Tag: discrimination

Biden’s HUD to Enforce Fair Housing Act for LGBTQ People

February 11, 2021

HUD TO ENFORCE FAIR HOUSING ACT TO PROHIBIT DISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND GENDER IDENTITY HUD directive begins implementation of the policy set forth in Biden executive order to prevent and combat sexual orientation and gender identity-based discrimination WASHINGTON—The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) today announced that it will administer and … More Biden’s HUD to Enforce Fair Housing Act for LGBTQ People

Court Denies Fannie Mae’s Motion to Dismiss in Fair Housing Discrimination Lawsuit

August 16, 2019

Late Monday, August 12, 2019, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California largely DENIED Fannie Mae’s Motion to Dismiss a fair housing lawsuit concerning housing discrimination against communities of color.  The lawsuit, brought by the National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA) and 20 local fair housing organizations, charged Fannie Mae with failing to maintain foreclosed … More Court Denies Fannie Mae’s Motion to Dismiss in Fair Housing Discrimination Lawsuit

Despicable Trump Anti-LGBT Anti-Women Labor Discrimination Rule up for Public Comment

August 14, 2019

The Trump administration is attempting to legitimate workplace discrimination against LGBTQ employees and other vulnerable people, to include unmarried pregnant women, after the Labor Department unveiled a rule that would allow federal contractors to cite religious beliefs to protect themselves from bias claims. The rule is expected to be published in the Federal Register tomorrow, … More Despicable Trump Anti-LGBT Anti-Women Labor Discrimination Rule up for Public Comment

Coalition Fight the Illegality of Healthcare Discrimination against LGBTQI People

August 14, 2019

Fighting HHS: Health Care Discrimination Against LGBT People is Illegal – The first and largest organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people, and allies participated in a broad coalition of organizations by submitting more than 132,400 comments to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), urging the federal government to … More Coalition Fight the Illegality of Healthcare Discrimination against LGBTQI People

First Study on The Prevalence of Asexual Identity

August 8, 2019

Findings from the first representative sample of U.S. sexual minority adults estimating the prevalence of asexual identity. According to a recent study by the Williams Institute, the first in the US to examine the prevalence of asexuality among sexual minority adults, finds that an estimated 1.7% of sexual minority adults identify as asexual. The study also … More First Study on The Prevalence of Asexual Identity

UN Renews Mandate of Sexual Orientation Gender Identity Independent Expert

July 12, 2019

UN Renews Crucial Mandate for Protection Against Violence and Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identit In a defining vote, the United Nations Human Rights Council adopted a resolution to renew the mandate of the Independent Expert focusing on the protection against violence and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. … More UN Renews Mandate of Sexual Orientation Gender Identity Independent Expert

Over 30 Organizations File Amicus Brief in Support of Worker Who Was Fired for Being Transgender

July 3, 2019

More than 30 Transgender and Ally Organizations File Amicus Brief in Support of Worker Who Was Fired for Being Transgender Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund (TLDEF) today filed a “friend of the court” brief with 33 other signatories in support of Aimee Stephens in her case before the U.S. Supreme Court. In 2013, a Michigan funeral … More Over 30 Organizations File Amicus Brief in Support of Worker Who Was Fired for Being Transgender

Historic: Republican Governor Kasich Signs Pro-LGBTQ Executive Order

December 19, 2018

Ohio state employees will now be protected from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity or expression WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ohio Governor John Kasich has signed an historic executive order protecting LGBTQ state employees from discrimination. In what will be a defining element of Governor Kasich’s legacy, he will be the first Republican … More Historic: Republican Governor Kasich Signs Pro-LGBTQ Executive Order

Nearly 250,000 LGBT in Arizona vulnerable to discrimination

March 26, 2018

Statewide civil rights laws offer no protections from discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in areas such as employment, housing and public accommodations.  Arizona’s legal landscape and social climate put the state’s 203,000 LGBT adults and 45,500 LGBT youth at risk of discrimination and harassment. The social, economic and health effects of stigma … More Nearly 250,000 LGBT in Arizona vulnerable to discrimination

U.S. Department of Education Leaves Transgender Students Behind

February 12, 2018

Office of Civil Rights will no longer take action on transgender discrimination WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Education will not investigate or take action on any complaints filed by transgender students who are not able to use the restroom that aligns with their gender identity. BuzzFeed was first to report the news. Under President … More U.S. Department of Education Leaves Transgender Students Behind

DOJ and EEOC Rare Opposition in Gay Discrimination Case at 2nd Circuit 

September 25, 2017

Tuesday: DOJ and EEOC to Oppose Each Other in Gay Discrimination Case at 2nd Circuit  – The en banc 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals will reconsider longstanding legal precedent concerning employment discrimination based on sexual orientation, while the federal government is a house divided NEW YORK CITY – This week, the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals in NYC will hear … More DOJ and EEOC Rare Opposition in Gay Discrimination Case at 2nd Circuit 

My Mom is a Lesbian – A Foster Adopt Child’s Letter to Donald Trump

May 4, 2017

 “My Mom is a lesbian…” We are told that Donald Trump is scheduled to sign an Executive Order today:  “Establishing a Government-Wide Initiative to Respect Religious Freedom”. The name is a hideous mask – a guise – a ruse.  While it seems to invoke religious freedom, in truth it is an excuse to trample on the constitutional … More My Mom is a Lesbian – A Foster Adopt Child’s Letter to Donald Trump

2nd Circuit Panel Urges Full Appellate Court to Reconsider Anti-Gay Discrimination Claims

March 31, 2017

WASHINGTON, D.C. – A three-judge panel on the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals has issued an opinion in Christansen v. Omnicon, the case of Matthew Christiansen, an HIV-positive gay man who faced extreme harassment and discrimination in his workplace by his supervisor.The panel determined that Christiansen made a successful Title VII claim with regard to gender stereotyping, but that the … More 2nd Circuit Panel Urges Full Appellate Court to Reconsider Anti-Gay Discrimination Claims

Trump Admin Selects Anti-Transgender Activist to Lead HHS Civil Rights Office

March 23, 2017

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week President Trump’s administration quietly appointed Roger Severino, a longtime opponent of transgender equality, as the head of the Office of Civil Rights in the Department of Health and Human Services. Severino formerly ran the DeVos Center for Religion and Civil Society at the Heritage Foundation, an anti-LGBT think tank and lobbying … More Trump Admin Selects Anti-Transgender Activist to Lead HHS Civil Rights Office

Georgia has Weakest Non Discrimination Laws | Report Makes Case for Protections

January 11, 2017

WASHINGTON – Civil rights and religious leaders from across Georgia gathered in Atlanta this afternoon to release a new report that outlines the growing need for updates to the state’s civil rights protections. The Georgia Unites Against Discrimination coalition commissioned the report, and Joe Whitley authored the executive summary. Whitley served in the administrations of Presidents … More Georgia has Weakest Non Discrimination Laws | Report Makes Case for Protections

Virginia House Bill 1612 Would Negatively Impact Transgender Adults and Trans Youth

January 11, 2017

HB 1612 Would Also Create Costs for State Businesses, Budget and Economy  On January 11, a Virginia lawmaker offered House Bill 1612 (HB 1612), which would require transgender people to use bathrooms in public schools, government buildings, and public universities based on “sex,” as determined by one’s “original birth certificate.”  Additionally, the bill would require schools to inform … More Virginia House Bill 1612 Would Negatively Impact Transgender Adults and Trans Youth

Bank Accused of Redlining and Violating Fair Housing Act

November 17, 2016

CALIFORNIA REINVESTMENT COALITION AND FAIR HOUSING ADVOCATES OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA FILE FAIR HOUSING COMPLAINT, URGING IMMEDIATE HUD INVESTIGATION INTO CIT GROUP’S ONE WEST BANK By Melanie Nathan, November 17, 2016. Yesterday, two nonprofit organizations formally filed a complaint requesting that the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) investigate whether CIT Group violated and … More Bank Accused of Redlining and Violating Fair Housing Act

United Nations Makes History on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

June 30, 2016

UN human rights body establishes an Independent Expert In a defining vote, the United Nations Human Rights Council adopted a resolution on “Protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation, and gender identity”, to mandate the appointment of an Independent Expert on the subject. It is a historic victory for the human rights of … More United Nations Makes History on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

Freedom for All Americans Celebrates Anniversary and Contributions to LGBT Equality

June 10, 2016

One Year Later: 100+ Anti-LGBT Bills Defeated as FFAA Celebrates Anniversary New FFAA interactive map highlights status of LGBT-related bills across the nation as state legislative season winds down WASHINGTON – Freedom for All Americans (FFAA) launched one year ago with the goal of advancing comprehensive nondiscrimination protections for LGBT people at the municipal, state … More Freedom for All Americans Celebrates Anniversary and Contributions to LGBT Equality

Facebook Banned Italian LGBT Campaign Against Racism

March 22, 2016

On Monday 21 March (International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination), three Italian LGBT organizations presented a campaign to defeat the prejudices related to ethnic and religious differences and to inform LGBT migrants and asylum seekers about their rights. But a few minutes later, Facebook censored the campaign: a drawing of a bare-chested man … More Facebook Banned Italian LGBT Campaign Against Racism

Florida House & Senate Avert Disaster of Expanded Pastor Protection Bill

March 2, 2016

Legislature to clarify controversial measure and simply reaffirm current law

Screen Shot 2016-03-02 at 8.35.45 AMTallahassee – Avoiding the disastrous route of their Georgia colleagues, the Florida House of Representatives today is expected to pass an amended version of the so-called Pastor Protection bill (HB 43) to limit its scope and send the message that controversial amendments allowing discrimination would not be entertained.

The bill had been widely criticized as a vaguely worded and unnecessary duplication of existing laws that served as a Trojan Horse for more nefarious measures to be added. That was the route Georgia lawmakers took by amending their pastor protection bill last month to allow any individual or faith-based business, for-profit entity, or taxpayer-funded organization to ignore nondiscrimination protections or any law that conflicts with their religious beliefs about marriage. The state is roiling from the public outrage and the economic backlash that has been strong enough to draw the threat of a veto from the Georgia governor. … More Florida House & Senate Avert Disaster of Expanded Pastor Protection Bill

TLDEF Urges South Dakota Governor to Veto Bill Targeting Transgender Students for Discrimination

February 24, 2016

New York, NY – The Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund (TLDEF) urges South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard to veto a bill that would bar transgender students from using bathrooms and locker rooms that match who they are as boys and girls. South Dakota lawmakers passed House Bill 1008 last week. The bill restricts facility access to … More TLDEF Urges South Dakota Governor to Veto Bill Targeting Transgender Students for Discrimination

Housing Discrimination Laws Invoked by LGBT at similar rate to POC and Women

February 9, 2016

New Study: LGBT people, people of color and women use housing non-discrimination laws at similar rates Posted by Melanie Nathan, Feb 09, 2016. LGBT people file housing discrimination complaints based on sexual orientation and gender identity as frequently as people of color and women file complaints based on race and sex, according to a new analysis … More Housing Discrimination Laws Invoked by LGBT at similar rate to POC and Women

Apology and Settlement in Transgender Woman’s Employment Discrimination Lawsuit

January 20, 2016

“We are extremely grateful to the EEOC for taking on this important case on behalf of our client and working side by side with us to achieve a settlement that marks yet another Title VII victory for transgender employees,” Weiss said. “The Jillian T. Weiss Law Firm … More Apology and Settlement in Transgender Woman’s Employment Discrimination Lawsuit

TLDEF Urges Administration to Adopt Rule to Improve Transgender Health Access

November 9, 2015

Submits Comments to HHS Supporting Broadest Possible Rule to Ban LGBT Health Care Discrimination Posted by Melanie Nathan, November 09, 2015. New York, NY – The Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund (TLDEF) today submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), expressing support for improving the health and wellness of transgender Americans … More TLDEF Urges Administration to Adopt Rule to Improve Transgender Health Access

Governor O’Malley Unveils Progressive LGBTQ Policies at Iowa Safe Schools Spirit Awards

October 30, 2015

O’MALLEY WAS THE FIRST PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE TO ENDORSE THE EQUALITY ACT, AND LONG HELD THE BELIEF THAT MARRIAGE IS A HUMAN RIGHT, NOT A STATE RIGHT Posted by Melanie Nathan, October 30, 2015. DES MOINES, IA —Tonight, Governor O’Malley will be the first presidential candidate to address the Iowa Safe Schools Spirit Awards. Governor O’Malley has a … More Governor O’Malley Unveils Progressive LGBTQ Policies at Iowa Safe Schools Spirit Awards

TLDEF Denounces New York State Senate’s Failure to Pass Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA)

June 25, 2015

Posted by Melanie Nathan, June 25, 2015. New York, NY – The Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund (TLDEF) denounces the New York State Senate’s failure to pass the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act. The bill would have added transgender people to New York’s hate crimes law and protected them from discrimination in employment, housing and … More TLDEF Denounces New York State Senate’s Failure to Pass Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA)

Center for American Progress Brief calls for LGBT Health Care Protections

April 30, 2015

New Rules for Affordable Care Act Implementation Are an Opportunity to Eliminate LGBT Discrimination in Health Care Posted by Melanie Nathan, April 30, 2015. Washington, D.C. – The implementation of the Affordable Care Act is changing the health care landscape for millions of people, including for many lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender, or LGBT, Americans. However, … More Center for American Progress Brief calls for LGBT Health Care Protections

Landmark Case Settled by DMV where Transgender Teen Forced to Remove Makeup

April 22, 2015

Landmark Federal Lawsuit Against South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles By Melanie Nathan, April 22, 2015. SC DMV Agrees to Allow Teen to Retake License Photo Wearing Makeup, Apologize, and Change Policy to Ensure that Transgender and Gender Nonconforming People Will Be Treated Fairly and Respectfully. The Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund (TLDEF) announces … More Landmark Case Settled by DMV where Transgender Teen Forced to Remove Makeup

Technology Giants and Entertainers Condemn Indiana Religious Law

March 26, 2015

By Melanie Nathan, March 26, 2015. Members of the entertainment industry and technology giants are reacting to the new Indiana law which condemns LGBT people to certain discrimination. Religious Freedom Restoration Act  was passed by a strong majority in the legislature, and  signed today by Indiana Governor Mike Pence, despite pleas from the business industry … More Technology Giants and Entertainers Condemn Indiana Religious Law