGTON - February 18, 2016 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, released the following statement after new polling shows that a majority of Americans in all 50 states support a bill like the bipartisan Equality Act, which was introduced last year with an unprecedented number of original co-sponsors and would extend existing civil rights protections to LGBT people.
All Eyes On South Dakota As Governor Daugaard Weighs Dangerous Legislation Attacking Trans Children Ahead of Tuesday Dea
WASHINGTON - February 29, 2016 - With a little more than 24 hours to go until a proposal attacking transgender youth automatically becomes law in South Dakota, the Human Rights Campaign – the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization – renewed its call on South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard to listen to the broad chorus of organizations urging him to veto the legislation.
BREAKING: South Dakota Governor to Meet With Trans Kids Ahead of Decision on Signing Discriminatory Bill
WASHINGTON - February 17, 2016 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization responded to the news that South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard will meet with transgender students before making his decision on whether to sign HB 1008 - outrageous legislation that would prevent trans students in public schools from using restrooms and other facilities consistent with their gender identity.
BREAKING: South Dakota Legislature Unleashes SECOND Attack On Trans Kids In Just Two Days
WASHINGTON - February 17, 2016 - As the nation waits to see if Governor Dennis Daugaard will veto the vile piece of legislation targeting transgender children that the South Dakota Senate passed yesterday, today the state's House State Affairs Committee voted 8 to 4 to advance yet another shameful attack on trans kids. HB 1209, which is wholly different from the bill that passed yesterday, focuses in on birth certificates in a veiled attempt to block transgender kids from participating in sports programs and other activities in a manner that's consistent with their gender identity. The bill would have a broad array of unintended consequences for all South Dakotans because it would require any public body to accept as valid all information on a person's birth certificate - even if that information is outdated and incorrect. The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, and the ACLU of South Dakota condemned the vote and demanded the South Dakota Legislature stop the attacks.
CDC Releases Alarming New Data on Spread of HIV
WASHINGTON - February 23, 2016 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, responded to the latest statistics on the spread of HIV released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Though the CDC reported a decrease in the lifetime risk of HIV overall, the situation facing communities hit hardest by HIV continues to be dire. These statistics suggest that one half of black gay and bisexual men, and one quarter of latino gay and bisexual men will be diagnosed with HIV in their lifetime. Furthermore, the communities not studied, in particular transgender women of color, continue to be underserved and extremely vulnerable to this epidemic.
Charlotte City Council Approves Landmark Non-Discrimination Ordinance Establishing Local Protections for LGBT Residents
CHARLOTTE - February 22, 2016 - Tonight, TurnOut! Charlotte, a partnership of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), Equality North Carolina, and MeckPAC, hailed the leadership and vision of the Charlotte City Council for voting to advance city-wide non-discrimination protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity, in public accommodations, vehicles for hire, and in government contracting. The ordinance passed by a vote of 7 to 4 with the strong support of newly-elected Mayor Jennifer Roberts, who has been a leading voice for the ordinance in her campaign and since she's taken office.
HRC Statement on Donald Trump's Win in Nevada
WASHINGTON - February 24, 2016 - The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, released the following statement regarding Donald Trump's latest win in Nevada last night:
HRC Statement on Donald Trump's Win in South Carolina
WASHINGTON - February 20, 2016 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, released the following statement regarding Donald Trump's win in South Carolina tonight:
HRC to Honor Hit Television Series 'Empire' and 'The Hunger Games' Producer Nina Jacobson at the 2016 HRC Los Angeles Ga
WASHINGTON - February 16, 2016 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, announced that the critically acclaimed television series "Empire" will be honored at the 2016 HRC Los Angeles Gala Dinner. HRC also announced that producer Nina Jacobson, whose work includes the blockbuster hit "The Hunger Games" and FX's "The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story" will be honored with the HRC Visibility Award. Jacobson will be presented with the award by Ryan Murphy, creator of Glee and American Horror Story.
HRC's Conference for Educators & Youth-Serving Professionals Highlights Safety, Inclusion & Well-Being of LGBTQ Youth
WASHINGTON- February 10, 2016 - The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, in partnership with the National Education Association and the American Counseling Association, is hosting its third annual Time to THRIVE conference Feb. 12-14 at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas.
Major Child Advocacy Groups Urge Nation's Governors to Reject Attacks on Transgender Children by State Legislatures
WASHINGTON - February19, 2016 – As South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard faces a decision on whether to veto HB 1008 – outrageous legislation that would prevent transgender students in public schools from using restrooms and other facilities consistent with their gender identity – seven national health, education, and child advocacy groups joined the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) in calling on Daugaard and other governors across the nation to reject the alarming and discriminatory bills being promoted in state legislatures targeting transgender children and their fundamental rights. The news comes as dozens of governors from across the country travel to Washington, DC, this weekend for the annual winter meeting of the National Governors Association.
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.
Outrageous 'Religious Liberty Accommodations Act' Advances in Mississippi
JACKSON - February 18, 2016 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Mississippi, decried the decision by Mississippi lawmakers to move forward with H.B. 1523. Dubbed the "Religious Liberty Accommodations Act, " this horrific legislation would allow individuals, religious organizations and private associations to use religion to discriminate against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Mississippians, in some of the most important aspect of their lives, including at work, at schools, in their family life and more. Lawmakers in the House Judiciary B advanced the bill by a 14 - 3 vote earlier today.
Reality: While Trump, Frontrunners Double Down on Religious-based Discrimination, Americans Don't Agree
WASHINGTON - February 25, 2016 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, released the following statement after Donald Trump, Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio suggested they would require their appointments to the Supreme Court pass a "religious liberty" litmus test.
RED ALERT: South Dakota on the Verge of Becoming 1st State in Nation to Pass a Law Attacking Transgender Children
WASHINGTON - February 10, 2016 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, and the ACLU of South Dakota, gave South Dakota lawmakers a dire warning to stop a vehemently discriminatory bill that would make the state the first in the nation to pass a law attacking transgender children. Threatening the state's reputation and economic future, H.B. 1008 is dangerously close to becoming law and could lead to a national outcry against the Mount Rushmore State. Already passed through the House of Representatives, the extreme legislation is scheduled for a hearing tomorrow morning in the Senate Education Committee.
SD House of Reps Passes Extreme Bill Authorizing Taxpayer-Funded Discrimination Against LGBT People & Single Mothers
WASHINGTON - February 9, 2016 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, condemned a vote last night by the South Dakota House of Representatives on yet another extreme measure attacking LGBT South Dakotans. By a vote of 46 to 10, the chamber passed HB 1107 – legislation that would explicitly authorize recipients of taxpayer funds or other state recognition to discriminate against same-sex couples, transgender people, and single mothers.
Shameful Attack Against Transgender Kids in South Dakota Heads to Governor's Desk
WASHINGTON - February 16, 2016 - Today, the South Dakota Senate passed extreme and dangerous legislation that attacks the rights of transgender children in public schools, and prevents them from using restrooms and other facilities consistent with their gender identity. After repeatedly calling on lawmakers to stop the legislation, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, and the ACLU of South Dakota, condemned the vote and called on Governor Dennis Daugaard to veto the offensive and deeply discriminatory legislation. If signed by the Governor, South Dakota would be in direct conflict with the U.S. Department of Education and non-discrimination protections under Title IX of the United States Education Amendments of 1972.
Shocking: South Dakota State Senator Says Transgender People are 'Twisted' and Suggests They Be Subjected to Psychologic
WASHINGTON - February 8, 2016 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, and the ACLU of South Dakota strongly denounced outrageous comments made by South Dakota Republican State Senator David Omdahl this weekend. In an attempt to justify why he will vote in favor of an extreme bill attacking transgender students in public schools, HB 1008, the vehemently anti-equality lawmaker said transgender people are "twisted" and should be subjected to psychological treatment to change their gender identity. Such barbaric practices of so-called "conversion therapy" have been banned in numerous jurisdictions and are tantamount to nothing more than psychological abuse.
South Dakota House of Representatives Passes ANOTHER Extreme Bill Attacking Transgender Youth
WASHINGTON - February 9, 2016 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization blasted a vote by the South Dakota House of Representatives in favor of yet another piece of discriminatory legislation attacking transgender youth in the Mount Rushmore State. Passed by a vote of 45 to 23, HB 1112 could ban transgender students from participating in athletic activities consistent with their gender identity. The bill is the third anti-LGBT piece of legislation passed by the chamber this year.
Tennessee Lawmakers Shamefully Advance Symbolic Anti-Marriage Equality Resolution
WASHINGTON - February 17, 2016 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, and Tennessee Equality Project (TEP), the statewide organization working to advance the values of equality and inclusion for LGBT people, decried a resolution advancing in the Tennessee State Legislature. Without debate in an entirely symbolic voice vote yesterday, the House Civil Justice Committee advanced House Joint Resolution (HJR) 529, a resolution that allows lawmakers to express their animosity for the Supreme Court's ruling in favor of nationwide marriage equality last June.
WARNING: Vile Legislation Attacking Transgender Children On the Verge of Becoming Law in South Dakota
WASHINGTON - Febuary 11, 2016 – Today, by a vote of 4 to 2 in Senate Education Committee, South Dakota moved dangerously closer to being the first state in the nation to pass a law specifically attacking transgender children. H.B. 1008 would prevent transgender youth in public schools from using restrooms and other facilities consistent with their gender identity and would put state law in direct conflict with the U.S. Department of Education and Title IX non-discrimination protections. Already passed through the House of Representatives, the discriminatory legislation now heads to the full Senate for consideration.
February, 2016
Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore Defies Supreme Court, Orders Probate Judges To Discriminate Against Same-Sex Couples
WASHINGTON - January 6, 2016 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender civil rights organization, strongly condemned a shameful order from Alabama's Chief Justice Roy Moore saying the state's probate judges "have a ministerial duty" not to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples regardless of the Supreme Court's decision affirming a nationwide right to marriage equality.
Alarming: South Dakota House of Representatives Passes Extreme Anti-Transgender Student Bill
WASHINGTON – Today, by a vote of 58 to 10, the South Dakota House of Representatives alarmingly passed discriminatory legislation targeting transgender students. Seeking to prevent transgender students in public schools from using facilities consistent with their gender identity, HB 1008 would put state law in direct conflict with the U.S. Department of Education and force public schools to pay the costs of the resulting legal challenges. The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, has repeatedly called on the state's lawmakers to stop the discriminatory legislation and slammed today's vote as a vile and shameful attack on transgender students.
Anti-Equality Lawmakers in South Dakota Target Transgender Students With Deplorable Legislation
WASHINGTON January 22, 2016 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, strongly condemned discriminatory legislation targeting transgender students that is gaining traction in South Dakota. Scheduled for a hearing on Monday in the House State Affairs committee, HB 1008 seeks to prevent transgender students in public schools from using restrooms or locker rooms that are consistent with their gender identity and requires taxpayers to assume the costly financial consequences in resulting legal challenges.
Anti-LGBT Georgia State Senator Introduces Legislation To Enable Discrimination Against Same-Sex Couples
WASHINGTON - January 20, 2016 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, blasted outrageous legislation introduced in the Georgia State Senate by anti-LGBT Republican Senator Greg Kirk. The so-called First Amendment Defense Act of Georgia would go far beyond protecting the right to practice one's religion – already firmly established in the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution – and would promote state taxpayer-funded discrimination against same-sex couples and their families in Georgia.
Anti-LGBT Tennessee Lawmaker Shamefully Pushes To Defy the U.S. Supreme Court on Marriage Equality
WASHINGTON - January 19, 2016 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, and Tennessee Equality Project (TEP), the statewide organization working to advance the values of equality and inclusion for LGBT people, strongly condemned legislation gaining traction in Tennessee that attempts to defy the Supreme Court of the United States on marriage equality. Being pushed by Rep. Mark Pody (R-46), the so-called Tennessee Natural Marriage Defense Act disgracefully attempts to eliminate marriage equality in the state and would require the state to defend marriage as "between one man and one woman." The legislation is scheduled for a hearing tomorrow in the House Civil Justice Subcommittee.
Anti-LGBT Washington State Lawmakers Advance Second Piece of Shameful Legislation Attacking Transgender Americans
WASHINGTON - February 4, 2016 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, strongly condemned a vote of 4 to 3 late last night by the Washington Senate Committee on Law and Justice in favor of legislation that would specifically prohibit the state's non-discrimination laws from protecting transgender people against discrimination in the use of sex-segregated facilities. The vote to advance SB 6548 comes shortly after a different Senate committee voted last week to advance legislation – SB 6443 – that would repeal long-standing, gender identity non-discrimination regulations previously put into place by the state's Human Rights Commission.
BREAKING: Department of Education Answers HRC's Call for Greater Transparency On Anti-LGBT Religious Exemption Requests
WASHINGTON - January 20, 2016 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization praised a decision from the U.S. Department of Education to publish a searchable database in the coming months of educational institutions who have sought and/or received an exemption from federal civil rights law in order to discriminate against LGBT students. To help increase transparency and accountability, HRC called on the Department of Education in December to take action in light of this growing and disturbing trend by some religious colleges and universities.
Breaking: Mark Kirk Becomes First Senate Republican to Co-Sponsor the Equality Act
WASHINGTON - January 19, 2016 – The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, hailed U.S. Senator Mark Kirk (R-IL) for becoming the first Senate Republican to co-sponsor the Equality Act – landmark federal legislation that guarantee explicit, permanent protections for LGBT people from discrimination in many of the most important aspects of their lives. Senator Kirk joins Rep. Bob Dold, (R-IL) who announced his support for the Equality Act last week.
BREAKING: New York Governor Andrew Cuomo Takes Historic Action Protecting LGBTQ Youth from Dangerous 'Conversion Therapy
WASHINGTON - February 6, 2016 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, praised the news that New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo will use the authority of his office to take historic action protecting LGBTQ youth in the Empire State from the dangerous and discredited practice of so-called "conversion therapy." As the first Governor to use his executive authority to protect LGBTQ youth from the widely denounced practice, under his direction, three state agencies will take separate actions.
BREAKING: Non-Discrimination Bill Dead in Indiana Senate
WASHINGTON - February 2, 2016 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, responded to the news that SB 344 will not advance in the Indiana Senate. Although it was previously scheduled for a second hearing today, according to the bill's author, the legislation will not be considered and will therefore fail to meet the required deadline this year. The deeply flawed legislation was a failed attempt to address the damning evidence that continues to emerge from the destruction caused to Indiana's economy by Gov. Pence's discriminatory Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) last year, but the Senate had every opportunity to amend the bill to provide real protections for LGBT Hoosiers.
BREAKING: Rep. Bob Dold Becomes First Republican to Co-Sponsor the Equality Act
WASHINGTON - January 15, 2016 - The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, hailed Illinois Rep. Bob Dold, who today became the first Republican member of Congress to co-sponsor the Equality Act – landmark federal legislation that would guarantee explicit, permanent protections for LGBT people from discrimination in many of the most important aspects of their lives.
Carson Says Bringing Back 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Might Be a Good Idea
WASHINGTON - January 6, 2016 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, called on all presidential candidates to repudiate the suggestion from Ben Carson that he would be open to returning to a policy in the military where gay, lesbian, and bisexual troops are prevented from serving openly, and continuing to bar transgender troops from openly serving.
Damning New Evidence Reveals Indiana Lost At Least $60 Million Due To RFRA Fight Last Year
WASHINGTON - January 26, 20-16 – A brand new survey from Visit Indy is set to be released on Thursday that shows Indiana lost as much as $60 million in convention revenue alone because of last year's disastrous and divisive Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) fight. As reported by the Associated Press late last night, "12 out-of-state groups were surveyed and all said that the state's controversial religious objections law played a role in their decision to hold their events elsewhere. " The news comes as Indiana lawmakers appear poised to double down on the debacle by considering an even more dangerous and extreme measure tomorrow in the Senate Judiciary Committee. This new proposal is a "Super RFRA " – Senate Bill 66 – that could allow anyone who claims a religious exemption the right to discriminate against LGBT Hoosiers, visitors, and other minorities.
Deja Vu All Over Again: Indiana Sees Extreme Anti-LGBT 'Super-RFRA' Advance in Legislature
WASHINGTON - January 25, 2016 – As Yogi Berra famously said, it's deja vu all over again. In a stunning development following last year's divisive and disastrous Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) fight, Indiana lawmakers appear poised to double down on the debacle by considering an even more dangerous and extreme measure this Wednesday. In advance of a hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee on Senate Bill 66, today the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, blasted the proposal that could allow anyone who claims a religious exemption the right to discriminate against LGBT Hoosiers, visitors, and other minorities. The legislation is being pushed by extreme anti-LGBT Republican Senators Michael Young, Phil Boos, Jim Banks, and Dennis Kruse.
GOP Frontrunners Close Out Iowa with Fresh Attacks on LGBT People
WASHINGTON - February 1, 2016 – Whichever GOP candidate emerges as the winner of tonight's Iowa caucuses, they spell danger for LGBT equality. In the final days of the race for Iowa, each of the GOP frontrunners -- Donald Trump, Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio -- have launched fresh attacks on LGBT people in a last-ditch effort to score conservative cred and push them over the top.
House Republicans Defeat Motion to Safeguard Protections for LGBT Employees of Federal Contractors
WASHINGTON – Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, responded to a vote in the U.S. House of Representatives to safeguard President Obama's executive order protecting LGBT employees of federal contractors from discrimination.
HRC Calls on Indiana Gov. Mike Pence to Support LGBT Non-Discrimination Protections in his State of the State Address
WASHINGTON - January 11, 2016 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, urged Indiana Governor Mike Pence to join the overwhelming majority of Hoosiers and endorse fully-inclusive non-discrimination protections for all LGBT people in Indiana during his State of the State address tomorrow night. In the year since Gov. Pence threw Indiana into chaos by signing a law allowing anyone who claims a religious exemption to discriminate against LGBT Hoosiers and other minorities, he has shown little leadership in moving the state forward – despite the fact that an incredible 70 percent of Hoosiers support LGBT non-discrimination protections and the business community is demanding action.
HRC Celebrates the Legacy of Civil Rights Leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
WASHINGTON - January 18, 2016 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, honors the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a trailblazing pioneer whose vision and fearlessness continue to inspire and empower millions people around the world every day.
HRC Foundation Launches Fellowship Program for Young Leaders in Communities Most Affected by HIV
WASHINGTON - January 22, 2016 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, announced it is launching an intensive, capacity-building fellowship program for young leaders at the front lines of the fight to end the spread and stigma of HIV.
HRC Highlights Pennsylvania's LGBT Protections, Laws and Legislative Proposals in New National Report
WASHINGTON - February 3, 2016 – The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, in partnership with the Equality Federation, today released its second annual national report assessing the status of state legislation affecting LGBT equality across America, including in Pennsylvania.
Human Rights Campaign Endorses Hillary Clinton for President
WASHINGTON - January 19, 2016 – The Human Rights Campaign, (HRC) the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, today announced its endorsement of Hillary Clinton for President. HRC's Board of Directors, comprised of 32 community leaders from across the nation, unanimously voted to endorse Secretary Clinton -- an endorsement she will accept next Sunday, January 24 at an event in Des Moines, Iowa with HRC President Chad Griffin and the organization's members and supporters.
Indiana Governor Mike Pence Punts On LGBT Non-Discrimination Protections in State of the State Address
WASHINGTON - January 12, 2016 – Tonight, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, criticized Governor Mike Pence for his failure to clearly call for fully inclusive non-discrimination protections for all LGBT Hoosiers and visitors in his State of the State address. Instead, he chose to follow a non-committal path similar to his lack of leadership on the issue last legislative session.
Montana Gov Steve Bullock Signs Executive Order Protecting LGBT State Employees
Washington - January 18, 2016 -- Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization hailed Montana Governor Steve Bullock for signing an executive order that will prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity for state employees, as well state contractors and subcontractors.
Non-Discrimination Bill Advances in Indiana Legislature With Dangerous Religious Refusal Language
WASHINGTON - January 27, 2016 – Tonight, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, responded to a vote in the Indiana Senate Rules & Legislative Procedure Committee to advance deeply flawed legislation that would unacceptably exclude any and all protections for transgender Hoosiers, would undermine existing protections for race and religion, and would remove the authority of municipalities to pass any new, fully inclusive LGBT non-discrimination protections at the local level. In addition, the proposal now includes a dangerous amendment that is similar to the discriminatory Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) law that passed last year, and it eliminates the so-called "fix" the Legislature eventually passed.
Oklahoma Wesleyan University President Says He is 'Proud' to Discriminate Against Transgender People
WASHINGTON - January 6, 2016 -- Following the publication this week of a commentary by Everett Piper, president of Oklahoma Wesleyan University, in which he boasts of being "proud" to lead an institution that sought a waiver from the government so that it could discriminate against transgender people, Chad Griffin, president of the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality, released the following statement:
Outrageous Anti-LGBT Legislation Voted Down in Tennessee House Subcommittee
WASHINGTON - January 20, 2016 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, and Tennessee Equality Project (TEP), the statewide organization working to advance the values of equality and inclusion for LGBT people, praised the news that the House Civil Justice Subcommittee has voted down an extreme measure being pushed by anti-LGBT activists which disgracefully sought to eliminate marriage equality in the state and require the state to defend marriage as "between one man and one woman."
Release of Internal Documents Show Grotesque Greed Driving Shkreli's Push for Turing's Massive Price Increase for Life-S
WASHINGTON - February 2, 2016 -- Following today's release by the House Oversight Committee of astonishing internal documents revealing the greed behind former Turing Pharmaceuticals CEO Martin Shkreli's decision to increase by 5,000 percent the cost of the life-saving drug Daraprim, Chad Griffin, President of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, issued the following statement:
Shkreli's Smirks at Congress Hearing About Massive Price Hike on Life-Saving Drug
WASHINGTON February 4, 2016 -- Today, the public got a disturbing window into the actions of former Turing Pharmaceuticals CEO Martin Shkreli, a sniggering, contemptuous former hedge fund manager who led a scheme to turn a profit off of price hikes on a crucial life-saving drug. At a House Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing this morning, Shkreli appeared alongside Turing CCO Nancy Retzlaff who, astonishingly, testified in defense of their unconscionable 5,000 percent price hike on the life-saving drug Daraprim.
Slate of Hate: Oklahoma Leads the Nation in Number of Appalling Bills Attacking LGBT People and their Families
WASHINGTON - January 26, 2016 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, and Freedom Oklahoma, the statewide LGBT advocacy organization, sounded the alarm on a barrage of egregious anti-LGBT bills being pushed in the Oklahoma state legislature by anti-equality activists. With state lawmakers set to convene on February 1 for the 2016 legislative session, at least 26 bills attacking LGBT Oklahomans and their families are already in the docket for consideration – the most of any state in the nation.
South Dakota Anti-LGBT Lawmakers Vote In Favor of Deplorable Legislation Attacking Transgender Students
WASHINGTON -January 25, 2016 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, expressed outrage at a vote by the South Dakota House State Affairs Committee in favor of discriminatory legislation targeting transgender students. By a vote of 10-3 this morning, the committee voted to advance HB 1008 to the House floor. The deplorable legislation seeks to prevent transgender students in public schools from using facilities that are consistent with their gender identity. The legislation was also amended to require educational institutions to pay the costs of the resulting legal challenges.
South Dakota Lawmakers Advance Two More Extreme Measures Targeting LGBT Americans
WASHINGTON - February 3, 2016 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, decried the unconscionable decision by South Dakota lawmakers to move forward two more pieces of discriminatory legislation targeting LGBT South Dakotans, HB 1112 and HB 1107. Both passed through the House State Affairs committee today by a vote of 10 to 3, HB 1112 could ban transgender students from participating in athletic activities consistent with their gender identity and HB 1107 seeks to explicitly authorize taxpayer-funded discrimination against LGBT South Dakotans and single mothers.
January, 2016
After Turing Pharmaceuticals' Outrageous Price Hike on Life-Saving Drug, Low-Cost Alternative Emerges
WASHINGTON - December 1, 2015 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization issued the following statement on news that Express Scripts will partner with Imprimis Pharmaceuticals to offer a low-cost alternative to Daraprim, a lifesaving treatment for people living with HIV. Two months ago, Turing Pharmaceuticals' CEO Martin Shkreli bought the rights to Daraprim and hiked the price of this crucial drug by 5,000 percent overnight.
Anti-LGBT Activist Bob Vander Plaats Endorses Ted Cruz
WASHINGTON - December 10, 2015 – Today, Bob Vander Plaats and leaders of Iowa's worst anti-LGBT group, the Family Leader, endorsed Ted Cruz in the 2016 presidential election. Cruz and Vander Plaats share a long and repugnant history of anti-LGBT rhetoric and activism, and today's endorsement puts Cruz even farther outside the American mainstream in a state that's had marriage equality for six years.
Blood Ban Fix Continues to Falls Far Short of Acceptable Solution
WASHINGTON - December 21, 2015 -- Today, the Human Rights Campaign, (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, responded to the release of final guidance from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on a long-awaited change to the current scientifically unwarranted blood donation ban on gay and bisexual men. The guidance released today outlines the implementation of a deferral-based policy utilizing a one year period of abstinence from same-sex sexual activity for men.
Department of Justice Issues New Guidance Addressing Gender Bias In Domestic Violence Policing
WASHINGTON - December 15, 2015 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization responded to new guidance issued by the Department of Justice "designed to help law enforcement agencies prevent gender bias in their response to sexual assault and domestic violence, highlighting the need for clear policies, robust training and responsive accountability systems."
HRC Announces Endorsement of Angie Craig for Congress
WASHINGTON - December 11, 2015 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, announced its endorsement of Angie Craig for election to the U.S. House of Representatives in Minnesota's 2nd Congressional District. Craig, who is an out and proud married lesbian, is the first candidate HRC has endorsed for Congress this cycle.
HRC Calls on Department of Education to Take Action Following Anti-LGBT Religious Exemption Requests by Dozens of Colleg
WASHINGTON - December 18, 2015 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, called on the Department of Education to take action in light of a disturbing trend by religious colleges and universities to request exemptions from existing civil rights law in order to discriminate against LGBT students. In a comprehensive new report, HRC details the growing trend and calls on the Department of Education to publicly document for students and Congress which colleges are claiming their ability to discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, and to require each institution to make publicly available the exemptions they request and obtain so that students know their rights.
HRC Releases 2015 Municipal Equality Index with Record Number of Perfect Scores
WASHINGTON - December 17, 2015 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation announced that a record number of U.S. cities have achieved perfect scores on its 2015 Municipal Equality Indexby establishing fully-inclusive local protections for LGBT people. The most notable trend in the annual report is the rapidly growing number of cities and towns across the nation stepping up to ensure that all people are treated equally, even in states where fully-inclusive LGBT laws and policies remain elusive.
HRC Statement on the Passing of LGBT Advocate George Zander
WASHINGTON - December 10, 2015 – Today the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, responded to the tragic news of the passing of legendary LGBT advocate George Zander.
State of LGBT Equality in Eight Pennsylvania Cities Detailed in HRC's New Municipal Equality Index
WASHINGTON - December 17, 2015 - The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, today released its fourth annual report assessing LGBT equality in 408 cities across the nation, including eight in Pennsylvania.
With Shkreli Gone, Will Turing Pharmaceuticals Restore Life-Saving Drug to Original Price?
WASHINGTON - December 18, 2015 -- Following news today that Martin Shkreli has resigned as CEO of Turing Pharmaceuticals, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, called on the drug maker's interim CEO Ron Tilles to immediately reduce the cost of the life-saving drug Daraprim to its original price.
December, 2015
Erie Insurance earns perfect score on 2016 Corporate Equality Index
ERIE, Pa., Nov. 23, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Erie Insurance has received a perfect score of 100 percent on the 2016 Corporate Equality Index, a national benchmark on corporate policies and practices related to LGBT workplace equality. The index is administered by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation.
HRC Marks World AIDS Day with Effort to End HIV Criminalization Laws That Harm LGBT Community
WASHINGTON - December 1, 2015 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, in partnership with the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) and the Center for HIV Law and Policy (CHLP), launched a national public education campaign to sound the alarm on dangerous HIV criminalization laws and the disproportionate harm they cause LGBT people, particularly LGBT communities of color.
HRC Slams Martin Shkreli's Ridiculous Announcement that Turing Pharmaceuticals will 'Roll Back' Price on Daraprim
WASHINGTON - November 21, 2015 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, slammed Turing Pharmaceuticals for announcing they will continue their outrageous price hike on Daraprim – a crucial and often lifesaving treatment for people living with HIV. Public outrage followed Shkreli's reckless decision to raise the price of Daraprim by 5,000 percent overnight back in September. According to news reports overnight, Shkreli's Turing Pharmaceuticals now plans to drop the cost of the lifesaving drug by "as much as 50 percent" which is still more than $375 – far above the drug's original $13.50 price.
HUD Proposes Stronger Protections for Transgender People In Emergency Shelters
WASHINGTON - November 19, 2015 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, praised a proposed new rule change from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requiring all programs that receive funding from the Office of Community Planning and Development (CPD) to give equal access to transgender people.
In Advance of Black Friday, HRC Releases 2016 Buyer's Guide to Businesses Supporting LGBT Workplace Inclusion
WASHINGTON- Just in time for Black Friday and the holiday shopping season, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, has released its popular consumer guide to hundreds of American companies rated on their LGBT-inclusive policies and practices.
National Organization for Marriage Again Violates Federal Law; HRC Files Federal Complaint
WASHINGTON - November 23, 2015 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, filed a formal complaint with the IRS against the National Organization for Marriage (NOM) for violating federal law by refusing to disclose their 2014 Form 990s. Following their November 16 deadline, NOM is required by law to provide a copy of the organization's Form 990s for the previous fiscal year on the same day any in-person request is made. For the third year in a row, HRC has made such a request at NOM offices and the organization has failed to comply, prompting HRC to file a complaint with the IRS in order to compel the disclosure of the documents.
Transgender Day of Remembrance Highlights Epidemic of Anti-Transgender Violence
WASHINGTON - November 20, 2015 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, joined in commemorating the 17th annual Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) – a day set aside in solemn tribute to transgender people across the globe who have lost their lives to violence, and to raise awareness of the constant threat of brutality faced by many in the transgender community.
Union for Reform Judaism passes transgender rights resolution
Delegates from the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) on Nov. 5 passed a historic resolution calling on the U.S. and Canadian governments to do more to ensure full equality and protections for people of all gender identities and expressions. The resolution also encouraged Reform institutions to take practical steps to ensure the dignity and safety of transgender and gender non-conforming people.
November, 2015
Ahead of International Anti-LGBT Summit, HRC Takes a Stand For Diverse Families
SALT LAKE CITY – On the eve of an international summit at which thousands of anti-LGBT activists will gather from around the world, the Human Rights Campaign, (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, is standing up for LGBT Americans and their families, and against the World Congress of Families (WCF) and its network of affiliates exporting anti-LGBT hate across the globe.
At Start of Islamic New Year, HRC Releases New Coming Home Guide for LGBT Muslims
WASHINGTON - October 14, 2015 - Today, at the beginning of the Islamic New Year, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, released a guide to help LGBT Muslims who are seeking to reconnect with their faith and build more inclusive communities.
HRC Celebrates National Coming Out Day 2015
WASHINGTON - October 9, 2015 - The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, is celebrating the 27th annual National Coming Out Day (NCOD) on October 11th 2015. A globally-recognized event, NCOD encourages LGBT people to live open and honest lives, and their allies to support LGBT visibility.
HRC Commends Obama Administration for Legal Support of Trans Student Challenging His School's Restroom Policy
WASHINGTON - October 28, 2015 – Today, in response to the news that the Obama administration has filed a brief with the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals supporting a transgender student's challenge of school policy banning him from using restrooms that comport with his gender identity, Chad Griffin, President of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), released the following statement:
HRC Condemns Ben Carson's Latest Attack on Transgender People
WASHINGTON - November 5, 2015 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, responded to the latest attack on the LGBT community by leading GOP candidate for president Ben Carson, who suggested in an interview that transgender people be required to use separate bathrooms.
HRC Foundation and Partnership for Drug-Free Kids Join Forces to Prevent LGBTQ Teen Substance Abuse
WASHINGTON - October 28, 2015 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation and Partnership for Drug-Free Kids released Preventing Substance Abuse Among LGBTQ Teens, an issue brief focusing on helping parents, educators and other youth-serving professionals understand the unique challenges – including bullying and family rejection – faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) youth that contribute to their heightened rates of substance abuse.
HRC Joins More Than 150 Organizations Demanding that Turing Pharmaceuticals Lower Cost of Life-Saving Drug
WASHINGTON - October 22, 2015 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest advocacy group for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights, joined 151 other organizations from across the nation in signing an open letter to Turing Pharmaceuticals urging company CEO Martin Shkreli to immediately act on his promise to lower the price on Daraprim -- a crucial and often lifesaving treatment for those living with HIV.
HRC Previews House Speaker Vote: John Boehner's Anti-LGBT Agenda to Continue
WASHINGTON - October 8, 2015- In advance of today's nomination vote for the new Speaker of the House, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, released the Congressional Scorecards of all the candidates. Today, House Republicans will nominate a new presiding officer of the House of Representatives who will be second in line to the presidency and have the ultimate say over which bills are debated on the House floor -- and which ones won’t see the light of day.
HRC Sends Letter to NFL Commissioner Following Repeal of Houston Equal Rights Ordinance
WASHINGTON - November 4, 2015 - Following the repeal of the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance, today Chad Griffin, President of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, sent a letter to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to request an emergency meeting to discuss the future of nondiscrimination protections in the city. Super Bowl LI is scheduled to take place in Houston in 2017.
In Debate, Carson Refuses to Take on Drug Company That Puts HIV Patients at Risk
WASHINGTON - October 29, 2015 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, issued the following statement after Ben Carson was asked in the debate last night and refused to say they would take action against companies like Turing Pharmaceuticals for outrageous and fundamentally unacceptable price increases. Turing's CEO Martin Shkreli is infamous for recently raising the price of Daraprim -- a crucial and often lifesaving treatment by 5,000 percent.
LGBT Catholics Pray for Church Leaders Meeting With Pope Francis in Rome
WASHINGTON - October 6, 2015 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the nation's largest advocacy group for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights, announced that LGBT Catholics and allied faithful will gather in four U.S. cities to pray the rosary and hold vigils as part of a national effort to send a message of acceptance and inclusion during a bishops' meeting with Pope Francis in Rome.
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.
New Obama Administration Report Calls for End to Dangerous 'Conversion Therapy' for Minors
WASHINGTON - October 15, 2015 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, praised a new report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) which makes "clear that conversion therapy is not an appropriate therapeutic approach based on the evidence, and explores alternative ways to discuss sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression with young people. "
New York Attorney General Answers HRC's Call, Launches Antitrust Inquiry Into Turing Pharmaceuticals' Distribution Pract
WASHINGTON - October 13, 2015 -- Today, at the urging of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the New York attorney general has begun investigating whether Turing Pharmaceuticals, which recently imposed an unconscionable 5000 percent price hike on the life-saving drug Daraprim, may have violated antitrust laws by limiting its distribution. Chad Griffin, President of HRC, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, released the following statement:
NY Governor Cuomo Takes Bold & Historic Step To Protect Transgender New Yorkers From Discrimination
WASHINGTON - October 22, 2015 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, hailed New York Governor Andrew Cuomo for taking a bold step to extend vitally important non-discrimination protections to transgender New Yorkers and visitors in employment, housing, and public accommodations. In a historic move, Governor Cuomo's administration will be issuing regulations clarifying that gender identity is included in the definitions of sex and disability which are protected under current state non-discrimination law.
Rand Paul's Solution to LGBT Discrimination: Go Back in the Closet
WASHINGTON - October 14, 2015 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, responded to offensive comments by Sen. Rand Paul saying that LGBT people should just go back in the closet if they fear discrimination. Today, at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, Paul was asked whether employees should be able to be fired for being LBGT and responded that "if you are gay, there are plenty of places that will hire you" and "the things you do in your house, if you leave them in your house, they wouldn't have to be part of the workplace."
The Clock Keeps Ticking: 14 Days Since Turing Pharmaceuticals CEO Promised to Roll Back Outrageous Price Hike
WASHINGTON - October 6, 2015 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest advocacy group for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights, once again called on Turing Pharmaceuticals CEO Martin Shkreli to make good on his unfulfilled promise of Sept. 22 to lower the price on Daraprim -- a crucial and often lifesaving treatment for those living with HIV -- and urged officials to expeditiously investigate Turing's reckless overnight 5,000 percent price increase.
Treasury Department Announces Proposed Rule Change In Light of Nationwide Marriage Equality
WASHINGTON - October 21, 2015 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, praised the news that the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) have proposed new regulations implementing the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Obergefell v. Hodges. According to the Treasury Department, the proposed regulations will clarify "that a marriage of two individuals, whether of the same sex or the opposite sex, will be recognized for federal tax purposes if that marriage is recognized by any state, possession, or territory of the United States. The proposed regulations would also interpret the terms 'husband' and 'wife' to include same-sex spouses as well as opposite-sex spouses."
October, 2015
Amanda Simpson Sworn In As Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Operational Energy
WASHINGTON - September 18, 2015 – Earlier today, Amanda Simpson, who previously served as the the Executive Director of the U.S. Army Office of Energy Initiatives, was sworn in as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (DAS) for Operational Energy. As the highest ranking openly transgender official in the Obama Administration, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization praised the news and issued the following statement:
Apple CEO Tim Cook To Be Honored at the 19th Annual Human Rights Campaign National Dinner
WASHINGTON - October 1, 2015 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, announced that Apple CEO Tim Cook will receive the organization's Visibility Award at the 19th annual HRC National Dinner on Saturday, October 3, 2015, in Washington, DC.
At Clinton Global Initiative Annual Meeting, HRC To Launch Global Corporate Coalition To Advance LGBT Equality
NEW YORK - September 29, 2015 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), America's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, will announce the creation of a groundbreaking global coalition committed to advancing LGBT workplace equality around the world. The announcement will be made on stage during the closing plenary of the 2015 Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) Annual Meeting in New York.
Australian Leadership Ousts Prime Minister Who Stood in the Way of Marriage Equality
WASHINGTON - August 14, 2015 - Today, Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott, who last month refused to allow a vote for marriage equality in the Parliament, was ousted from his position and replaced by Malcolm Turnbull through a leadership ballot. The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, praised the news and urged the new Prime Minister to take action by allowing a vote on national marriage equality legislation.
BREAKING: Newly Released Emails Reveal Damage Mike Pence's Anti-LGBT RFRA Law Had on Indiana's Economic Climate
WASHINGTON - September 18, 2015 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, responded to emails just released by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) revealing the tremendous damage Governor Mike Pence's anti-LGBT "Religious Freedom Restoration Act " (RFRA) inflicted on Indiana's economic climate. In light of the fact that there is still no law in Indiana at the state level protecting LGBT Hoosiers from unjust discrimination, the emails reveal the deep scars and risks that still remain.
Former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton To Address Human Rights Campaign
WASHINGTON - September 22, 2015 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, announced that former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton will speak to the organization on the morning of Saturday, October 3rd. Approximately 800 grassroots leaders from across the country – including the HRC Board of Directors, HRC Board of Governors, HRC staff, and volunteer leaders and supporters from the organization's over 1.5 million members and supporters in all 50 states – will hear from Secretary Clinton ahead of the organization's National Dinner.
HRC Announces Carly Rae Jepsen, A Great Big World, and Futuristic to Perform at 19th Annual HRC National Dinner
WASHINGTON - September 24, 2015 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, announced that multi-platinum selling Grammy nominated singer and songwriter Carly Rae Jepsen and multi-platinum selling Grammy award-winning act A Great Big World – joined by Hip-Hop artist Futuristic – will perform at the 19th annual HRC National Dinner on October 3, 2015, in Washington, DC.
HRC Asks Congress to Investigate Turing Pharmaceuticals' Exploitative Price Gouging
WASHINGTON - September 24, 2015 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign, (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization announced that it sent letters to three Congressional committees late yesterday seeking an investigation into recent actions by Turing Pharmaceuticals to increase the price of the drug Daraprim (pyrimethamine) by 5000 percent.
HRC Calls For Full Investigation Into Treatment of Transgender Woman By TSA Agents at Orlando Airport
WASHINGTON - September 22, 2015 - Today, in response to a disturbing story about the way a transgender woman was reportedly treated by Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents at an Orlando, FL, airport, Chad Griffin, president of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, sent a letter to TSA Administrator Peter Neffenger calling on TSA to "conduct a swift and thorough investigation of the incident, and take immediate action to ensure transgender travelers are treated equally and with full respect."
HRC Releases New 'Coming Home' Guide for LGBT Catholics
WASHINGTON - September 23, 2015 - Today, just hours after Pope Francis began his historic trip to the U.S., the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, released a guide to help LGBT Catholics who are seeking to reconnect with their faith and build more inclusive church communities.
HRC Responds to Reports of Papal Meeting with Kim Davis; Urges Church to Embrace LGBT Catholics
WASHINGTON - September 30, 2015 -- Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, weighed in on news reports that indicate Pope Francis met privately last week with Kim Davis, the Rowan County, Ky., public official who continues to violate the law by openly discriminating against same-sex couples seeking to marry in the community they call home.
HRC To Welcome Pope Francis with Plea to Bridge Gap Between Acceptance in the Pews and Rejection by Bishops
WASHINGTON - September 16. 2015 - In anticipation of the historic visit of Pope Francis to the U.S., the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, is releasing polling data on Catholic attitudes toward equality, highlighting the stories of teachers and staff fired from Catholic institutions because of who they love, and asking the pontiff to embrace the LGBT faithful.
HRC: Mike Huckabee is Blinded by His Own Bigotry, Unfit to be Commander in Chief
WASHINGTON - September 19, 2015 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, reacted to Mike Huckabee after Huckabee said today that President Obama was "more interested in appeasing gays," in nominating Eric Fanning to lead the Army.
In a Historic First, Openly Gay Eric Fanning Nominated To Serve as Secretary of the Army
WASHINGTON - September 18, 2015 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, praised the news that Eric Fanning, who is openly gay, will be nominated to serve as Secretary of the U.S. Army by President Barack Obama. Fanning currently serves as Acting Under Secretary of the Army.
In A Historic Step, Nepal Ratifies New Constitution That Includes LGBT Protections
WASHINGTON - September 17, 2015 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), America's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, hailed the passage of a new constitution in Nepal that provides explicit protections for LGBT people from discrimination, violence, and abuse--a historic first for a nation in Asia. Nepal joins only a handful of countries, including South Africa and Ecuador, that have enshrined equal rights protections for LGBT people in their national constitutions.
In New HRC Video, Rowan County Couple Asks Candidates: Will You Defend the Constitution, or Government Officials Who Wan
WASHINGTON - September 16, 2015 – The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, has released a new video featuring a Kentucky couple who were denied a marriage license by Kim Davis. In the video, avid Moore and his partner, David Ermold of Rowan County, Kentucky ask the candidates whether they are willing to defend the constitutional right of same-sex couples to get married, or whether they will support government officials who discriminate against LGBT people for religious reasons. Watch the video here.
New HRC Issue Brief Addresses Need to Improve Workplace Climate for Bisexual Employees, Provides Practical Guidance
WASHINGTON - September 25, 2015 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, the educational arm of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, released an issue brief to help employees and employers build more inclusive workplace environments for bisexual people.
New Poll: Overwhelming Public Opposition to Allowing Public Employees to Discriminate Against LGBT Couples
WASHINGTON - September 16, 2015 –The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, has released the results of new polling it commissioned showing that an overwhelming majority of Americans do not support allowing government officials or public employees to discriminate against LGBT couples on religious grounds.
Report: Pope Francis Met with Gay Couple During Trip to U.S.
WASHINGTON - October 2, 2015 -- Today, in response to reports that Pope Francis met privately with a local same-sex couple during his visit to the nation's capital, Chad Griffin, President of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, released the following statement:
Sneak Attack In North Carolina General Assembly Puts LGBT Rights At Risk
WASHINGTON - September 29, 2015 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization blasted anti-LGBT legislation that could be rammed through the North Carolina Assembly and signed into law today. In an eleventh hour sneak attack, anti-LGBT legislators scheduled SB 279 -- which would strip away the ability of local municipalities to enact ordinances that protect LGBT people from discrimination -- for an up or down vote in the House of Representatives this afternoon. The legislation, which would also override existing municipal non-discrimination ordinances, could move to the Senate and the Governor's desk as soon as today.
Supreme Court Plaintiff Jim Obergefell Heads to Capitol Hill to Lead Lobbying Effort for the Equality Act
WASHINGTON - October 1, 2015 – Today, U.S. Supreme Court marriage equality plaintiff Jim Obergefell will head to Capitol Hill to lead dozens of advocates in a day of lobbying for the Equality Act on behalf of the Human Rights Campaign, (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization. HRC also announced today that it will bring more than a dozen of the top U.S. companies together to launch a coalition later this month to advocate for passage of the Equality Act.
Unreal: Governor Herbert To Welcome Hate Into State With Open Arms
WASHINGTON - September 22, 2015 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign, (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, strongly criticized Utah Governor Gary Herbert for his decision to address thousands of attendees at a massive gathering hosted by the World Congress of Families this October. Designated an anti-LGBT hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center, WCF's upcoming conference in Salt Lake City will convene some of the most virulently anti-LGBT extremists from across the country and around the world.
Vice President Joe Biden to Deliver Keynote Address at the 19th Annual HRC National Dinner
WASHINGTON - September 25, 2015 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, announced that Vice President Joe Biden will deliver the keynote address at the 19th annual HRC National Dinner on the evening of October 3, 2015, in Washington, DC. In addition, HRC announced that seven-time Emmy Award winner Allison Janney will present HRC's National Vanguard Award to Academy Award nominated actress Ellen Page for her courage and leadership. Retired NBA athlete Jason Collins and Blossom Brown are also slated to address the sold-out gathering. As previously announced, multi-platinum selling Grammy nominated singer and songwriter Carly Rae Jepsen, and multi-platinum selling Grammy award-winning A Great Big World – joined by Hip-Hop artist Futuristic – will perform.
With Endorsement from Target, Corporate Support for Equality Act Continues to Grow
WASHINGTON - September 10, 2015 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, hailed Target for its announcement this morning that it is has endorsed the recently-introduced Equality Act, a landmark federal bill that would guarantee explicit, permanent protections for LGBT people from discrimination in many of the most important aspects of their lives. Ina statement posted on its website, Target said, "Today, we're proud to announce another important milestone: Target has signed on in support of the Equality Act."
September, 2015
130 Major Organizations Urge Obama Administration to Rescind Discriminatory Bush-Era 'Religious Freedom' Memo
WASHINGTON - August 20, 2015 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization joined a total of 130 major religious, education, civil rights, labor, LGBT, women's, and health organizations in a letter to President Obama urging him to review and reconsider a memo from the Office of Legal Counsel that has been used to permit taxpayer funded discrimination. The letter warns that the 2007 memo "reaches the erroneous and dangerous conclusion that the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 (RFRA) provides a blanket override of a statutory non-discrimination provision. "
After Australian Prime Minister Abbott Denies Parliament Conscience Vote, HRC Asks: What Are You Afraid Of?
WASHINGTON August 11, 2015 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), America's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, joins with Australian Marriage Equality in expressing disappointment and anger at Prime Minister Tony Abbott's latest political stunt: overriding the nearly three-quarters of Australians who believe in marriage equality by denying Members of Parliament the right to vote according to their own conscience on national marriage equality legislation. Prime Minister Abbott met with members of the governing coalition who determined that party members will be forced to vote according to party lines, even if they wish to support marriage equality legislation. Though Prime Minister Tony Abbott remains a staunch opponent of marriage equality, members of his own party support the proposal and were expected to cross party lines if a conscience vote had been allowed.
Anti-LGBT County Clerk Gets Time to Appeal Judge's Decision Over Her Opposition to Marriage Equality
WASHINGTON - August 17, 2015 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, responded to the news that U.S. District Judge David Bunning temporarily stayed his order requiring Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis of Kentucky to immediately begin issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples as she appeals his decision to the US Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.
Call it Out: RNC Quietly Passes Anti-LGBT Resolution
WASHINGTON - August 18, 2015 – The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, released the following statement after media reports that the Republican National Committee (RNC) passed an anti-LGBT resolution in support of the First Amendment Defense Act (FADA). Going far beyond protecting the rights established in the First Amendment, this anti-LGBT legislation would undermine the rule of law and promote taxpayer-funded discrimination.
Chris Christie to Transgender Community: You're 'Beyond the Pale'
WASHINGTON - August 13, 2015 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, released the following statement after media reports that New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie "laughed on Thursday about his recent veto of legislation that would have streamlined the process in his state for transgender people to change the gender marker on their birth certificates." Christie made his comments on a right-wing radio talk show. On the show, Christie defended the veto by saying, "certain things go beyond the pale."
CONTEMPT OF COURT: Rowan County Clerk Held Accountable For Defying the Law
WASHINGTON - September 3, 2015 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, responded to the news that Kentucky's Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis has been found in contempt of court for her refusal to follow a federal court order directing her to begin issuing marriage licenses to all qualified same-sex and opposite-sex couples.
Critical Legislation Introduced To Protect LGBT Pennsylvanians From Discrimination
WASHINGTON - August 26, 2015 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, praised the introduction of the bipartisan Pennsylvania Fairness Act in the Pennsylvania General Assembly. Introduced by Representatives Dan Frankel (D-23) and Thomas H. Killion (R-168) in the House of Representatives and Senators Lawrence M. Farnese, Jr. (D-1) and Patrick M. Browne (R-16) in the Senate, this critically important legislation would update the state's non-discrimination law to explicitly include protections for LGBT people from discrimination at work, in housing, and in public places.
Ellen Page Serves Ted Cruz 'Equality on a Stick' at Iowa State Fair for Defending LGBT Discrimination
WASHINGTON - August 21, 2015 – Today, Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz found himself on the defensive in Iowa after his speech on the Des Moines Register Soap Box after taking questions from actress Ellen Page, who came out in 2014 at HRC's Time to Thrive conference. Page has since become an activist and role model for LGBT youth, and also stars in "Freeheld" with Julianne Moore, an upcoming film that documents the struggle of real life lesbian couple Laurel Hester and Stacie Andree to overcome discrimination.
FINALLY! Marriage Equality Arrives in Rowan County, Kentucky
WASHINGTON - September 4, 2015 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, praised the news that marriage equality has finally arrived in Rowan County, Kentucky. After a defiant county clerk was held in contempt of court for her refusal to follow the law yesterday, an official in the clerk's office today finally complied with the law and began issuing marriage licenses.
Gov. Chris Christie Vetoes Another Important Bill for Transgender New Jerseyans
WASHINGTON - August 11, 2015 – For the second time in two years, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has shamefully vetoed a bill that would have made easier for transgender residents to obtain an appropriate birth certificate reflecting their identity. The bill Christie vetoed (S1195) would have allowed state agencies to change a birth certificate as long as proof was provided that the individual was undergoing gender transition. Currently, transgender New Jerseyans can only obtain an updated birth certificate if they have undergone gender reassignment surgery, which is not always necessary or safe, and can be cost-prohibitive for low-income people.
HHS Proposes Critical Regulation to Protect Transgender People From Discrimination in Healthcare
WASHINGTON - August 3, 2015 – Today, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights proposed a regulation that provides explicit protections from discrimination on the basis of sex stereotyping and gender identity in healthcare and insurance under the Affordable Care Act. The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest LGBT civil rights organization praised the proposed regulation, as well as the stated commitment by HHS to preventing discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.
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.
New HRC Polling Shows Strong Support for Equality Act in Swing House Districts
WASHINGTON - August 20, 2015 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), America's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, released new polling to show broad support for the newly introduced Equality Act in swing districts across the country. The Equality Act – which was introduced with a record number of original cosponsors -- would ensure permanent non-discrimination protections for LGBT Americans.
On HBO's Last Week Tonight: GOP Candidates Duck on the Equality Act
WASHINGTON - August 24, 2015 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, called on the Republican candidates running for president to tell the American public where they stand on the Equality Act, a landmark federal non-discrimination bill that would finally extend key civil rights protections to LGBT Americans. HBO's Last Week Tonight reported last night that the entire field of Republican candidates for President refused to answer a simple yes or no question about whether they would support such a bill. The segment also noted that Gov. Bobby Jindal and Gov. John Kasich both weakened non-discrimination protections for LGBT people during their tenure.
PayPal Endorses Landmark Equality Act As Corporate Support for Critical LGBT Non-Discrimination Legislation Grows
WASHINGTON August 27, 2015 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, hailed PayPal for becoming the latest company to announce public support for the newly-introduced Equality Act, a landmark federal bill that would guarantee explicit, permanent protections for LGBT people from discrimination in many of the most important aspects of their lives.
Public Official's Personal Religious Opinion No Excuse To Refuse Service To Same-Sex Couples
WASHINGTON - August 26, 2015 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, responded to the news that the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit has denied a request from Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis of Kentucky to issue a stay on a lower court's ruling that orders her to immediately resume issuing marriage licenses – including to same-sex couples – regardless of her religious objections to marriage equality. U.S. District Judge David Bunning had temporarily stayed his order directing her to do so while Davis appealed his decision to the Sixth Circuit.
Statement from HRC President Chad Griffin on the Passing of Julian Bond
WASHINGTON - August 16, 2015 – Following news early this morning of the passing of civil rights leader Julian Bond, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, released a statement from its president, Chad Griffin:
Supreme Court Declines Emergency Stay Request from Anti-LGBT Rowan County Clerk
WASHINGTON - August 31, 2015 – Today, the U.S. Supreme Court declined a petition from Kentucky's Rowan County clerk Kim Davis for an emergency stay on a court order requiring her to immediately start issuing marriage licenses to all eligible applicants, including same-sex couples. The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, welcomed the news as affirmation that personal religious opinions of public officials should not trump the fundamental rights of LGBT Americans.
Where Does Rand Paul Stand on Kentucky Clerk Flouting Federal Law?
WASHINGTON - September 1, 2015 -- Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, called on Republican presidential candidate and U.S. Senator from Kentucky Rand Paul, as well as others seeking the highest office in the land, to say whether they believe Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis should be allowed to infringe on the constitutional right of same-sex couples to marry the person they love, and continue to refuse issuing them marriage licenses.
August, 2015
#31Reasons: In Wake of SCOTUS Ruling, HRC Releases New Map Showing States Still Lacking Non-Discrimination Protections
WASHINGTON - July 10, 2015 – Following the Supreme Court's ruling in Obergefell v Hodges, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, today released a new map explaining the need for non-discrimination laws protecting LGBT people at the federal level. The map shows that the Supreme Court's ruling has brought marriage equality to a number of states that still lack clear, fully-inclusive non-discrimination protections for LGBT people, meaning that despite the ruling, LGBT Americans can get legally married but still be at risk of being denied services for who they are or risk being fired simply for getting married and wearing their wedding ring to the office the next day.
American Airlines, Facebook, General Mills, Google & Nike Announce Support for Fed LGBT Non-Discrimination Protections
WASHINGTON - July 28, 2015 – Today, just days after the introduction of the historic Equality Act in Congress, five new major American companies announced their support for comprehensive, federal LGBT non-discrimination protections. Each of these new leading corporations – American Airlines, Facebook, General Mills, Google and Nike demonstrated their belief that all LGBT Americans should have the protections from discrimination in federal law that they deserve. These companies join Apple, The Dow Chemical Company, and Levi Strauss, & Co. in supporting comprehensive federal LGBT non-discrimination legislation.
Anti-LGBT So-Called 'First Amendment Defense Act' Has Dangerous and Far-Reaching Consequences
WASHINGTON - July 17, 2015 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, pinpointed the dangerous consequences of the so-called First Amendment Defense Act (S. 1598, H.R. 2802), introduced by Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) and Representative Raúl Labrador (R-ID). Going far beyond protecting the rights established in the First Amendment, this anti-LGBT legislation would undermine the rule of law and promote taxpayer-funded discrimination. The legislation is scheduled for a markup in the House Oversight and Government Affairs Committee next week.
As Boy Scouts of America Takes Historic Step, Local Exemptions Will Allow Discrimination To Continue
WASHINGTON - July 27, 2015 - The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, responded to today's historic vote by the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) to end its blanket national ban on gay, lesbian and bisexual adults serving as employees and volunteers.
BREAKING: Comprehensive New LGBT Non-Discrimination Legislation To Be Introduced This Week
WASHINGTON - July 21, 2015 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender civil rights organization, released the following statement following a report from Buzzfeed News late last night that comprehensive federal LGBT non-discrimination legislation is expected to be introduced in Congress later this week.
BREAKING: European Court Rules Same-Sex Partnership a Right
WASHINGTON - July 21, 2015 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, hailed the historic ruling by the European Court on Human Rights that all signatories to the European Convention of Human Rights - including countries like Turkey and Russia, where discrimination and violence against LGBT people has recently made headlines - should recognize same-sex partnerships. This ruling, which could impact 47 countries, and 800 million people, is a major step in granting greater rights and equality to LGBT people across Europe, and around the world.
BREAKING: Major Corporations Announce Support for Landmark Federal LGBT Non-Discrimination Legislation
WASHINGTON - July 23, 2015 – In advance of this afternoon's introduction of the historic Equality Act in Congress, today 3 major American companies announced their support for comprehensive federal non-discrimination legislation that would establish full, federal equality for all LGBT Americans. Each of the leading corporations – which include Apple, The Dow Chemical Company, and Levi Strauss & Co., – released the following statements making clear that they believe all LGBT Americans should have the protections from discrimination in federal law that they deserve.
Catholic School Under Fire for Terminating Highly-Praised Lesbian Teacher Because She's Married
WASHINGTON - July 8, 2015 - The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, today condemned another Catholic school firing of a valued LGBT employee as evidence of the church's continuing efforts to punish workers who have legalized their unions.
Congress Must Restore Full Protections of Voting Rights Act
WASHINGTON - August 6, 2015 - Today, on the 50th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 – a landmark piece of legislation that prohibits racial discrimination in voting – the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, called on Congress to restore the full protections of this crucial legislation.
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.
He Doesn't Get It: Walker Can't Say if Being LGBT Is a Choice
July 19, 2015 - The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, released the following statement after CNN's Dana Bash reported this morning that Gov. Scott Walker said he doesn't know whether being LGBT is a choice or not.
Historic Marriage Equality Ruling Generates Momentum for New Non-Discrimination Law
WASHINGTON - July 7, 2015 - In the week since the historic Supreme Court decision that established nationwide marriage equality, LGBT advocates across the country have spoken in unison about the need for federal non-discrimination legislation. The reason for this is clear: despite the Supreme Court's ruling, LGBT Americans lack explicit protections in federal law that prohibit discrimination on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity or expression.
HRC Commends Episcopal Church for Historic Vote Allowing Religious Weddings for Same-Sex Couples
WASHINGTON - July 1, 2015 - The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, hailed the Episcopal Church for its vote today allowing clergy to preside over religious ceremonies for same-sex couples as of November 1.
HRC Condemns Scott Walker's Shameful and Offensive Comments on Boy Scouts of America's Ban
WASHINGTON - July 14, 2015 – The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, released the following statement in response to Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker's assertion that he supports the Boy Scouts of America (BSA)'s discriminatory policy that bars gay, lesbian and bisexual adults from serving as employees and troop leaders. Walker's comments, coming a day after the BSA's Executive Committee recommended that the organization allow LGB adult leaders and volunteers, defended the existing discriminatory ban as one that "protected" children, according to media reports.
HRC Congratulates Caitlyn Jenner for Receiving ESPN's Arthur Ashe Courage Award at Tonight's ESPYs Ceremony
WASHINGTON - July 15, 2015 - The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, congratulated Caitlyn Jenner for receiving ESPN's Arthur Ashe Courage Award tonight.
HRC Endorses Comprehensive New Legislation That Ensures Full Federal Equality for LGBT Americans
WASHINGTON – Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, endorsed the Equality Act, a landmark federal non-discrimination bill that would ensure all LGBT Americans have the protections from discrimination in federal law they deserve. Its strong endorsement accompanies several other statements of support for federal LGBT non-discrimination protections, including a civil rights icon, major leaders in Corporate America, prominent Republican and Democratic members of the legal community, as well as new polling demonstrating overwhelming bipartisan support among the American public.
HRC Hails Historic EEOC Ruling on Employment Discrimination
July 16, 2015 - The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, today praised the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) for its ruling affirming that it considers employment discrimination based on sexual orientation to be prohibited under the sex discrimination provisions of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
HRC Stands with Kenyan LGBT Activists Who Suffer Violence and Discrimination in Their Country
WASHINGTON - July 25, 2015 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, commended President Obama for his comments about the need to respect human rights for all people. At a press conference earlier today in Nairobi, Kenya, President Obama said countries should not discriminate based on sexual orientation, while Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta referred to gay rights as a "non-issue" for Kenyans.
HRC To Boy Scouts of America: You Can't End Discriminatory Ban with Half Steps
WASHINGTON - July 13, 2015 - The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, today responded to a resolution by the Boy Scouts of America and its Executive Committee that would allow gay, lesbian and bisexual adults to serve as employees and volunteers by calling on the organization to also require that all troops adhere to a policy of full LGBT inclusion.
HRC: A Troubling Night for LGBT Equality at GOP Debate
CLEVELAND - Augus 6, 2015 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, responded to a slew of anti-LGBT comments and positions by candidates competing in the first Republican presidential primary debate in Cleveland, Ohio. During it, Mike Huckabee defended the existing ban on transgender military service, and Ted Cruz, Rick Santorum, and Bobby Jindal said that as President they would put LGBT people at risk for discrimination by using their executive authority on Day 1 to pass executive orders enabling taxpayer-funded discrimination.
HRC: Nation Would Be 'Better Off' Without Rick Perry's Discriminatory Views
July 19, 2015 - The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, released the following statement after former Texas Governor Rick Perry said on Meet the Press that the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) would be "better off " without openly LGB employees and volunteers. Perry's comments came days after the BSA's Executive Committee recommended that the organization end its blanket ban on LGB adults, although the committee's proposal allows certain local exemptions.
IBM, Oracle, Orbitz, and Symantec Join Other Corporate Giants in Announcing Support for Equality Act
WASHINGTON - August 6, 2015 - Four new major American companies have become the latest to endorse the Equality Act, federal legislation that would establish full, federal equality for all LGBT Americans. In doing so, these leading companies - IBM, Oracle, Orbitz, and Symantec - made clear that they believe all LGBT Americans should have the protections from discrimination in federal law that they deserve.
Indiana's Expensive Public Relations Contract To Fix Anti-LGBT RFRA Damage Cancelled
WASHINGTON - July 7, 2015 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, responded to news that the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) cancelled the expensive public relations contract it had signed to help repair the tremendous damage caused when Governor Mike Pence signed the anti-LGBT so-called Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) into law. According to Chris W. Cotterill, executive vice president of the IEDC, the contract was cancelled in part because of an "ongoing focus on cost management."
Kansas Governor Brownback Issues Anti-LGBT Executive Order
WASHINGTON - July 7, 2015 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization denounced Kansas Governor Sam Brownback's executive order encouraging blatant discrimination against LGBT Kansans in the name of religion. Governor Brownback, known for his deplorable anti-equality positions, issued the executive order today in response to the Supreme Court's recent ruling in favor of nationwide marriage equality.
New Poll: 59% of Voters Less Likely to Support Candidates Who Oppose Non-Discrimination Protections
WASHINGTON - July 22, 2015 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, released the results of a new Democracy Corps survey from Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research, demonstrating that 59% of likely 2016 voters are less likely to support a candidate who opposes non-discrimination protections for LGBT people. These results come just before a new federal LGBT non-discrimination bill is expected to be introduced in Congress.
New Social Media Campaign: HRC Asks GOP Candidates in Cleveland to Defend Jim Obergefell's Marriage
WASHINGTON - August 5, 2015 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, announced that it is launching a new social media campaign featuring Ohio native Jim Obergefell, asking candidates to #StandwithJim and defend his marriage in advance of the debate Thursday in Cleveland.
New WaPo: Walker Campaign Refuses to Say Whether Scott Walker Believes Children Need to be 'Protected' from LGBT America
WASHINGTON - July 15, 2015 – The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, released the following statement after Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker's campaign refused to answer a question from a Washington Post columnist about whether Walker "thought children needed to be protected from gay men." According to the story, Walker's spokesperson "did not respond."
Not so Fast: Sen. Rubio Telegraphs Intent to Overturn Obergefell v. Hodges
WASHINGTON - July 10, 2015 – Sen. Marco Rubio has made headlines in recent days for saying he opposes a constitutional amendment that would allow states to re-ban marriage equality. But he's made clear that rather than use a constitutional amendment, he's willing to change the makeup of the court to overturn Obergefell v. Hodges.
Obama Administration Confirms Married Same-Sex Couples Will Have Access To Full Federal Benefits
WASHINGTON - July 9, 2015 – Today, U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch confirmed that married same-sex couples will finally have access to full federal benefits thanks to the Supreme Court's decision affirming a Constitutional right to nationwide marriage equality in Obergefell v. Hodges. Now that marriage equality is the law of the land in every state, the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Social Security Administration – which before the decision had continued to deny full benefits due to statutory language forcing them to look to the state of residence for the purpose of some benefits – will finally extend full benefits to married same-sex couples. The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization praised the long awaited announcement.
Pentagon To Lift Ban On Transgender Service Members
WASHINGTON - July 13, 2015 -- Today, U.S. Secretary of Defense Ash Carter announced the establishment of a working group to study the "policy and readiness implications" of allowing transgender service members to serve openly. The working group will "start with the presumption that transgender persons can serve openly without adverse impact on military effectiveness and readiness, unless and except where objective, practical impediments are identified." The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, which has long called for an end to the military's ban on transgender service, praised the announcement.
Rep. Scott Garrett Shocks Committee With Anti-LGBT Bigotry
WASHINGTON - July 16, 2015 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, responded to Representative Scott Garrett's (R-NJ) hateful anti-LGBT objections to supporting his party's congressional campaign committee because, according to Politico, it'actively recruited gay candidates and supported homosexuals in primaries."
Scott Walker Can't Escape His Long History Opposing LGBT Equality
WASHINGTON - July 13, 2015 – Ahead of his expected campaign launch today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, released the following statement on Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker.
Senate Fails to Pass Critical Protections for LGBT Youth
WASHINGTON - July 14, 2015 - Today, in the first major vote on lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) equality since the Supreme Court's Obergefell decision, the Senate failed to pass the Student Non-Discrimination Act (SNDA) - a bill that would prohibit public schools from discriminating against any student on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest LGBT civil rights organization, decried the Republican-led defeat of the critical legislation for LGBT youth.
Speaker Boehner Should Remove Hateful Anti-LGBT Lawmaker From Leadership of Powerful Finance Committee
WASHINGTON - July 17, 2015 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, called on House Speaker John Boehner to remove Representative Scott Garrett (R-NJ) as subcommittee chair in the House Financial Services Committee over his hateful anti-LGBT objections to supporting his party's congressional campaign committee because, according to Politico, it "actively recruited gay candidates and supported homosexuals in primaries." Media reports indicate that Rep. Garrett's office has refused to apologize for the discriminatory remark, and has declined to respond to questions about why he is opposed to LGBT people serving in elected office.
Ted Olson and David Boies Support Comprehensive Federal LGBT Non-Discrimination Legislation
WASHINGTON July 22, 2015 – Today, on the eve of the introduction of the Equality Act, Ted Olson and David Boies, the bipartisan legal team that represented the plaintiffs in the Hollingsworth v. Perry case that challenged California's Proposition 8, and was ultimately heard by the U.S. Supreme Court, came out in support of a comprehensive federal LGBT non-discrimination law.
VIDEO: In Cleveland, HRC and Jim Obergefell Ask Candidates to Defend Marriages of Thousands of Same-Sex Couples
WASHINGTON - August , 2015 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, released a video of Jim Obergefell, who's lived in Ohio for nearly five decades, asking candidates to defend his marriage and those of countless same-sex couples across the country, in advance of tonight's debate in Cleveland.
July, 2015
American Medical Association To Department of Defense: There Is No Medical Rationale In Transgender Military Ban
WASHINGTON - June 8, 2015 - Today, the American Medical Association (AMA) approved a resolution saying there is "no medically valid reason to exclude transgender individuals from service in the U.S. military." The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, hailed the resolution saying it should compel Secretary Carter to take action.
Department of Defense to Extend Non-Discrimination Protections for LGB Troops
WASHINGTON - June 9, 2015 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, responded to the news that the Department of Defense plans to extend non-discrimination protections to LGB troops by updating the Military Equal Opportunity (MEO) program to include sexual orientation as a protected class.
Federal Judge in Alabama: Marriage Equality Must Begin in Every County. Now.
Washington, D.C. - July 1, 2015 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, put the spotlight on a new and crystal-clear order from Judge Callie V.S. Granade, a federal judge in Alabama, declaring in a matter argued by the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) that all probate judges in the state must begin issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples immediately.
Gov. Chris Christie Vetoes Important Pro-LGBT Surrogacy Bill
TRENTON, NJ - June 30, 2015 – Last night, on the day before announcing his candidacy for President of the United States, Governor Chris Christie shamefully vetoed important bipartisan legislation passed by the New Jersey Legislature – the New Jersey Gestational Carrier Agreement Act – that would have modernized New Jersey law by giving legal parental rights of a child carried by a gestational surrogate to the intended parent at birth. Garden State Equality, New Jersey's statewide advocacy and education organization for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community, and the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest LGBT civil rights organization, decried Governor Christie's veto of this important legislation impacting LGBT people and their families.
How Can the Obama Administration Advance Fairness & Equality for Transgender Americans?
WASHINGTON - June 24, 2015 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, highlighted specific steps the Obama Administration should take to improve the lives of transgender people. Following an initial release highlighting important actions needed for LGBT service members and veterans, this second release in a series of highlights from HRC's 2015 Blueprint for Positive Change – actions the administration can take to change the lives of LGBT Americans for the better – identifies some of the numerous areas significantly impacting transgender people that the Obama Administration can address within various departments of the federal government.
How Would 50-State Marriage Equality Affect Same-Sex Couples in Healthcare? Adoption? And the Workplace?
WASHINGTON - June 17, 2015 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, released resources that answer questions many same-sex couples are asking in advance of a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that could make nationwide marriage equality a reality.
HRC Condemns Michigan Governor Snyder for Signing Extreme Anti-LGBT Adoption Legislation Into Law
WASHINGTON - June 11, 2015 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, condemned Michigan Governor Rick Snyder for signing a package of extreme anti-LGBT adoption bills into law. In the name of “religious freedom,” the dangerously broad bills have enshrined special taxpayer-funded discrimination into Michigan law and permit rampant discrimination against committed and loving LGBT couples, putting thousands of Michigan children at risk of not finding the loving homes that they need.
HRC Encourages Business Community to Maintain Domestic Partner Benefits
WASHINGTON - June 16, 2015 - The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, today strongly urged employers to maintain domestic partner benefits for their workers going forward as a sign of sustained commitment to family diversity, inclusion and protection of LGBT employees whose rights outside the workplace are not guaranteed under law in many states.
HRC Expresses Deep Disappointment in Pope Francis' Specious Assertion That Children Must Have Opposite-Sex Parents
WASHINGTON June 16, 2015 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, strongly urged Pope Francis to reconsider assertions he made Sunday in Rome that good parenting can only be provided by opposite-sex couples.
HRC Foundation's Groundbreaking Conference Supporting LGBTQ Youth to be Held in Dallas
WASHINGTON - July 2, 2015 - The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, in partnership with the National Education Association (NEA) and the American Counseling Association (ACA), is proud to announce that it will be holding its nationally-acclaimed Time to THRIVE conference for educators and youth-serving professionals at the Marriott Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center outside Dallas from February 12 - 14, 2016.
HRC Statement On Charleston Church Shooting
WASHINGTON, June 18, 2015 – Today, Chad Griffin, President of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, issued the following statement regarding the shooting at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, SC. In coordination with state and local authorities, the case is being investigated by federal authorities as an apparent hate crime."Today we are once again tragically reminded of the serious and widespread problem we face as a nation with violent, hate-motivated crimes – a problem which we as a nation must commit to addressing. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and the communities impacted by this horrific and senseless tragedy in Charleston seemingly targeted because of their race. As this heinous crime reverberates across the entire country, we stand united with allies and friends nationwide to end the cycle of violence motivated by hatred."
HRC Takes on The World Congress of Families in Salt Lake City
SALT LAKE CITY - June 27, 2015– During a press conference with local and international stakeholders in Salt Lake City today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, announced its sponsorship of a gathering of local leaders, citizens, and advocates that promotes a positive vision of LGBT people and their families. Set to begin just days before the World Congress of Families (WCF) will host its own international convention in October, the Inclusive Families Conference will aim to preempt the deeply divisive and destructive anti-LGBT animus and collaboration of the anti-LGBT hate group and their affiliates. Alongside the announcement, HRC released a new edition of its scathing report on the organization, Exposed: The World Congress of Families.
HUGE LEGAL VICTORY: Jury Finds That Anti-LGBT Conversion Therapy Is Fraud
WASHINGTON - June 25, 2015 – Today, in Michael Ferguson v. JONAH – a case brought by the Southern Poverty Law Center in New Jersey Superior Court against practitioners of so-called"conversion therapy" – the jury found that the defendants providing this dangerous and discredited anti-LGBT practice are guilty of fraud under New Jersey's consumer protection laws. The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, praised the decision as an important legal victory.
Jeb Bush Launches Campaign Days Before SCOTUS Ruling on Marriage Equality: Where Does He Stand?
WASHINGTON - June 15, 2015 – Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush made his long-expected campaign launch official today, entering the race just days before the U.S. Supreme Court is widely expected to issue its ruling in Obergefell v Hodges -- a case that could lead to nationwide marriage equality. During the lead-up to his campaign launch, Bush has expressed support for"traditional marriage," and has pointedly refused to say if he would consider a Supreme Court decision in favor of marriage equality final and decline efforts to reverse it.
Kyrgyzstan Passes Draft Anti-LGBT 'Propaganda' Bill That's Worse Than Russia's Law
WASHINGTON - June 24, 2015 –– Today the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, condemned the vote by the Kyrgyzstan National Assembly to pass new and discriminatory anti-LGBT legislation during its second reading. The legislation passed through an initial reading in October, but had been stalled until today's vote. Another parliamentary vote is required before the legislation is submitted to Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambayev, whose signature is necessary for the legislation to become law. Proposed over a year ago, this legislation emulates Russia's anti-LGBT"propaganda" law. However, Kyrgyzstan's version mandates even harsher punishments, including jail time, for expressing sentiments that could"create a positive attitude to unconventional sexual orientation." This law solidifies the ongoing harassment and violence waged against LGBT Kyrgyz.
Michigan Poised to Repeat the Mistakes of Indiana with Anti-LGBT Bills
WASHINGTON - June 10, 2015 – Today, ignoring the outcry around the nation to stop the attacks on LGBT people and their families, the Michigan Senate passed three dangerously broad and extreme anti-LGBT adoption bills that would enshrine special taxpayer-funded discrimination into Michigan law. The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, urged Michigan Governor Rick Snyder to veto the toxic legislation that is now headed to his desk.
NC Legislature Overrides Governor McCrory's Veto of Mean-Spirited Public Official 'Opt-Out' Legislation
WASHINGTON - June 11, 2015– Today, by a vote of 69-41, the North Carolina House of Representatives voted to override Governor Pat McCrory's veto of SB 2 - a needless and mean-spirited law allowing "magistrates, assistant registers of deeds, and deputy registers of deeds to recuse themselves from performing duties related to marriage ceremonies due to sincerely held religious objections."
New Poll Shows Indiana Gov. Pence's Re-Election on the Ropes Because of Anti-LGBT Legislation
WASHINGTON - June 17, 2015 – Today, a new poll revealed Indiana Governor Mike Pence's deeply damaged political reputation continues to decline over two months after signing into law an anti-LGBT"religious refusal" bill – a law that put LGBT Hoosiers at risk of discrimination, causing an overwhelming outcry from fair-minded people and businesses demanding the bill be fixed. As the Indianapolis Star reported, the new poll is"bad news for Gov. Mike Pence on the eve of his formal re-election announcement: A majority of voters want a new governor." In light of the new poll, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, warned other state legislatures and governors considering similar anti-LGBT legislation not to make the same mistake.
New Study Defies Anti-LGBT Parenting Critics
WASHINGTON - June 24, 2015 - Today, with an imminent ruling expected from the highest court in the land on marriage equality, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, highlighted a new study that found"the literature on outcomes for children of same-sex parents is marked by scientific consensus that they experience ‘no differences' compared to children from other parental configurations." Co-authored by professors from the University of Oregon and the University of Colorado at Denver, the study reviewed 19,000 studies and articles from between 1977 to 2013.
OPM Announces Healthcare Plans Cannot Have Blanket Exclusions On Transition-Related Care
WASHINGTON - June 23, 2015 – Today, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) announced that Federal Health Benefit Plan (FEHB) providers will no longer be permitted to have blanket exclusions on all transition-related services in their federal employee healthcare plans. The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, praised the news as a victory for transgender federal employees.
Out of Touch With America? With New Anti-LGBT Marriage Legislation Introduced, Congress Must Prove Otherwise
WASHINGTON - June 19, 2015 — This week, anti-equality Rep. Raul Labrador (R-ID) and Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced the so-called First Amendment Defense Act (S. 1598, H.R. 2802) – legislation that would create a breakdown of government services and runaway litigation by giving federal employees and contractors a right to sue the federal government over opposition to marriage equality. The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization condemned the legislation as reckless, calling on Congress to prove they are not out of touch with the far majority of Americans who support marriage equality.
State Department Report Documents LGBT Human Rights Violations
WASHINGTON - June 25, 2015 - Today the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, lauded the 2014 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for once again including information about the rights of LGBT people worldwide. A compilation of the information from the report regarding sexual orientation and gender identity can be found here. Included in this compilation is information about new anti-LGBT laws as well as the ongoing persecution and violence facing LGBT people around the world.
With Sexual Health Concern for LGBT Community, New Guide Provides Advice on Prevention, Treatment
WASHINGTON - June 8, 2015 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, in collaboration with Whitman-Walker Heath (WWH), released an updated guide to practicing safer sex that includes essential tips to minimize the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
With Sweeping New Ruling, Marriage Equality Must Begin in All 50 States
June 26, 2015 - In a historic 5-4 ruling, today the Supreme Court of the United States found bans on marriage equality to be unconstitutional—and that the fundamental right to marriage is a fundamental right for all. The majority's opinion, authored by Justice Anthony Kennedy, represents a clear mandate for governors, state attorneys general and officials everywhere to cease their attempts to uphold these discriminatory statutes."Today's ruling makes perfectly clear that there is no legal or moral justification for standing in the path of marriage equality. Couples from Mississippi to North Dakota to Texas shouldn't have to wait even a moment longer to be treated equally under the law," said HRC president Chad Griffin."State officials across the country must act swiftly to ensure that every obstacle to obtaining a marriage license is removed. To do anything less is a shameful attempt to cement their state on the wrong side of history. But what's clear today is that our work isn't done until every discriminatory law in this nation is wiped away. The time has come in this country for comprehensive federal LGBT non-discrimination protections. We now have to work harder than ever before to make sure LGBT Americans cannot be fired, evicted or denied services simply on the basis of the marriage license that they fought so hard to achieve."
June, 2015
5 Actions the Obama Administration Can Take Immediately to Improve the Lives of LGBT Service Members & Veterans
WASHINGTON - May 21, 2015 – Today, a bipartisan group of U.S. Senators sent a letter to the Secretary of Defense strongly urging him to update equal opportunity policies across the Department of Defense"to prevent discrimination, harassment or intimidation of service members based on sexual orientation" – an important step the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender civil rights organization, has repeatedly called for. Today HRC thanked the Senators for their call to action and highlighted five steps the Obama Administration can take immediately in both the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to advance fairness and equality for our nation's LGBT service members and veterans who continue to face unique challenges and discrimination even after the successful repeal of"Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT).
Another Desperate Cry for Attention From Governor Bobby Jindal
WASHINGTON - May 19, 2015 — Today, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal's efforts to pass one of his top priorities, anti-LGBT HB 707, were dealt a major setback. By a bipartisan vote of 10-2 to"return to calendar without amendments," the bill was potentially killed for the session. Jindal, who has variously been named the nation's least popular governor in 2013, 2014, and who hit a new low in another state poll just days ago, now says that he will circumvent the legislature and issue an executive order that would enable discrimination against LGBT residents.
Anti-LGBT Texas Lawmakers Bury Head in Sand, Ignore Warnings to Stop Virulently Extreme Legislation
WASHINGTON - May 8, 2015 – On Tuesday, the Texas House of Representatives is expected to vote on HB 4105, a last ditch effort to shamefully try to stop marriage equality in the state as the Supreme Court considers a case that could lead to nationwide marriage equality. Prohibiting state or local employees from recognizing, granting, or enforcing a same-sex marriage licence or any funds being used for an activity to license or support these marriages, the bill is among more than 20 pieces of anti-LGBT legislation being considered by the Texas legislature.
As Huckabee Puts Hate on Display in Hope, Hot Springs Presents a Brighter Vision for Arkansas' Future
LITTLE ROCK - May 6, 2015 - Last night, the city of Hot Springs took a tremendously important step forward in the fight for inclusiveness and equality under the law for all Arkansans. Its powerful actions stand in remarkable contrast to the vision for America that former Governor Mike Huckabee, who earlier that morning announced his presidential campaign up the road in Hope, offers the nation.
BREAKING: Eureka Springs Votes to Uphold Ordinance Protecting LGBT Residents
LITTLE ROCK May 12, 2015 - Despite the efforts of anti-LGBT activists in Arkansas, equality continues to prevail in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Residents voted (579-231) to uphold a comprehensive, city-wide non-discrimination ordinance that was originally passed by the Eureka Springs city council in February. The new legislation will ban discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations against people based on their race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, socioeconomic background, and a number of other important categories. While other ordinances that have recently passed in Arkansas cities like Little Rock and Hot Springs only protect city employees and city contractors, the ordinance in Eureka Springs applies to all citizens. Following tonight's result, HRC Arkansas State Director Kendra R. Johnson released the following statement:
BREAKING: Historic Victory for Marriage Equality in Ireland
WASHINGTON - May 23, 2015 - Today the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, hailed the historic victory for marriage equality in Ireland. Ireland is the first country in the world to pass marriage equality through a national referendum, and the 21st country to decide to afford same-sex couples full marriage rights.
FDA Blood Donation Ban Change Still Unacceptable
WASHINGTON - May 12, 2015 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign, (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, responded to the release of draft guidance from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on a long-awaited change to the current scientifically unwarranted blood donation ban on gay and bisexual men. The draft guidance outlines the implementation of a deferral based policy utilizing a one year period of abstinence from same-sex sexual activity for men.
First Federal Bill to Prevent Dangerous Anti-LGBT Conversion Therapy Introduced in Congress
WASHINGTON - May 19, 2015 – Today, Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D-CA) will introduce the"Therapeutic Fraud Prevention Act" – the first federal legislation to prohibit the practice of providing"conversion therapy" to any person in exchange for monetary compensation or advertising such services. The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, called for Congress to rally behind the important legislation in order to end this dangerous and discredited practice of discrimination against LGBT people.
Gambian President Jammeh's Vicious Threats and Anti-LGBT Human Rights Abuses Require Greater White House Action
WASHINGTON - May 15, 2015 – Today the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), America's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, joined the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights (RFK Center) to urge the Obama Administration to take additional action against Gambian leaders as the regime continues to persecute LGBT citizens, calling on the White House to condemn the horrific human rights abuses taking place across The Gambia.
Hawaii Legislature Passes Important Bill Impacting Transgender Hawaiians
WASHINGTON May 6, 2015 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, praised the passage by the Hawaii state legislature last night of a vital measure that will ensure transgender people are able to change their birth certificates to reflect their correct name and gender without unnecessarily expensive and invasive obstacles. Governor David Ige is expected to sign the legislation into law.
HRC and Gender Proud Launch Partnership to Raise Visibility of the Transgender Community and Their Rights in the Philipp
WASHINGTON - May 13, 2015 - Today the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, and Gender Proud, a transgender advocacy and awareness organization, announced a three-city public education campaign to inform the public about, and destigmatize the lives of, transgender people in the Philippines.
HRC Urges Boy Scouts of America to Take Full Step to Equality by Adopting National Policy of LGBT Inclusion
WASHINGTON - May 21, 2015 - The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, today acknowledged the movement of the Boy Scouts of America and its president, Robert Gates, toward broader inclusion, but reiterated its call to make full LGBT equality a national policy.
Human Rights Campaign Calls Out Transphobic Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Column
WASHINGTON - June 5, 2015 – Today, in light of a national outcry about a deeply transphobic column published in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on June 4th, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation's Director of Research and Public Education Jay Brown, himself a former Pittsburgh resident of 6 years and a transgender man, wrote to the paper's executive editor David Shribman and called for consequences for the column's author, Jennifer Graham:
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.
Major Child Advocacy Groups Strongly Oppose Extreme Anti-LGBT Adoption Bill in Texas
WASHINGTON - May 6, 2015 — Today, major child advocacy groups joined the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, in opposing an extreme anti-LGBT adoption bill in Texas that is dangerously close to becoming law.
Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and Governor Herbert Support WCF's Hate-a-Palooza
WASHINGTON - May 13, 2015 –– Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, strongly condemned the decision by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Utah Governor Gary Herbert, and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir for their support of and possible participation in the upcoming World Congress of Families (WCF) conference in Salt Lake City later this year.
National Faith Leaders Sign Letter Urging Lawmakers to Reject Anti-LGBT Discrimination Bills Cloaked Falsely in 'Religio
WASHINGTON - April 29, 2015 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, announced that 17 national religious leaders, from California to the nation's capital, added their names to a historic statement calling for an end to "religious refusal" bills that allow discrimination against LGBT people.
Nevada Assembly Passes LGBT Inclusive Anti-Bullying Protections For Students
WASHINGTON - May 14, 2015 – Yesterday, by a vote of 36 to 6, the Nevada Assembly passed a sweeping anti-bullying initiative seeking to ensure the safety and well being of the state's youth. The Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, praised the passage of the bill that includes protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The bill now heads to the desk of Governor Brian Sandoval who sponsored the bill.
On International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia HRC Shows Solidarity with Global LGBT Movement
WASHINGTON - May 15, 2015 –– Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, released a video celebrating the eleventh-annual International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOT). This year's IDAHOT theme is"youth," celebrating LGBT youth and their contributions to their communities. In the video, HRC's youth ambassadors - a group of young LGBT activists living in the United States who were chosen for their courage and commitment to speaking out on issues affecting LGBT youth - send a message of solidarity against homophobia, transphobia, biphobia, and all forms of hate facing LGBT people across the globe.
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.
Rick Santorum's Tired Old Song: Turn Back the Clock on Marriage Equality
WASHINGTON - May 26, 2015 – Ahead of his expected campaign launch today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, released a video highlighting presidential candidate Rick Santorum, in his own words, using harmful rhetoric to oppose LGBT equality. During his long history opposing same-sex marriage, Santorum has suggested he wants to"turn back the clock" on the gains made towards full marriage equality.
Sen. Ted Cruz's Strange Obsession
WASHINGTON - May 20, 2015 — Sen. Ted Cruz – a consistent opponent of marriage equality at every turn – is now apparently lashing out at having to answer questions about why he has chosen to make anti-LGBT positions his political calling card. The Texas Tribune reported that when asked about marriage equality, Cruz accused progressives and the media of being"obsessed with sex."
Some Suggestions for Rick Perry's Do-Over
WASHINGTON - June 4, 2015 – With another campaign launch today after his embarrassing flameout in 2012, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, released a video highlighting presidential candidate Rick Perry, in his own words, using harmful rhetoric to oppose LGBT equality. Perry has consistently opposed LGBT equality, from marriage to non-discrimination protections.
Way Older Than Cell Phones: Even Expert Opposing Equality Conceded Same-Sex Unions Have Been Around for Millennia
WASHINGTON - April 30, 2015 – Two days after the Supreme Court of the United States heard oral arguments in the marriage equality case Obergefell v. Hodges, the Human Rights Campaign joined with the legal team from Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher that challenged California's ban on marriage equality to highlight key testimony from Hollingsworth v. Perry which shows that marriage between same-sex couples has a lengthy history, stretching back thousands of years.
With LGBT Youth In Foster Care Facing Bias and Discrimination, HRC Issues Call to Action to Address Crisis
WASHINGTON - May 19, 2015- Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, in partnership with FosterClub, a national network for youth in foster care, released an issue brief detailing the hostile treatment experienced by many LGBT and questioning youth in foster care, and the shocking lack of laws and policies protecting them.
With Nearly 50,000 HIV Diagnoses Each Year, New HRC Guide Provides Crucial Advice On Prevention, Treatment, and Sexual H
WASHINGTON - May 6, 2015- Today, just hours after Grammy Award-winning music legend Elton John urged Congress to bolster its fight against AIDS, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, in collaboration with AIDS United, released a guide on HIV prevention and care, as well as a unique online Q&A feature. This new resource is supported in part by a grant from the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
May, 2015
Another Day, Another Poll Showing Americans Embracing Marriage Equality
WASHINGTON - April 23, 2015 -- Just days before oral arguments on marriage equality are scheduled to begin at the Supreme Court, a new Washington Post/ABC Poll has found overwhelming support for marriage equality.
Dark Day in Sunshine State: Florida House Votes for Discrimination, Against Best Interest of Children
WASHINGTON April 9, 2015 - Today, Equality Florida, the civil rights organization dedicated to securing full equality for the state's lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community, and the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest LGBT civil rights organization, condemned a vote by the Florida House that embraces a virulently anti-LGBT adoption measure that would use state taxpayer money to discriminate against LGBT and a host of other qualified foster and adoptive parents.
HRC Launches Paid Media Campaign Telling 12 States: Don't Repeat the Mistakes of Indiana
WASHINGTON - April 24, 2015 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, launched an online ad campaign urging governors in 12 states to reject bills that would put LGBT people at risk for discrimination like the religious refusal bill passed earlier this year in Indiana.
HRC Sends New Case Study to 12 State Legislatures: Don't Repeat the Mistakes of Indiana
WASHINGTON - April 16, 2015 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, sent a new case study to state lawmakers across the country urging them to reject anti-LGBT bills like the religious refusal bill in Indiana that would put LGBT people at risk for discrimination. The case study comes after the Indianapolis Star reported this week that the state "plans to spend millions to repair [its] image after RFRA."
HRC Statement on Repeal of LGBT-Inclusive Ordinance in Springfield, MO
WASHINGTON April 8, 2015 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, praised the local leaders and advocates on the ground in Springfield, Missouri, for their tireless work on behalf of equality and the city's LGBT-inclusive non-discrimination ordinance that the city council passed earlier this year. Yesterday, residents narrowly voted to repeal the ordinance.
HRC Statement On SCOTUS Marriage Equality Oral Arguments
WASHINGTON - April 28, 2015 – Today, as the Supreme Court of the United States began hearing oral arguments in the marriage equality case of Obergefell v. Hodges, Chad Griffin, President of the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, released the following statement:
HRC Survey Shows Striking Increase in Americans Who Personally Know and Support Transgender People
WASHINGTON - April 21, 2015 - Results from a new national survey commissioned by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, reveal a significant uptick in the number of Americans who say they personally know or work with someone who is transgender, and a corresponding increase in favorable feelings toward transgender people.
HRC to Reeling Governor Pence: Don't Pay for PR Advice, We'll Give It to You for Free
WASHINGTON - April 14, 2015 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) reacted to news that the state of Indiana's Economic Development Corporation has retained a public relations firm to help repair the damage caused by the recent passage of anti-LGBT legislation that led to a national outcry. The news emerged the same day that new polling commissioned by HRC revealed that 75 percent of Hoosiers believe the legislation damaged the state's economy—and that Governor Mike Pence's approval rating has dropped by nearly 20 points since February.
In Diplomatic Breach, Vatican Ambassador Set To Speak at Anti-LGBT Rally in Washington
WASHINGTON - April 22, 2015 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, released an open letter addressed to His Holiness Pope Francis asking that Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, the current Apostolic Nuncio, withdraw from his speaking role at the National Organization for Marriage (NOM)'s "Marriage for Marriage." The March, to be held this Saturday, April 25, will feature some of the most virulently anti-LGBT voices in an effort to convince the Supreme Court to rule against marriage equality in its deliberations this summer. The Apostolic Nuncio leads the Holy See's diplomatic mission to the United States.
Jenner Interview with ABC's Sawyer Highlights Increasing Visibility, Understanding of Transgender People
WASHINGTON - April 24, 2015 - Tonight, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, expressed optimism that Bruce Jenner's forthright conversation about being a transgender woman will encourage increased support and inclusion for others.
Jenner: Athlete, Christian, Parent, Celebrity Advances Visibility and Understanding of Transgender People
WASHINGTON - April 24, 2015 - The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, commended Bruce Jenner for making history tonight, sharing her powerful story and, in doing so, raising the visibility of transgender people and issues facing the transgender community.
Loretta Lynch Confirmed by U.S. Senate as Attorney General
WASHINGTON - April 23, 2015 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization congratulated Loretta Lynch on her historic confirmation as the Attorney General of the United States. After months of delay due to partisan politics, today the U.S. Senate finally confirmed her appointment.
Major Child Advocacy Groups Strongly Oppose Michigan's Extreme Anti-LGBT Adoption Bills
WASHINGTON - April 23, 2015 — Today, major child advocacy groups joined the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, in opposition to a package of extreme anti-LGBT adoption bills in Michigan that are dangerously close to becoming law. HB 4188, HB 4189, and HB 4190 would enshrine special discrimination rights into Michigan law by allowing adoption agencies contracted by the state to discriminate with taxpayer funds against prospective parents based on "the child placing agency's sincerely held religious beliefs."
Major Child Advocacy Organizations Join HRC in Calling for Defeat of Anti-LGBT Legislation
WASHINGTON - April 16, 2015 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation and five leading national child welfare organizations joined forces to repudiate as harmful to children and families anti-LGBT legislation introduced in states across the nation.
Memo to Gov. Tom Wolf and Pennsylvania Lawmakers: Pass LGBT Non-Discrimination Protections Now
WASHINGTON April 6, 2015 – Over 100 technology leaders – including titans of the industry such as Yahoo!'s Marissa Mayer, Google's Eric Schmidt and Larry Page, Microsoft's Satya Nadella and Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg & Sheryl Sandberg – have joined in an unprecedented statement calling on legislators around the country to immediately pass non-discrimination laws that protect lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) Americans. Launched last week in conjunction with the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) in response to a host of anti-LGBT bills pending or signed into law in various states, technology leaders from coast to coast continue to sign on with their support in this historic call to action.
Momentum Continues: Verizon CEO, Leaders Sign On To Historic Tech Leaders Statement
WASHINGTON - April 14, 2015 – Today, the Human Right Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, announced that Verizon's Chairman & CEO Lowell C. McAdam, Executive Vice President & President of Operations John G. Stratton, and Executive Vice President & President of Product Innovation & New Businesses Marni M. Walden added their names to a historic statement calling for comprehensive non-discrimination protections for LGBT people. The news comes as more than 100 anti-LGBT bills make their way through state legislators across the country. The leaders from Verizon join over 120 other prominent leaders in the tech industry who have taken the unprecedented stance of calling for an end to anti-LGBT legislation and for nationwide protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Mormon Apostle's Criticism of LGBT Families Underscores Work Still Ahead To Ensure Full Equality
WASHINGTON Apr 8, 2015 - The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, joined Equality Utah in expressing deep disappointment in recent comments by Mormon Apostle L. Tom Perry disparaging LGBT families and children as "counterfeit."
NEW & UNPRECEDENTED: 100+ Tech Leaders Now Call for LGBT Non-Discrimination Protections Nationwide
WASHINGTON - April 6, 2015 –- Reflecting an ever-increasing wave of support for LGBT equality, more than 100 technology industry leaders and counting have joined in an unprecedented statement to legislators calling for the addition of non-discrimination protections for LGBT people to civil rights laws. Launched last week in response to a host of anti-LGBT bills pending or signed into law in states around the country, technology leaders from coast to coast continue to sign on with their support in this historic call to action.
New National Poll Again Shows Americans Reject LGBT Discrimination
April 9, 2015 - A new poll released by Reuters/Ipsos today is the latest to show that voters reject so-called Indiana-style "Religious Freedom Restoration Act" (RFRA) bills that allow businesses to discriminate against LGBT citizens, the latest sign of growing momentum to ensure LGBT Americans are protected against discrimination.
Poll Shows Gov. Mike Pence is Deeply Damaged Following Destructive 'Religious Liberty' Fight
WASHINGTON April 13, 2015 – Governor Mike Pence finds himself deeply damaged following the fight over Indiana's "religious refusal" bill that put LGBT Hoosiers at risk for discrimination, according to a brand new poll of Hoosiers by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC). And in a warning sign to governors in other states where similar anti-LGBT bills are pending, a stunning 75 percent of Hoosiers report that Pence's push for the "religious refusal" bill has damaged Indiana's business climate.
San Antonio Shame: Mayor Calls LGBT Protections a 'Waste of Time'
WASHINGTON - April 21, 2015 – Taking part in a "faith forum" for mayoral candidates on Sunday, Mayor Ivy Taylor of San Antonio, Texas attacked a recently-enacted non-discrimination ordinance protecting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) city employees and contractors from discrimination.
Tax Day A Stark Reminder of Inequality for Many Legally Married Same-Sex Couples
WASHINGTON - April 14, 2015– Tomorrow's Internal Revenue Service (IRS) deadline for filing taxes can be a stark reminder for thousands of legally married same-sex couples of the inequality they face if they happen to live in a state that doesn't recognize their marriage. While they are able to file jointly at the federal level, tax day can be even more of a headache for these families because of the discrimination they face from their state.
Ted Cruz's Heinously Anti-LGBT Constitutional Amendment Forces Other Presidential Candidates To Take a Position
WASHINGTON - April 24, 2015 — Today, the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, responded to the news that the Texas Senator and Republican presidential hopeful Ted Cruz introduced two radically extreme anti-LGBT bills to try to stop nationwide marriage equality. Cruz's bills as reported by Bloomberg "would establish a constitutional amendment shielding states that define marriage as between one woman and one man from legal action" and "bar federal courts from further weighing in on the marriage issue until such an amendment is adopted." Ted Cruz's latest radical stunt follows his participation at a head-scratching gay reception in his honor in Manhattan.
Texas Lawmakers Ignore Warnings, Push Forward With Dangerous & Extreme Anti-LGBT Legislation
WASHINGTON - April 23, 2015 — Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest organization of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, condemned the actions of anti-equality lawmakers in Texas in moving forward extreme anti-LGBT legislation, despite warnings from major corporations, technology leaders, and child advocacy organizations of the dangerous consequences.
April, 2015
Acxiom-One of Arkansas' Largest Employers-Denounces H.B. 1228
WASHINGTON- Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and HRC Arkansas lauded a letter from top executives at Acxiom-one of Arkansas' largest employers and a leading generator of tax revenue in the state-to Governor Asa Hutchinson calling on him to veto H.B. 1228. The controversial legislation is almost identical to a similar bill that has generated national condemnation in Indiana and has been denounced by everyone from Apple CEO Tim Cook to the Arkansas Municipal League.
After GOP Legislature Passes S.B. 296, Governor to Sign Key Protections for LGBT Utahns
WASHINGTON - March 12, 2015 – After a marathon evening session, the Utah legislature gave final approval to S.B. 296, a non-discrimination bill extending existing employment and housing protections in Utah law to include discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. The bill was introduced last week, the result of a milestone compromise between LGBT advocates in Utah and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The LDS Church continued to support the legislation as it made its way through both chambers.
American Airlines, Levi Strauss, Microsoft, Orbitz, Replacements, Starwood Hotels, Symantec, and Wells Fargo Say Enough
WASHINGTON - March 31, 2015 – Today, major corporations signed on to launch a statement by businesses speaking out against an onslaught of anti-LGBT legislation being considered in states around the country. The statement, launched today by the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, calls on public officials to defeat or abandon efforts to enact these harmful pieces of legislation. Other corporations are expected to sign on to the growing list in the coming days, reflecting an ever increasing momentum to stop these bills.
American Civil Rights Leader Dr. Julian Bond Expresses Outrage at Dangerous Anti-LGBT Legislation in Arkansas
WASHINGTON - March 26, 2015 – Today, Dr. Julian Bond, a major leader in the American civil rights movement, expressed outrage at discriminatory anti-LGBT legislation in Arkansas -- H.B. 1228 -- that if passed into law will allow individuals to use religion as an excuse to discriminate against LGBT people and other minorities.
Angie's List Stops Major Project in Indianapolis Over New Anti-LGBT Discrimination Law
WASHINGTON - March 28, 2015 – Today over concerns of Indiana's new anti-LGBT law, Angie's List announced it was stopping its campus expansion project in Indianapolis. The so-called "Religious Freedom Restoration Act" -- signed into law by Indiana Governor Mike Pence despite protests from corporations and civil rights leaders -- has been widely condemned over concerns that it will allow individuals to use religion as an excuse to discriminate against LGBT people and other minorities.
Another Major Tech CEO Condemns Arkansas' Discriminatory Anti-LGBT Legislation
LITTLE ROCK - March 30, 2015 —Today, Max Levchin, co-founder of PayPal, CEO of Affirm, chairman of Yelp and Glow, and director at Yahoo!, condemned Arkansas' discriminatory H.B. 1228, which, if passed into law, will allow individuals to use religion as an excuse to discriminate against LGBT people and other minorities. On Friday, the measure passed the Arkansas Senate, and will likely be soon on its way to the Governor's desk. A similar bill was signed into law last week in Indiana. However, corporate leaders from across the country are now taking action against bills like H.B. 1228 that are actively being considered in states across the country.
Anti-LGBT Bills Defeated in West Virginia, Fairness and Equality Prevail
CHARLESTON - March 16, 2015 - On Saturday in West Virginia, the legislative session came to an end at midnight, in effect killing extreme anti-LGBT bills which had failed to move forward - including a bill to abolish local liberty (HB 2881) and two so-called "religious freedom" bills (HB 2508 and SB 487). Fairness West Virginia, the statewide civil rights advocacy organization dedicated to fair treatment and civil rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) West Virginians, and the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest LGBT civil rights organization, claimed victory in stopping these extreme anti-LGBT bills from moving forward and vowed to continue the fight for fairness and equality in the state.
Anti-LGBT Georgia Bill Moves Forward, Threatening to Undermine State's Economic Growth
ATLANTA - March 26, 2015 - Yesterday, a subcommittee of the Georgia House Judiciary Committee moved an anti-LGBT bill forward that could allow people to use their religion as an excuse to challenge or opt out of various laws - including local laws in Atlanta and other cities - that protect LGBT people and other minorities from discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations. Major local conferences have already threatened to move out of the state if the bill becomes law.
Anti-LGBT Legislation in Nevada Threatens Jobs, Economy & Minorities While Concealed in 'Religious Freedom'
WASHINGTON - March 19, 2015 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest LGBT civil rights organization sounded the alarm on anti-LGBT legislation in Nevada - SB272 in the Senate and AB277 in the Assembly - that threatens jobs, the state economy, and undermines the state's civil rights laws. The legislation would allow people to use their religion to challenge or opt out of various laws, including state and local laws, that protect LGBT people and other minorities from discrimination.
Apple CEO Tim Cook Calls on Arkansas Governor to Veto Anti-LGBT Discriminatory Bill
WASHINGTON - March 27, 2015 – Today, Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple, decried Indiana's new anti-LGBT law allowing individuals to use religion as an excuse to discriminate against LGBT people and other minorities while calling on Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson to veto a similar bill being sent to his desk.
Apple CEO Tim Cook Pens Op-Ed Calling on Corporations to Oppose Surge of Indiana-Like Bills Across Country
WASHINGTON - March 29, 2015 —This evening, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) celebrated a new op-ed by Apple CEO Tim Cook opposing so-called "religious refusal" legislation in dozens of states. The legislation, chronicled here by HRC , is similar to the Indiana law that has caused a national outcry.
Arkansas Senate Passes Indiana-Style H.B. 1228,Governor Hutchinson Must Veto Discriminatory Bill
LITTLE ROCK - March 27, 2015 — Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and HRC Arkansas condemned the Arkansas senate's passage of H.B. 1228, an Indiana-style bill that will open the door to discrimination against LGBT people, people of color, religious minorities, women and other minority groups across the state. After a formal procedural hurdle, the bill will be on its way to Governor Asa Hutchinson's desk. HRC has repeatedly called on the governor to veto this legislation, including at a press conference featuring HRC president Chad Griffin yesterday.
Ben Carson Faces Blowback After Human Rights Campaign Calls Him Out for His Anti-LGBT Rhetoric
March 5, 2015 - Following withering criticism from the Human Rights Campaign and LGBT advocates across the country for his offensive suggestion that prison proves that sexual orientation is a choice, presidential hopeful Ben Carson has tried to "walk back" his rhetoric. HRC's Fred Sainz released the following statement:
BREAKING: Wal-Mart Asks Governor Hutchinson to Veto H.B. 1228
WASHINGTON - March 31, 2015 — In response to the Arkansas House sending Governor Asa Hutchinson H.B. 1228 to sign into law, Wal-Mart released a statement from its CEO, Doug McMillan, asking the governor to veto the bill. H.B. 1228 would permit discrimination against LGBT people, people of color, religious minorities, women and other minority groups across the state based on "sincerely-held religious beliefs."
Equality Texas, HRC, and NCLR Applaud Introduction of Bill to Protect Kids from Conversion 'Therapy' in Texas
AUSTIN - March 13, 2015 —Today, Texas State Representative Celia Israel introduced a bill that would protect youth and their families from the discredited practice of conversion therapy. The bill— HB 3495 —reflects the unanimous view of medical, mental health, and child welfare experts that attempts by therapists to change a young person's sexual orientation or gender identity are ineffective and unsafe, putting youth at risk of lifelong damage, including depression, substance abuse, isolation, and even suicide.
EXCLUSIVE: NIKE President and CEO Condemns Indiana’s New Anti-LGBT Law
WASHINGTON – As major corporations, business leaders, and organizations continue to speak out against the discriminatory new anti-LGBT law in Indiana, NIKE, Inc. President and CEO Mark Parker provided the following statement to the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization:
Federal Judge Blocks Legally Married Same-Sex Couples From Accessing FMLA Benefits
WASHINGTON - March 26, 2015 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, criticized a ruling by U.S. District Judge Reed O'Connor that blocked a recent rule change to the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) from the Department of Labor (DOL). Judge O'Connor's decision prevents legally married same-sex couples in Texas from exercising their FMLA rights.
Georgia Bill Attacking LGBT People and Other Minorities Passes Through Senate
WASHINGTON - March 5, 2015 - Today, by a vote of 37-15, the Georgia Senate passed a bill allowing people to use their religion to challenge or opt out of various laws - including local laws in Atlanta and other cities - that protect LGBT people and other minorities from discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations. In practical terms, S.B. 129 could allow businesses to refuse service to same-sex couples, a paramedic to refuse to provide life-saving services to an LGBT person, or a school counselor to refuse services to an LGBT teenager. The bill puts minority groups at risk of being denied service everywhere from the convenience store to the doctor’s office.
Historic Day for Marriage Equality: Hundreds of Nation's Top Companies Urge Supreme Court to Strike Down Same-Sex Marria
WASHINGTON - March 5, 2015 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, commended hundreds of the nation's most prominent businesses for again standing on the right side of history by signing on to an amicus brief supporting marriage equality.
HRC Blasts Bush for Supporting Pence and New Indiana Law
WASHINGTON - March 30, 2015 – In a radio interview with Hugh Hewitt earlier today, former Florida Governor Jeb Bush embraced the widely-denounced and discriminatory anti-LGBT legislation that Indiana Governor Mike Pence signed into law last Thursday. While the national backlash against the harmful measure has been swift and brutal--and as Pence and Indiana lawmakers who supported the law have said they're seeking to "clarify" it--Bush spoke up today to defend the law. His support comes as many private-sector leaders have denounced the legislation and others like it, including Apple CEO Tim Cook.
HRC Calls on Former Gov. Jeb Bush to Explain Support for Anti-LGBT 'Religious Freedom' Legislation
WASHINGTON - March 23, 2015 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, called on former Governor Jeb Bush to clarify recent comments supporting new so-called "religious freedom" protections in states across the country that would put LGBT Americans and other minority groups at risk of discrimination.
HRC Condemns Governor Mike Pence for Signing Dangerous Anti-LGBT Legislation
WASHINGTON - March 26, 2015 – In spite of overwhelming opposition by corporations and civil rights advocates, the Governor of the "Crossroads of America", Mike Pence, today signed in to law a sweeping bill allowing individuals to use religion as an excuse to discriminate against LGBT people and other minorities. The CEO of one major local employer, Salesforce, has already noted they are now forced to dramatically reduce investment in the state because of outrage from employees and customers over the new law.
HRC Endorses 'The Fairness for All Hoosiers Act' To Protect LGBT People In Indiana From Anti-LGBT Law
WASHINGTON - March 30, 2015 – Today the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, endorsed the "Fairness for All Hoosiers Act" as a solution to stop the damage caused by the new Indiana anti-LGBT religious discrimination law signed in to law by Governor Pence.
HRC Hails Attorney General Harris' Efforts to Stop 'Sodomite Suppression Act' from Advancing
WASHINGTON - March 25, 2015 --Today, the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, hailed California Attorney General Kamala Harris for seeking to stop an abhorrent and unconstitutional proposed ballot initiative that would seek to criminalize same-sex relationships and potentially threaten those convicted with death.
HRC Hails Historic Hire of Openly Gay Scout Leader by Greater New York Councils of Boy Scouts of America
WASHINGTON - April 2, 2015 - Today, the Greater New York Councils of the Boy Scouts of America confirmed that it has hired an openly gay man to serve as a Boy Scout summer camp leader, marking the first time in the history of the national organization that one of its local councils has acknowledged hiring an out gay person.
HRC Poll Shows Overwhelming Support for Federal LGBT Non-Discrimination Bill
WASHINGTON - March 17, 2015 – The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, today released new polling data showing strong support for a federal non-discrimination law protecting LGBT people from discrimination in employment, housing, access to public places and other areas.
HRC to Governor Hutchinson: Don't Mimic Indiana, Veto H.B. 1228
WASHINGTON - March 31, 2015 — Today, in light of the final passage of H.B. 1228 by the Arkansas legislature, the Human Rights Campaign re-iterated its call on Governor Asa Hutchinson to veto the bill. The legislation, nearly identical to similar language passed in Indiana, empowers discrimination against LGBT people, people of color, religious minorities, women and other minority groups across the state. HRC joins dozens of leaders and businesses in denouncing the bill, including two members of the historic ‘Little Rock Nine', Ernie Green and Carlotta Walls Lanier, who integrated Little Rock's Central High School. Others who have condemned the legislation include civil rights leader Julian Bond, Apple and its CEO, Tim Cook; Acxiom, one of Arkansas' largest employers; Arkansas-based Wal-Mart; Yelp; PayPal; the Arkansas Municipal League and the Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce.
HRC to Governor Mike Pence: No Phony 'Clarifications' of S.B. 101
WASHINGTON - March 29, 2015 - In light of Indiana governor Mike Pence's appearance on ABC's This Week to tamp down a national outcry over his decision to sign viciously anti-LGBT S.B. 101 last week, the Human Rights Campaign issued the following statement from HRC President Chad Griffin:
HRC to Pence: Add LGBT Protections and Exempt Civil Rights Laws to Truly Fix This Bill
WASHINGTON - March 31, 2015 – Today, Indiana Governor Mike Pence tried to limit the economic damage and public humiliation he brought to Indiana by signing a widely-denounced, discriminatory anti-LGBT law last Thursday. While the national backlash against the harmful measure has been swift and brutal, Pence today asked for legislation to be sent to his desk this week that makes clear that the law cannot be used to deny services to anyone. However, Pence did not offer specifics to his request and did not offer support for LGBT non-discrimination protections.
HRC: Senate Under Harry Reid Fundamentally Changed the Lives of LGBT Americans
March 27, 2015 - The following is a statement from HRC's President Chad Griffin upon news that Senator Harry Reid will retire from the U.S. Senate after the completion of his current term. As leader of the Democratic Caucus since 2005, Reid has played a key role in ensuring legislation critical to the LGBT community passed the Senate, from new Hate Crimes protections, to ENDA, to the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell, to an updated Violence Against Women Act, the first federal sexual orientation and gender identity non-discrimination statute.
Human Rights Campaign and Plaintiff James Obergefell Deliver People's Brief With Over 200,000 Signatures for Marriage Eq
Washington, D.C. - March 6, 2015 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, delivered its historic "People's Brief" – with 207,551 signatories calling for full nationwide marriage equality – to the U.S. Supreme Court. HRC was joined by James Obergefell, the named plaintiff in Obergefell v. Hodges, the consolidated marriage equality cases set to be heard by the U.S. Supreme Court on April 28th and decided by late June.
Ignoring Opposition by Corporations, Indiana Set to Pass Religious Discrimination Bill
WASHINGTON - March 20, 2015 – In spite of corporations' and civil rights advocates' outcry of opposition, the Indiana House of Representatives is expected to pass a sweeping bill early next week allowing individuals to use religion as an excuse to discriminate against LGBT people and other minorities. Astonishingly, the Governor is expected to sign the bill into law.
In Utah, S.B. 297 is a Poison Pill that Targets Religious Minorities, Racial Minorities, and LGBT People for Discriminat
WASHINGTON - March 6, 2015 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) reacted to new, dangerous and harmful legislation (S.B. 297) introduced days after the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and LGBT rights organizations reached a key compromise on a non-discrimination bill (S.B. 296) in the state.
Indiana Governor Signs Measure Limiting Damage of RFRA, but LGBT Hoosiers Remain at Risk
WASHINGTON - April 2, 2015- Facing tremendous economic damage and mounting public pressure from fair-minded Americans and business leaders, today Indiana Governor Mike Pence signed legislation limiting the damage of the state's new Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) but falling far short of providing a full solution. The measure fails to explicitly ensure that the RFRA won't be used to undermine the full scope of Indiana existing non-discrimination laws, and does not add LGBT non-discrimination protections to the state's civil rights laws.
Max Levchin, Cofounder of Paypal, CEO of Affirm, and Chairman of Yelp Reacts to Anti-LGBT Indiana Law
WASHINGTON - March 26, 2015 – The fallout over Governor Pence ignoring the warnings of corporations and civil rights advocates continued today after the Governor signed in to law a sweeping bill allowing individuals to use religion as an excuse to discriminate against LGBT people and other minorities.
Must Watch: HRC Video Highlights Pence Dodging Questions About Indiana's New Law and LGBT Equality
WASHINGTON - March 29, 2015 —Following Indiana Governor Mike Pence's brutal interview this morning on ABC's This Week with George Stephanopoulos, HRC released its own new video that highlights the eight different times that he ducked, dodged, and declined to answer simple, straightforward questions about Indiana's new law and whether discrimination against LGBT Hoosiers should be illegal. The video is available here.
New Arkansas RFRA Still Empowers Discrimination
WASHINGTON - April 2, 2015 — Today, the Arkansas legislature passed and Governor Asa Hutchinson signed legislation that improves the disastrous H.B. 1228 but falls short of providing needed non-discrimination protections to all Arkansans. Though an improvement, the legislation can still be used as a weapon to discriminate against LGBT people, people of color, minority faiths, women and other Arkansans at risk. The earlier legislation, H.B. 1228, is still on Governor Hutchinson's desk, and HRC calls on the Arkansas House to recall that hateful bill immediately. HRC also calls on Governor Hutchinson to make good on his suggestion yesterday and issue an executive order protecting state employees from discrimination.
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.
Pair of Harmful Bills Impede Adoption of Children in Need of Loving Homes
MONTGOMERY - March 24, 2015 - Today, HRC Alabama criticized the introduction of two bills, S.B. 261 and H.B. 296, which empower adoption agencies to discriminate against eligible parents and guardians-legislation which, if passed, will deny countless children from accessing loving, caring homes. Though written in the guise of allowing private agencies to cite religious reasons for turning down applications, the bills have a host of unintended consequences. Many of Alabama’s private adoption agencies maintain large public contracts, and the new bill would allow otherwise eligible interfaith couples, same-sex couples, and couples where one individual was previously divorced the opportunity to care for a child in need. Essentially, taxpayers will be funding adoption agencies who are allowed to discriminate.
Presbyterian Church (USA), America's Largest Presbyterian Denomination, Votes to Approve Marriage Equality
WASHINGTON - March 18, 2015 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, commended the Presbyterian Church (USA) for its vote Tuesday to embrace marriage equality in the church's constitution.
Progress Seen in Arkansas RFRA Fight As Governor Hutchinson Halts Bill
WASHINGTON - April 1, 2015 --Today, in response to the announcement that Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson will ask the Arkansas Legislature to recall the discriminatory H.B. 1228, amend it to mirror the provisions of the federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act, and that he will consider an executive order granting an unspecified set of protections for LGBT state employees, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) released this statement from its President, Chad Griffin.
Senator Inhofe Throws Red Meat At Anti-LGBT Base
WASHINGTON - March 24, 2015 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, condemned an amendment introduced in the Senate as a last ditch effort to undermine marriage equality. Introduced by Senator Jim Inhofe (R-OK), the anti-LGBT amendment would endorse the idea that businesses and organizations should be allowed to use taxpayer funds to discriminate against married same-sex couples.
Senator Silk, Unplugged
WASHINGTON - March 9, 2015 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) highlighted new comments from Oklahoma state Senator Joseph Silk, who has quickly attracted national infamy for his commitment to passing laws targeting his LGBT fellow Oklahomans.
Tech Industry Leaders Make Joint Statement to Legislators: Add LGBT Non-Discrimination Protections to Civil Rights Laws
WASHINGTON - April 1, 2015 – Today, in response to a host of anti-LGBT bills pending or signed in to law in states around the country, tech industry leaders signed an unprecedented joint statement supporting the addition of non-discrimination protections for LGBT people to civil rights laws. Other leaders are also expected to sign on later toda
Upcoming Egyptian Economic Conference Opportunity For Business Leaders to Champion LGBT Equality
WASHINGTON - March 10, 2015 –– Today the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), America's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, sent letters to prominent business leaders who are scheduled to speak at the upcoming Egypt Economic Development Conference (EEDC). HRC urged these high-level private sector speakers, many representing companies that have already demonstrated a deep-seated commitment to LGBT equality, to raise the issue of Egyptian human rights abuses in the context of foreign investment.
UPDATE: Over 70 Tech Industry Leaders Join In Unprecedented Call To Legislators
WASHINGTON - April 2, 2015 – More than 70 technology industry leaders have joined in an unprecedented statement to legislators calling for the addition of non-discrimination protections for LGBT people to civil rights laws. Launched yesterday in response to a host of anti-LGBT bills pending or signed in to law in states around the country, well over three times the number of the initial signers have been added as of today. More are expected to continue signing on to the historic call for action.
Vice President Biden Affirms Support for Federal Non-Discrimination Protections for LGBT People
WASHINGTON - March 6, 2015 - Today, Vice President Joe Biden affirmed his support for federal non-discrimination protections for LGBT people while giving remarks at the Spring Equality Convention for the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization.
Where Is Texas Headed? At Least 20 Vicious Bills Attacking LGBT Texans and Their Families
AUSTIN - March 31, 2015 – At least twenty vicious anti-equality bills attacking lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) Texans and their families have been introduced in the Texas legislature – more than in any other state this year. Today, Equality Texas, the state organization advocating for the elimination of discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest LGBT civil rights organization, joined forces to call on members of the state legislature to stop the attacks on LGBT people and their families and embrace a future of fairness and equality for all Texans.
While Indiana Measure Limits Damage, LGBT Hoosiers Deserve Better
WASHINGTON - Facing tremendous economic damage and mounting public pressure, particularly from leading businesses both in and outside of the state, Indiana lawmakers today moved to limit the scope and application of the state Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) in important ways. However, the proposal fails to explicitly ensure that the RFRA won't be used to undermine the full scope of Indiana existing non-discrimination laws. The proposal also falls far short of adding non-discrimination protections for LGBT Hoosiers to the state's civil rights laws, and future legislative sessions have an obligation to return to fix both the RFRA and this glaring hole in Indiana's laws protecting their own citizens.
March, 2015
Anti-LGBT Bill Stripping Local Non-Discrimination Ordinances Advances in West Virginia
CHARLESTON - February 25, 2015 - Today, Fairness West Virginia, the statewide civil rights advocacy organization dedicated to fair treatment and civil rights for LGBT West Virginians, and the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, strongly condemned a vote by the West Virginia House Government Organization Committee to advance H.B. 2881, the so-called West Virginia Intrastate Commerce Improvement Act. This anti-equality bill would strip away the rights of local municipalities to pass non-discrimination ordinances protecting LGBT West Virginians.
As First Couple Marries in Texas, Now is the Time for the 5th Circuit to Act
WASHINGTON - February 19, 2015 —The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, today congratulated Sarah Goodfriend and Suzanne Bryant, the first same-sex couple to successfully obtain a marriage license in Texas. The Travis County nuptials took place after a state judge David Wahlberg issued an order requiring the local clerk to issue a license in light of Goodfriend's recent illness:
As More Alabama Probate Judges Start Issuing Marriage Licenses, HRC Urges Others to Follow the Law
WASHINGTON - February 10, 2015 —As probate judges in ten counties began issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples on Tuesday after failing to do so on Monday, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) calls on all remaining judges to follow the rule of law and ignore Justice Roy Moore's attempts at judicial fiat.
As Some Candidates Try to Duck, HRC Unveils Website Highlighting GOP Candidates' Record on LGBT Equality
WASHINGTON - February 25, 2015 – As potential Republican candidates gather this week in Washington, D.C. for the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, released a new microsite 2016: Republican Facts that will serve as an online resource for documenting the record and rhetoric of potential 2016 GOP presidential candidates, and where they stand on key LGBT issues.
Calling the Question: Is the Mormon Church Behind a Racist, Anti-Semitic and Anti-LGBT Bill?
Washington - February 12, 2015 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, strongly condemned an extreme anti-equality bill introduced in the Utah House of Representatives and questioned whether the Mormon church is behind the bill. Geared toward undermining equality in a shroud of religious language, HB 322 - the so-called "Religious Liberty Recognition and Protection Act" - was introduced by Rep. LaVar Christensen and is so broad and sweeping that it threatens not just the LGBT community, but women, members of minority faiths and other minority classes.
Cloaked in Religious Rhetoric, More Than Thirty Bills Threaten Jobs & Economic Growth in More Than A Dozen States
WASHINGTON - February 26, 2015 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, issued an updated primer for reporters on a wave of more than 30 bills threatening LGBT equality in the guise of “religious freedom” across the country.
Defense Secretary Ashton Carter Addresses Transgender Service
WASHINGTON - February 22, 2015 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, responded to the news that Department of Defense Secretary Ashton Carter addressed the issue of military service by transgender people - who are currently prohibited from serving openly - in a town hall in Kandahar, Afghanistan. When asked about transgender service members serving in "austere environments" like Afghanistan, Secretary Carter ended his response by saying, "And I don't think anything but their suitability for service should preclude them."
Department of Labor To Implement FMLA Rule Change Impacting Married Same-Sex Couples
WASHINGTON - February 23, 2015 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, praised the Department of Labor (DOL) announcement that a final rule change to the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) will be issued on February 25th impacting legally married same-sex couples living in non-marriage equality states. Because of the Supreme Court's decision in the Windsor case and DOL's change from a "state of residence" rule to a "place of celebration" rule concerning marriage recognition, the announcement states: "The Final Rule amends the regulatory definition of spouse under the FMLA so that eligible employees in legal same-sex marriages will be able to take FMLA leave to care for their spouse or family member, regardless of where they live. This will ensure that the FMLA will give spouses in same-sex marriages the same ability as all spouses to fully exercise their FMLA rights."
DISCRIMINATION BY ANOTHER NAME: Advocates Sound Alarm on Wave of New State Bills
WASHINGTON- February 6, 2015 —Today the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) issued a report and resource guide for journalists compiling more than two dozen new, sweeping and seemingly-coordinated pieces of legislation in more than a dozen states across the country—all geared toward undermining LGBT equality in a shroud of religious language.
Extralegal Ruling Shames Alabama Supreme Court
MONTGOMERY AL - March 3, 2015 —Today, HRC condemned a ruling by the Alabama state Supreme Court ordering a halt to same-sex marriages in the state. In the ruling, the Court granted an emergency petition by two anti-LGBT groups, the Alabama Policy Institute and Alabama Citizens Action Program, who sought to stop probate judges from issuing marriage licenses across the state.
Fairness and Equality Advance With Jury Verdict in Houston Equal Rights Ordinance Trial
WASHINGTON - February 13, 2015- Today, the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, responded to the jury's verdict in a case involving the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance (HERO) - an important measure passed by the City Council in May of 2014 extending workplace, housing, public contracting, and public accommodation protections to LGBT people in America's 4th largest city. Opponents of equality sued following the City's determination that over half of the signatures on a petition attempting to repeal HERO at the ballot were invalid. Today, the jury found evidence of fraud in several of the petitions, supporting the City's dismissal of the signatures in question. It is yet to be determined whether this fraud is sufficient to disqualify the measure from reaching the required signature threshold to place HERO on the ballot.
Georgians Are Uniting Against LGBT Discrimination
ATLANTA - February 24, 2015 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, announced it is joining forces with Georgia Equality, an organization working to advance fairness, safety and opportunity for LGBT communities and allies throughout the state, for a project called "Georgia Unites Against Discrimination." Launched by Georgia Equality in January of this year, Georgia Unites Against Discrimination is a bipartisan grassroots campaign dedicated to protecting LGBT Georgians from discrimination and ensuring that individuals and businesses aren't able to use their religious beliefs to harm others.
HRC Applauds Appointment of Randy Berry as State Department's First Ever LGBT Human Rights Envoy
WASHINGTON - February 23, 2015 - Today the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, applauded the appointment of Randy W. Berry, a veteran senior U.S. Foreign Service Officer, as the State Department's first ever LGBT Human Rights Envoy. HRC praised President Barack Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry for creating this new senior-level position to oversee the United States government's efforts to support the human rights of LGBT people around the world.
HRC Arkansas to Governor Hutchinson: Veto SB202 Now
Little Rock - February 17, 2015 -- Today, HRC Arkansas calls on Governor Asa Hutchinson to exercise his executive powers and veto Senate Bill 202 (SB202), which would prohibit municipalities from enacting nondiscrimination ordinances that protect LGBT people. Anti-LGBT Arkansas State Senator Bart Hester is sponsor of SB202, the "Intrastate Commerce Improvement Act". If SB202 takes effect, Arkansas cities will lose their ability to recruit top talent, compete for quality jobs and welcome many Fortune 500 companies—who support LGBT equality-- to their region.
HRC Commends Appointment of Benjamin Mizer as Interim Head of Civil Division at Justice Department
WASHINGTON March 2, 2015 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, commended the appointment of Benjamin C. Mizer as Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General and Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Division. HRC Legal Director Sarah Warbelow issued the following statement:
HRC Commends Facebook for New Option Allowing Users to Describe Their Own Gender Identity
WASHINGTON - February 26. 2015- The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, commended Facebook for a new, inclusive feature the social networking giant rolled out today that will allow individuals to use their own words to describe their gender identity.
HRC Condemns Urban Outfitters' Latest Offense: Peddling Tapestry with Nazi-Era Anti-Gay Imagery
WASHINGTON -February 10, 2015 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) joined the Anti-Defamation League in calling out retailer Urban Outfitters for selling a striped tapestry featuring a single pink triangle, an unmistakable echo of uniforms Nazis issued to suspected gay male concentration camp prisoners.
HRC on Jeb Bush: An 'LGBT-friendly' Republican Should Support Marriage Equality and Discrimination Protections for all
WASHINGTON - February 27, 2015 – During the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) this week, some media reports have suggested that Jeb Bush is the "gay-friendly republican" of the 2016 cycle – even during the same week he is scheduled to meet with anti-LGBT activist Tony Perkins.
HRC Partners with State Department to Support LGBT Communities Abroad
WASHINGTON - February 19, 2015 –– Today the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, announced its newly formed partnership with the U.S. Department of State's Global Equality Fund. Established in 2011 by then-Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, the fund brings together governments, corporations, foundations, and civil society organizations to work towards a world where LGBT people can live free of violence and discrimination.
HRC Praises Selection of Eric Fanning as Chief of Staff for the Secretary of Defense
WASHINGTON - February 18, 2015 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, praised the selection of Eric Fanning - who is openly gay - as the Chief of Staff for the new Secretary of Defense, Ashton Carter. HRC President Chad Griffin issued the following statement:
HRC Statement on Senator Barb Mikulski
WASHINGTON - March 2, 2015 - Following is a statement from the Human Rights Campaign's Vice President of Policy and Political Affairs JoDee Winterhof upon news that Senator Mikulski would retire from the U.S. Senate after the completion of her current term. During her time in the U.S. Senate, Mikulski co-sponsored key pieces of LGBT legislation, including the Hate Crimes Prevention Act, ENDA, and a bill to repeal DOMA.
HRC Supports Non-Discrimination Measure That Would Extend Protections to LGBT Residents in Devoutly Mormon Utah
WASHINGTON - March 4, 2015 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, welcomed a proposed Utah non-discrimination bill that extends employment and housing non-discrimination protections to include sexual orientation and gender identity
HRC to Probate Judges: Ignore Lawless Moore, Follow the Constitution, Issue Licenses
MONTGOMERY - February 8, 2015 —Late this evening, in clear violation of all codes of legal ethics, boundaries of jurisdiction, and moral decency, Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court Roy Moore issued an order commanding all probate judges in the state to refuse to issue marriage licenses to committed and loving same-sex couples tomorrow.
HRC To Psychology Today: Reject Ads from Practitioners of Dangerous and Debunked LGBT 'Conversion Therapy'
WASHINGTON - March 3, 2015 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, called on Psychology Today to stop accepting online listings from mental health practitioners who offer to "cure" LGBT people.
HRC Unable to Confirm Any Counties Issuing Marriage Licenses to Same-Sex Couples After Shameful Alabama Supreme Court Or
MONTGOMERY - March 4, 2015 - As of noon today, HRC Alabama was unable to confirm any Alabama counties that are issuing licenses to same-sex couples, in the wake of an order by the Alabama Supreme Court late Tuesday night. This turn around comes as the result of the confusion created by an emergency petition to the Alabama Supreme Court by two anti-LGBT groups, the Alabama Policy Institute and Alabama Citizens Action Program, who sought to stop probate judges from issuing marriage licenses.
HRC Welcomes New Findings Showing Promise of HIV-Prevention Drug
WASHINGTON - February 24, 2015 - The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, today hailed new results from two major studies showing that the use of Truvada for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is proving extraordinarily effective in reducing the risk of contracting HIV.
HRC Will Submit People's Brief with More Than 200,000 Signatories for Marriage Equality to the Supreme Court
WASHINGTON - March 3, 2015 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization announced that 207,551 Americans from all 50 states, as well as Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa and the U.S. Virgin Islands have joined as signatories on its unprecedented "The People's Brief" in support of marriage equality. Authored by prominent lawyer Roberta Kaplan, who successfully defeated the key section of The Defense of Marriage Act ("DOMA") before the Supreme Court in 2013, The People's Brief has more signatories than any other amicus brief that has ever been submitted to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Human Rights Campaign Calls on Americans to Sign the People's Brief
WASHINGTON - February 10, 2015 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization launched an unprecedented "People's Brief" to the U.S. Supreme Court. Roberta Kaplan, the leading civil rights litigator who won a landmark Supreme Court ruling in United States v. Windsor striking down Section 3 of the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act in 2013, is the author and lead counsel on the brief. The "People's Brief" campaign allows any American who has read the brief and agrees with its contents to sign on and to show their support for marriage equality directly to the Supreme Court.
Is Anyone in Charge in Alabama?
WASHINGTON- February 9, 2015 —After staying silent all morning—and tolerating Chief Justice Roy Moore's lawless rampage against marriage equality over the past few days—Alabama Governor Robert Bentley has issued a statement . What does it say? Nothing. Nothing coherent, anyway.
Judge Granade Sends Clear Message: Probate Judges Should Start Issuing Marriage Licenses Immediately
MONTGOMERY - February 12, 2015 —In a federal court hearing in Mobile today, U.S. District Judge Callie V.S. Granade issued an order in favor of several same-sex couples—represented by the National Center for Lesbian Rights, ACLU of Alabama, and private counsel—who tried unsuccessfully to get married in the city earlier this week. Probate Judge Don Davis, who has refused to issue licenses to any couples since Monday, was cited by Granade for failing to follow the law.
Kansas Governor Brownback Shamefully Removes Non-Discrimination Protections for LGBT State Employees
Washington February 10, 2015 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, responded to the news that Kansas Governor Sam Brownback rescinded an executive order signed by former Governor Kathleen Sebelius in 2007 that extended non-discrimination protections to state employees on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. HRC National Field Director Marty Rouse issued the following statemen
Kate Brown To Be The Nation's First Sitting Openly LGBT Governor
WASHINGTON - February 13, 2014 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, responded to the news that Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber will resign effective Wednesday, February 18, and be replaced by Secretary of State Kate Brown, who is openly bisexual. HRC President Chad Griffin issued the following statement:
Leading Behavioral Healthcare Provider Teams with Nation's Biggest LGBTQ Rights Group to Support LGBTQ Youth
WASHINGTON - February 13, 2015 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation announced that it will expand its partnership with Devereux, one of the oldest and largest providers of behavioral healthcare in the nation, to better reach and care for vulnerable lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth.
LGBT Youth Deserve Fairness and Equality at School
WASHINGTON February 10, 2015 - Today, the Student Non-Discrimination Act - a bill that would prohibit public schools from discriminating against any student on the basis of actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity - was reintroduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Reps. Jared Polis (D-CO), Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), and Bobby Scott (D-VA) and in the U.S. Senate by Sen. Al Franken (D-MN). With LGBT youth twice as likely to experience verbal harassment, exclusion, and physical attack at school as their non-LGBT peers, the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, praised the bill as a critical step towards ending harassment and discrimination of LGBT youth.
Marriage Equality Comes to Slovenia
WASHINGTON - March 3, 2015 –– Today the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), America's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, commended the government of Slovenia for passing legislation that will make it the 21st nation to grant full marriage rights to all of its citizens.
More Alabama Counties Following the Law, But 44 Still Refusing to Issue Marriage Licenses
WASHINGTON - February 11, 2015 —The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) is demanding that all Alabama probate judges follow the law and issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples after learning Wednesday that 44 counties are still refusing to grant licenses to same-sex couples.
Nebraska Suspends Discriminatory Policy That Barred Gay and Lesbian Couples from Becoming Foster Parents
WASHINGTON - March 2, 2015 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, commended a move by Nebraska child welfare officials to stop enforcing a two-decade-old policy barring gay and lesbian couples from obtaining state foster parent licenses.
New EEOC Memo Says Title VII Protects Workers from Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation
WASHINGTON - February 18, 2015 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, responded to a new field memo issued February 3, 2015, by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) saying that workers are protected under Title VII from employment discrimination based on sexual orientation, as well as gender identity.
New Poll Shows Record Support for Marriage Equality
WASHINGTON - February 13, 2015 – Today,the Human Rights Campaign, (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, released the results from a new national poll commissioned to gauge voter attitudes ahead of a Supreme Court ruling on marriage equality. The survey showed support for marriage equality continues to expand and that there is virtually no public support for the opponents of marriage equality who have encouraged the public to resist a Supreme Court ruling -- even among voters who oppose marriage equality.
New Video Featuring Edie Windsor and Roberta Kaplan Highlights the Importance of The People's Brief, as it Crosses 100K
WASHINGTON - February 19, 2015 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest civil rights organization, released a new video featuring leading civil rights lawyer Roberta Kaplan and her trailblazing client Edie Windsor, urging every marriage equality supporter to read and sign "The People's Brief." Together, Windsor and Kaplan successfully challenged the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act at the Supreme Court in 2013, and now they have joined with HRC to give every American the ability to help make history for marriage equality.
Oklahoma's Sally Kern Wants Special State Protection For Dangerous Anti-LGBT Psychological Abuse
OKLAHOMA CITY February 23. 2015 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR), and Freedom Oklahoma condemned an extreme anti-LGBT Oklahoma bill that attacks Oklahoma children and seeks to legitimize so-called "conversion therapy," the dangerous and discredited practices linked to lifelong damage including depression, substance abuse, and even suicide. The bill is backed by anti-LGBT State Rep. Sally Kern and will be the subject of a public hearing on Tuesday in the House Committee on Children, Youth, and Family Services, which is also chaired by Rep. Kern.
Rand Paul, Mike Huckabee to Star in Film Featuring Activist Credited with Uganda's Draconian Anti-LGBT Law
WASHINGTON - February 12, 2015 – Today, the Human Rights Campaign, (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, called on Senator Rand Paul and former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee to renounce their participation in an upcoming film featuring notorious anti-LGBT extremist Scott Lively.
SCOTUS Sez: That's All, Folks
WASHINGTON - February 9, 2015 —Today the U.S. Supreme Court denied a request by Alabama state officials to stay a recent ruling striking down the state's ban on marriage equality.
Senator Cruz and Rep. Weber Re-Introduce Shameful Legislation To Strip Federal Recognition of Married Same-Sex Couples
WASHINGTON - February 10, 2015 - Today, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) and U.S. Representative Randy Weber, Sr. (R-TX) reintroduced the so-called State Marriage Defense Act which would require the federal government to recognize only marriages that are valid under the laws of the state in which a couple are domiciled. The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, strongly condemned the legislation as a reckless and irresponsible attack on same-sex couples and their families.
UPDATE: Seismic Shift Underway as Increasing Number of Alabama Counties Extend Marriage Rights to Couples
WASHINGTON - February 13, 2015 — As of 4:00 p.m. ET on Friday, the Human Rights Campaign has confirmed that a seismic shift in favor of equality is occurring throughout Alabama as 50 counties -- up from 23 yesterday afternoon – are, or will soon, begin to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Here is the current state of play across Alabama:
Vice President Joe Biden to Deliver Remarks at HRC Spring Equality Convention
WASHINGTON - March 3, 2015 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, announced that Vice President Joe Biden will address the HRC boards, steering committees, staff, and volunteers at its Spring Equality Convention on Friday, March 6, 2015, in Washington, DC.
Victory! Following HRC Action, Psychology Today Agrees to Reject Listings from Practitioners of 'Conversion Therapy'
WASHINGTON - March 4, 2015 - Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, welcomed as a much-needed step the decision by Psychology Today to stop accepting online listings from mental health practitioners who offer to "cure" LGBT people.
When Did Ben Carson Choose to be Straight?
WASHINGTON - March 4, 2015 – The following is a statement from the Human Rights Campaign's Fred Sainz in reaction to the latest anti-LGBT rhetoric from retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson. Carson's history of anti-LGBT rhetoric includes comparing same-sex marriage to NAMBLA and bestiality.
Won't You Be My Neighbor? Meet Gambian President Jammeh, the Human Rights Violator Just Next Door
WASHINGTON - Fenuary 12, 2015 – This week the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), America's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, ran a full-page advertisement in the local Potomac, MD newspaper The Gazette highlighting the horrific anti-LGBT human rights abuses of Gambian President Yahya Jammeh. Jammeh owns a home in the suburban community that is reported to be worth $3.5 million
February, 2015
BREAKING: 11th Circuit Denies Stay in Alabama Marriage Equality Case
WASHINGTON - February 3, 2015 —Today, the United States Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit denied the Alabama Attorney General's motion for a stay in Searcy v. Strange and Strawser v. Strange. Last month, U.S. District Judge Callie V.S. Granade struck down Alabama's discriminatory constitutional amendment banning same-sex couples from marrying.
HRC Applauds Upcoming Appointment of LGBT Human Rights Envoy at State Department
WASHINGTON - February 5, 2015 – Today the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, applauds President Barack Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry for creating a new senior-level position at the State Department to oversee the United States government’s efforts to support the human rights of LGBT people around the world.
HRC Calls Out San Francisco Archdiocese for Efforts to Impose Anti-LGBT Restrictions on Teachers and Staff
WASHINGTON- February 4, 2015 -Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, appealed to the San Francisco Archdiocese to remove harsh anti-LGBT language from its new teachers' contract.
HRC Highlights Pennsylvania's LGBT Protections, Laws and Legislative Proposals in Inaugural National Report
WASHINGTON - January 23, 2015– The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, in partnership with the Equality Federation, today released its first national report assessing the status of state legislation affecting LGBT equality across America, including in Pennsylvania.
HRC: 'Yes, the American Family Association is Still a Hate Group'
WASHINGTON - February 3, 2015 – As reported in Politico today, a number of leading Republican National Committee members have elected to take part in a junket to Israel sponsored, in part, by the American Family Association
Sultan of Brunei Becomes L.A. Confidential Honoree
WASHINGTON - February 5, 2015 —Today the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, called on all potential guests of L.A. Confidential's pre-Grammy party at the Beverly Hills Hotel tonight at 7:00pm PT to follow John Legend's leadership and refuse to attend the event, which is being thrown in his honor. HRC also strongly refuted L.A. Confidential's baseless assertion that selecting another venue for their party would have somehow harmed Los Angeles' economy.
January, 2015
Report: LGBT Americans Still Face Wide-Spread Inequality
WASHINGTON, D.C., December 9, 2014 — Despite growing support for equality, the stakes are high for the estimated almost nine million lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Americans whose daily lives are limited by a lack of state and federal protections. According to a new publication released today, LGBT Americans live in a two-tier system where they must navigate vastly differing state laws coupled with an ongoing lack of protections under federal law. For example, same-sex couples can now marry in 35 states, but a lack of widespread nondiscrimination protections means wearing a wedding ring to work can result in a gay worker being legally fired in 29 states. In most states, LGBT people can also still be refused service and denied housing, and there are no laws protecting LGBT students against bullying in schools.
December, 2014
State of LGBT Equality in Nine New Jersey Cities Detailed in HRC's New Municipal Equality Index
WASHINGTON - November 12, 2014 - The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, today released its third annual report assessing LGBT equality in 353 cities across the nation, including nine in New Jersey
State of LGBT Equality in Pennsylvania-based Companies Detailed in HRC's New Corporate Equality Index
WASHINGTON - November 19, 2014- The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, today released the 2015 Corporate Equality Index, an annual report assessing LGBT inclusion in major companies and law firms across the nation, including 32 in Pennsylvania.
Human Rights Campaign (HRC) News
The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.
Human Rights Campaign (HRC) seeks to improve the lives of LGBT Americans by advocating for equal rights and benefits in the workplace, ensuring families are treated equally under the law and increasing public support among all Americans through innovative advocacy, education and outreach programs. HRC works to secure equal rights for LGBT individuals and families at the federal and state levels by lobbying elected officials, mobilizing grassroots supporters, educating Americans, investing strategically to elect fair-minded officials and partnering with other LGBT organizations.
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