Equality Federation (52 Articles with 124,485 total views)

Equality Federation is the movement builder and strategic partner to state-based organizations advocating for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people. We're winning equality in the communities we call home.

December, 2020

LGBTQ Groups issue details of 10 ways the Biden administration can support LGBTQ people

LGBTQ Groups issue details of 10 ways the Biden administration can support LGBTQ people
"November 12, 2020-The Movement Advancement Project, along with Center for American Progress, Equality Federation, GLSEN, National Center for Transgender Equality, and SAGE, released a list of actions the Biden administration can take immediately after taking office in January to support LGBTQ people and their families. The groups also outlined longer-term priorities and legislative opportunities, including passing the Equality Act.
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August, 2020

New Report Highlights Unique LGBTQ Landscape and Advocacy in the U.S. South

New Report Highlights Unique LGBTQ Landscape and Advocacy in the U.S. South
July 14, 2020-Today the Movement Advancement Project and Campaign for Southern Equality released Telling a New Southern Story: LGBTQ Resilience, Resistance, and Leadership, a new report examining the experiences and advocacy strategies of LGBTQ people in the U.S. South. The report was released in partnership with the Equality Federation.
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February, 2019

HRC and Equality Federation Release Annual State Equality Index Ratings

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.
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Michigan and Wisconsin Governors Sign Executive Orders Banning Discrimination

Michigan and Wisconsin Governors Sign Executive Orders Banning Discrimination
On Monday, January 7th, Michigan's Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive order banning discrimination against LGBTQ state employees and Wisconsin's Governor Tony Evers signed an executive order expanding nondiscrimination protections to transgender state employees
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June, 2018

OK Gov. Signs Anti-LGBTQ Adoption Bill

OK Gov. Signs Anti-LGBTQ Adoption Bill
May 11, 2018 - Equality Federation stands with our member organization Freedom Oklahoma in our disgust at the passage of SB 1140, the first piece of anti-LGBTQ legislation in the nation to become law this year.
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Recent Preemption Bills Undermine Democracy and Threaten LGBT Equality

Recent Preemption Bills Undermine Democracy and Threaten LGBT Equality
Washington, D.C., May 8, 2018-Across the country, cities and counties are taking steps to promote progress and to protect their residents on a range of issues, including workers' rights and benefits, the minimum wage, nondiscrimination protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people, pro-immigrant policies, environmental efforts, and more. However, a new report examines how many state legislatures are attempting to limit these efforts through "preemption," or state laws that block or prevent local governments from passing their own laws on a range of issues.
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May, 2018

Equality Federation Statement: Anti-Transgender Proposition Defeated in Anchorage

Equality Federation Statement: Anti-Transgender Proposition Defeated in Anchorage
April 6, 2018 - Equality Federation celebrates the defeat of anti-transgender Proposition 1 in Anchorage, Alaska and congratulates our member organization Alaskans Together for Equality and Fair Anchorage for this hard-fought victory.
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March, 2018

Equality Federation Statement: License to Discriminate Passes in Georgia Senate

Equality Federation Statement: License to Discriminate Passes in Georgia Senate
February 23, 2018 - The Georgia State Senate, by a vote of 35-19, advanced legislation that would allow taxpayer-funded adoption agencies to deny service to LGBTQ youth and families.
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Statement: Education Dept. Won't Listen to Transgender Students' Discrimination Complaints

Statement: Education Dept. Won't Listen to Transgender Students' Discrimination Complaints
The Education Department has said it will not investigate or take action on any complaints of discrimination filed by transgender students who are not permitted to use the facilities that match their gender identity. 
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Virginia Lawmakers Block LGBTQ Equality

Virginia Lawmakers Block LGBTQ Equality
February 9, 2018 - Four bills that would have updated Virginia's laws to include LGBTQ people in nondiscrimination protections were killed in a committee despite the broad support of fair-minded Virginians. Two of the bills had passed in the state's Senate with 75% of the vote.
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February, 2018

Trump's Discriminatory Health Care Exemptions Put Lives at Risk

Trump's Discriminatory Health Care Exemptions Put Lives at Risk
President Trump's decision to upend Health and Human Services (HHS) rules creates a dangerous license to discriminate, and while LGBTQ people and our families along with women seeking reproductive health services are no doubt the targets of this overhaul, any person or family could be at risk of discrimination as a result.
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November, 2017

CA Gov. Brown Signs Nonbinary Identification Option & Other LGBTQ Equality Bills

CA Gov. Brown Signs Nonbinary Identification Option & Other LGBTQ Equality Bills
October 16, 2017 - California Governor Jerry Brown has signed several bills into law that will ensure fairness and equality for LGBTQ Californians including a bill that will allow for a nonbinary gender marker on state issued IDs, a bill of rights protecting LGBTQ seniors, and an update to the state's HIV criminalization laws.
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October, 2017

Birmingham Enacts LGBTQ-Inclusive Nondiscrimination Ordinance

Birmingham Enacts LGBTQ-Inclusive Nondiscrimination Ordinance
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (Sept 26, 2017) - After a public hearing and over five years of groundwork, the Birmingham City Council has passed a fully inclusive nondiscrimination ordinance, and Mayor William Bell has committed to signing the ordinance into law immediately.
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September, 2017

Trump Signs Discriminatory Anti-Transgender Military Directive

Trump Signs Discriminatory Anti-Transgender Military Directive
August 25, 2017 - Today President Trump signed an unnecessary and divisive directive that bans the military from recruiting transgender service members. At press time, it is unclear if currently serving members will be able to continue since The White House has left questions unanswered.
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August, 2017

LGBTQ Advocates Convene in Alexandria to Build Power of Movement

LGBTQ Advocates Convene in Alexandria to Build Power of Movement
Leaders of state-based equality organizations-from Equality California to Equality Maine-and key national partners, will convene at Equality Federation's 20th annual Leadership Conference in Alexandria, Virginia July 26-29.
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June, 2017

Texas On Verge of Passing Extreme Anti-LGBTQ Laws

Texas On Verge of Passing Extreme Anti-LGBTQ Laws
Over the weekend a group of Texas legislators pushed through two discriminatory efforts that, if signed by the Governor, could impact the economy of the state and cause harm to LGBTQ people and their families. In a cynical move, because anti-LGBTQ discrimination is widely unpopular, politicians took action last Sunday night, when they thought fewer people would be watching.
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May, 2017

Alabama Governor Signs Discriminatory Adoption Bill HB24 into Law

Alabama Governor Signs Discriminatory Adoption Bill HB24 into Law
May 3, 2017 - Governor Kay Ivey has signed the discriminatory bill, deceptively named the Alabama Child Placing Agency Inclusion Act, into law. Alex Smith, Board Chair of Equality Alabama said, "When she was sworn in as governor, Kay Ivey promised her administration would be a breath of a fresh air from the scandals of the Bentley era, and we hoped she wouldn't start her administration by approving shameful discriminatory legislation that ultimately does the most harm to children looking for loving homes. Unfortunately, Governor Ivey put special interests ahead of the welfare of Alabama children.
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Alabama House Passes Discriminatory Adoption Bill HB24

Alabama House Passes Discriminatory Adoption Bill HB24
MONTGOMERY, AL- April 25, 2017 – The Heart of Dixie has grown colder today. This afternoon, the Alabama House of Representatives passed HB24, deceptively named the Alabama Child Placing Agency Inclusion Act, on a 87-0 vote with 6 abstaining. The bill now heads to Governor Kay Ivey's desk.
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April, 2017

20 States Could Ban Dangerous Anti-LGBTQ Conversion Efforts

20 States Could Ban Dangerous Anti-LGBTQ Conversion Efforts
March 21, 2017 - Equality Federation is supporting legislation in 20 states to protect youth from the harmful, unscientific, disproven practice of sexual orientation and gender identity conversion efforts that are shockingly still in practice today.
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March, 2017

Equality Federation Statement on Jeff Sessions Confirmation as Attorney General

Equality Federation Statement on Jeff Sessions Confirmation as Attorney General
February 8, 2017 - Equality Federation stood in solidarity with the broad, diverse opposition to Senator Sessions for Attorney General due to his history of opposing fairness, freedom, and justice for all. He has a record of opposing LGBTQ equality, making racist statements, and acting as a barrier to progress for people of color, women, immigrants and other communities. We hope Mr. Sessions meets with the communities the Department of Justice is meant to protect so that he can hear how any rollback of civil rights or nondiscrimination protections will harm our families.
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Equality Federation Statement on Jeff Sessions Confirmation as Attorney General

Equality Federation Statement on Jeff Sessions Confirmation as Attorney General
February 8, 2017 - Equality Federation stood in solidarity with the broad, diverse opposition to Senator Sessions for Attorney General due to his history of opposing fairness, freedom, and justice for all. He has a record of opposing LGBTQ equality, making racist statements, and acting as a barrier to progress for people of color, women, immigrants and other communities. We hope Mr. Sessions meets with the communities the Department of Justice is meant to protect so that he can hear how any rollback of civil rights or nondiscrimination protections will harm our families.
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Transgender Youth & Families Respond to Trump's School Guidance Efforts

Transgender Youth & Families Respond to Trump's School Guidance Efforts
February 22, 2017 - Today the Trump Administration took a giant step back from their previously stated commitment to champion fairness and equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people. While the Administration has rescinded federal guidance to schools on protecting transgender students, it is important to know that legal protections remain in place and schools should continue to treat transgender students according to the gender they live everyday.
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Victory! Puzder Withdrew Nomination for Labor Secretary

Victory! Puzder Withdrew Nomination for Labor Secretary
February 15, 2017 - Equality Federation is pleased that following weeks of pressure, Andrew Puzder withdrew from consideration for Labor Secretary today. Equality Federation, alongside labor groups, women's groups, and others, has been raising concerns about Puzder's deeply troubling record of undermining the dignity of his employees and his refusal to answer questions about his commitment to nondiscrimination protections.
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February, 2017

Anti-LGBTQ Zealot Jerry Falwell Jr. Appointed to Education Task Force

Anti-LGBTQ Zealot Jerry Falwell Jr. Appointed to Education Task Force
January 31, 2017 - Equality Federation condemns President Trump for appointing one of the nation's most prominent anti-LGBTQ leaders, Jerry Falwell Jr., to the Task Force on Higher Education. "Jerry Falwell Jr. espouses an extreme anti-LGBTQ and anti-science worldview. He poses a real threat to our community, especially young people who should have a fair opportunity to learn free from discrimination and prejudice," said Mark Daniel Snyder, Director of Communications. "It is deeply troubling that Mr. Trump has surrounded himself with the 'who's who' of homophobic, racist, and xenophobic leaders. We will resist any attempt to poison our educational system with anti-LGBTQ and anti-science extremism."
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Anti-Transgender Bathroom Ban Laws Shot Down

Anti-Transgender Bathroom Ban Laws Shot Down
January 19, 2017 - Proposed anti-Transgender bathroom ban laws were shot down today in Indiana and Virginia, and the House Speaker in Texas said a similar proposal was not a high priority and warned that it could be bad for business.
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Discriminatory Restroom Ban Law Introduced in Texas

Discriminatory Restroom Ban Law Introduced in Texas
January 5, 2017 - Today Lt. Governor Dan Patrick introduced a bill cosponsored by Senator Lois Kolkhorst, that would discriminate against transgender people under the guise of protecting women's and students' privacy. The bill would ban transgender people from using the restroom that matches the gender they live as every day and ban cities and towns from passing nondiscrimination ordinances that protect transgender people from discrimination.
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Equality Federation Statement on Chelsea Manning

Equality Federation Statement on Chelsea Manning
Rebecca Isaacs, Executive Director: "Equality Federation applauds President Obama’s decision to commute the sentence of Chelsea Manning. She has served more time in prison than any whistleblower in United States history, and, like many other transgender prisoners, was treated unfairly on multiple occasions based on her gender identity and expression."
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Equality Federation Statement on Leaked Trump Possible Religious Exemption Executive Order

Equality Federation Statement on Leaked Trump Possible Religious Exemption Executive Order
February 1, 2017 - In response to the leaked text of a proposed religious exemptions executive order that would give license to discriminate order Rebecca Isaacs, Executive Director of Equality Federation, said: "Donald Trump claimed on Monday to be respectful and supportive of LGBTQ rights. If he signs this leaked executive order it will be clear that he is anything but respectful and supportive. Freedom of religion is a core American value that we all share, and that's why it is already firmly protected by our constitution. This staggeringly broad executive order would single out LGBTQ people and give a license to discriminate. It is unfair and out of step with the belief a majority of Americans share, that all of us should have a fair opportunity to provide for ourselves and our families without fear of discrimination."
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January, 2017

North Carolina's Anti-LGBTQ Law HB 2 Set For Repeal!

North Carolina's Anti-LGBTQ Law HB 2 Set For Repeal!
December 19, 2016 - North Carolina Governor-Elect Roy Cooper and Governor Pat McCrory have announced a deal, along with the state legislature and city of Charlotte, to repeal HB 2, the state's notorious anti-LGBTQ law. In exchange for Charlotte repealing its nondiscrimination ordinance, the state legislature is expected to repeal HB 2 on Tuesday.
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Shameful! NC Fails to Repeal HB 2

Shameful! NC Fails to Repeal HB 2
December 21, 2016 - A deal to repeal North Carolina's anti-LGBTQ law, HB 2, failed to materialize on Wednesday. The city of Charlotte upheld their side of the bargain and repealed their nondiscrimination ordinance on Tuesday after an agreement with the Legislature was reached to repeal HB 2. Negotiations unraveled as Senators added discriminatory amendments that could not garner a majority vote.
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December, 2016

Equality Federation Denounces Trump Strategist Pick

Equality Federation Denounces Trump Strategist Pick
Equality Federation is deeply concerned that Donald Trump has surrounded himself with a team of individuals who actively support the denial of LGBTQ equality and promote racism, xenophobia, and misogyny. Together with our state-based equality group membership we are prepared to defend our hard-fought gains at every level.
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Trump Meets with Anti-Gay Leader Jerry Falwell Jr., Equality Federation Responds

Trump Meets with Anti-Gay Leader Jerry Falwell Jr., Equality Federation Responds
Equality Federation condemned President-elect Donald Trump for meeting with one of the nation's most prominent anti-LGBTQ leaders, Jerry Falwell Jr., to discuss a potential position in his Administration's Department of Education.
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Trump Selects Anti-LGBTQ Mega-Donor for Secretary of Education

Trump Selects Anti-LGBTQ Mega-Donor for Secretary of Education
After recently meeting with anti-LGBTQ mogul Jerry Falwell Jr. about education issues, Donald Trump has chosen Betsy DeVos for Secretary of Education. DeVos and her family foundations have donated millions of dollars to extreme, anti-LGBTQ organizations. Some have promoted dangerous, unscientific "conversion therapies" to convert LGBTQ youth and all of them have fought against basic nondiscrimination protections, school safety, and more.
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June, 2016

Obama Admin. Tells Public Schools: Embrace Transgender Students

Obama Admin. Tells Public Schools: Embrace Transgender Students
May 13, 2016 - Today the Obama Administration's Department of Education (DOE) and Department of Justice (DOJ) signed a groundbreaking letter that was sent to public schools directing them to embrace transgender students by allowing them to participate fully and use the facilities that match the gender they live every day. Accompanying the letter is a 25-page guide of best practices to ensure all students, including transgender students, have a fair opportunity to succeed in school.
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April, 2016

After 39-Hour Filibuster Missouri's Anti-LGBTQ Bill Moves to House

After 39-Hour Filibuster Missouri's Anti-LGBTQ Bill Moves to House
Equality Federation extends our deepest gratitude to the eight courageous Senators in Missouri who filibustered for a historic 39 hours to prevent a discriminatory religious exemption bill from moving forward in the legislature. SJ39 is a dangerous bill that would ask the voters of Missouri to amend their constitution to allow religious organizations and individuals to use their faith to legally justify refusing services and benefits to LGBTQ people. Unfortunately, the Senate forced a vote, and the bill passed in a 23-9 vote. It now heads to the House.
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NC Gov. Signed into Law the Worst Anti-LGBTQ Legislation in the Country

NC Gov. Signed into Law the Worst Anti-LGBTQ Legislation in the Country
Equality Federation denounces North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory for signing into law the most extreme, anti-LGBTQ legislation in the country. House Bill 2 repeals Charlotte's nondiscrimination ordinance, prevents other towns from passing their own nondiscrimination ordinances, prevents transgender people from being able to use the restroom that matches the gender they live every day, and even prevents cities from adopting living wage ordinances.
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March, 2016

'License to Discriminate' Bill Advances in Georgia Senate

'License to Discriminate' Bill Advances in Georgia Senate
February 19, 2016 - Today, after its passage in the Georgia Senate, Equality Federation called upon the House to reject taking action on HB 757, a wide-reaching and harmful piece of legislation which demolishes the time-honored separation of Church and State and allows faith-based organizations that receive taxpayer funding to deny critical services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people, single mothers, and others; if they feel certain people conflict with their religious belief of marriage as between one man and one woman. The bill's language is so broad that it could extend the license to discriminate to-profit entities that cite a religious belief as marriage between one man and one woman as central to its mission.
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South Dakota Gov. Vetoes Anti-Transgender Bill

South Dakota Gov. Vetoes Anti-Transgender Bill
March 1, 2016 - Today Governor Daugaard of South Dakota vetoed discriminatory legislation that would have prevented transgender students from using the facilities that match the gender they live every day.
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February, 2016

Tide of Anti-LGBTQ Legislation Washes Across the U.S.

Tide of Anti-LGBTQ Legislation Washes Across the U.S.
January 21, 2016 - Today, Equality Federation launched the Legislative Action Center (LAC). The LAC will empower state-based LGBTQ organizations to hold their ground during turbulent state legislative sessions while also winning nondiscrimination protections and other important policy advances for LGBTQ people and their families. With these new tools, Equality Federation can anticipate committee hearings, floor votes, and other important legislative milestones to help advocates prepare for their on-the-ground work to win equality.
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January, 2016

6 Candidates Make Anti-LGBT Pledge

6 Candidates Make Anti-LGBT Pledge
December 23, 2015 - Equality Federation is disappointed to learn that six candidates for president signed a pledge supporting the so-called First Amendment Defense Act (FADA). FADA is an unnecessary piece of legislation that would enshrine discrimination into law, prohibiting the federal government from stepping in when people or businesses discriminate because they believe "marriage is or should be recognized as the union of one man and one woman" or that "sexual relations are properly reserved to such a marriage." Freedom of religion is important; it's part of what makes America great. That's why it's already protected by the First Amendment to the Constitution. The rule of law is also important, and we can't just create sweeping religious exemptions for people to pick and choose how to follow our laws. Exemptions like this could result in unintended consequences:
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December, 2015

Equality Federation Concerned About Impact of Indiana 'Nondiscrimination' Bill

Equality Federation Concerned About Impact of Indiana 'Nondiscrimination' Bill
November 18, 2015 - Equality Federation is concerned Indiana's Senate Bill 100, introduced by Senate Republicans, would not cover many Hoosiers from discrimination. While the authors are framing the bill as nondiscrimination legislation, it includes broad exemptions allowing discrimination by a host of organizations and businesses. The bill discourages people from filing discrimination complaints and would preempt many towns and counties from passing their own local nondiscrimination ordinances.
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Equality Federation statement: Obama supports Equality Act

Equality Federation statement: Obama supports Equality Act
November 11, 2015 - Statement from Rebecca Isaacs, Executive Director, Equality Federation: We applaud President Obama for his support of the Equality Act, an important piece of legislation that would help ensure all Americans, including LGBTQ people and their families, are fully and clearly protected from discrimination. The announcement builds upon seven years of this administration's support. They have  extended hospital visitation to LGBTQ families, ended discrimination among federal employees and contractors, supported marriage equality, opposed conversion therapy, and so much more.
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November, 2015

Gov. Cuomo Extends Discrimination Protections to Transgender New Yorkers

Gov. Cuomo Extends Discrimination Protections to Transgender New Yorkers
October 22, 2015 - Equality Federation applauds New York Governor Andrew Cuomo who will announce tonight at Federation member Empire State Pride Agenda's gala that he will issue regulations to protect transgender people from discrimination in housing, employment, credit, education, and public accommodations.
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Houston: HERO Repeal

Houston: HERO Repeal
"Our team is deeply disappointed in this loss. It feels personal to many of us who have seen or experienced discrimination based on race, ability, sexual orientation, veteran status, or gender identity. We all deserve the freedom to live without discrimination so we can provide for ourselves and our families," said Rebecca Isaacs, executive director of Equality Federation. "What I know for sure, though, is that there will be very valuable lessons learned through this defeat and as more Houstonians and Americans get to know and embrace gay and transgender people as their friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues, the tide hurls towards justice and equality." 
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October, 2015

New Report Urges Collaboration Between Racial Justice and LGBTQ Organizations to Address School Discipline Crisis

New Report Urges Collaboration Between Racial Justice and LGBTQ Organizations to Address School Discipline Crisis
WASHINGTON - September 14, 2015 – Research shows that students of color and LGBT students are more likely to be disciplined than their White, non-LGBT peers.  Students with intersectional identities, such as Black transgender youth or gay undocumented youth, are at even greater risk. 
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August, 2015

Federal Equality Act Would Protect LGBT People from Discrimination

Federal Equality Act Would Protect LGBT People from Discrimination
Charlotte, NC - July 23, 2015 - Today the Equality Act was introduced by Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) in the U.S. Senate and Representative Cicilline (D-RI) in the U.S. House of Representatives, including co-sponsors Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Representatives Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and John Lewis (D-GA).
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July, 2015

Equality Federation Executive Director Rebecca Isaacs on Supreme Court Marriage Equality Decision

Equality Federation Executive Director Rebecca Isaacs on Supreme Court Marriage Equality Decision
"Today, I think back to 2008, when I was finally able to marry the woman I have shared my life with for nearly 25 years. It was an incredibly joyous day and so important to us and our daughter. My heart is so full knowing all loving couples across our great nation will now be able to share in the freedom to marry. Our community owes much gratitude to the legal groups, plaintiffs, state-based organizations, and, especially, to all the couples and families who bravely shared their stories for the past several decades. I've never felt more energized to get the work done so that all Americans can be fully equal and protected under the law."
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N.C. House Overrides Veto, Enacts Anti-LGBT Law

N.C. House Overrides Veto, Enacts Anti-LGBT Law
June 11, 2015 - Equality Federation denounced today the enactment of North Carolina Senate Bill 2, an anti-LGBT law that allows magistrates and other public officials to opt out of performing marriage services for couples if they have religious objections to certain marriages. The law had been vetoed by Governor Pat McCory, but today the House of Representatives voted 69-41 to override his decision, which means SB 2 will become law.
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May, 2015

Equality Federation Statement on Oral Arguments on Marriage at the Supreme Court

Equality Federation Statement on Oral Arguments on Marriage at the Supreme Court
Statement from Rebecca Isaacs, Executive Director, Equality Federation
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April, 2015

Historic LGBT-Faith Coalition Backs Nondiscrimination in Utah

Historic LGBT-Faith Coalition Backs Nondiscrimination in Utah
SAN FRANCISCO - March 4, 2015 - Today, Equality Federation hails the progress made by Federation member Equality Utah in bringing together faith and political leaders to draft nondiscrimination legislation, Senate Bill 296, to ensure no hardworking Utahn is unfairly fired from a job or denied a place to live. This is a monumental first step towards the promise of opportunity and freedom for all Utahns, including those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT).
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LGBT, Civil Rights Groups Urge Support for Fairness for All Hoosiers Act

LGBT, Civil Rights Groups Urge Support for Fairness for All Hoosiers Act
INDIANAPOLIS - March 30, 2015 – In an open letter to Gov. Mike Pence and leaders in the Indiana House and Senate, national LGBT and civil rights groups call on lawmakers to quickly enact legislation fixing SB 101, which could allow discrimination against gay and transgender people, and end the firestorm of protests that have engulfed the state.
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Opposition Mounting Against Georgia's Anti-Gay Religious Exemption Bill

Opposition Mounting Against Georgia's Anti-Gay Religious Exemption Bill
March 26, 2015 - Georgia lawmakers are considering the passage of a so-called "religious freedom" bill that would overturn all existing state and local civil rights ordinances protecting gay and transgender people. However, SB 129 stands to harm Georgians of all backgrounds. A police officer could refuse to work an event for a cause with which he does not agree. A paramedic could deny care to the child of a same-sex couple. A landlord could evict a hardworking single mother. A high school counselor could turn away a teenager struggling to come to terms with his sexuality.
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