Washington, D.C. — Today, the Center for American Progress released a groundbreaking new report outlining the pervasive discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender, or LGBT, people in core facets of American life. The report, titled, “We the People: Why Congress and U.S. States Must Pass Comprehensive LGBT Nondiscrimination Protections,” is the first comprehensive review detailing the evidence of discrimination against the LGBT community in employment, housing, public accommodations, education, and credit. To address these inequities, the report calls for major legislation to extend protections to all Americans.
Roughly 30 states currently lack explicit protections from discrimination against LGBT people and their families when they attempt to find and keep jobs, secure homes, gain quality education, or access the goods and services necessary to live. This discrimination causes disproportionate rates of homelessness, unemployment, poverty, poor health, and other negative outcomes within the LGBT community. With marriage equality continuing its overwhelming success in courts across the country, the time is now to continue the conversation about ensuring basic protections for all Americans.
“With the astounding pace at which courts are overturning same-sex marriage prohibitions, it is easy to think that the LGBT community enjoys equality in all facets of American life,” said Winnie Stachelberg, Executive Vice President for External Affairs at CAP. “Discrimination is very real and far too common for LGBT Americans in all vital areas of life, and this report makes the case for why a comprehensive approach to protecting the LGBT community is urgently needed.”
The report was unveiled today at an event featuring Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR), the Senate sponsor of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act and a fierce advocate for LGBT equality. Sen. Merkley pledged to be the sponsor of comprehensive nondiscrimination legislation in the Senate in the upcoming Congress. The event also featured a panel of LGBT leaders and members of Congress.
Click here to read the report.
For more information, contact Tom Caiazza at [email protected] or 202.481.7141.