HRC Blog

This update on LGBT bills in Nevada was contributed by Steve Amend, Governor and HRC Political Committee Member:

This past Friday, the Nevada state legislature held hearings on no less than 5 bills of interest to the LGBT community.  Needless to say, it was a very important step in achieving equal treatment under the law for all Nevadans.  Below is a summary of the bills that were heard on Friday:

• Senate Bill 207, dealing with discrimination in places of public accommodations, was considered by the Commerce and Labor committee.  This bill would add sexual orientation to the current public accommodations law.  Currently, HRC does not support this bill in its current form and urges the committee to accept a proposed amendment to add Gender Identity to its provisions.
• Senate Bill 283, dealing with Domestic Partnerships, was also considered by the Commerce and Labor committee.  This bill would give all the rights and responsibilities of married couples to committed gay and lesbian couples.  HRC is fully supportive of this bill and sees it as a necessary step forward for all Nevadans.
• Assembly Bill 184, dealing with discrimination on the basis gender identity in housing, employment and public accommodations was also heard on Friday in the Assembly committee on Commerce and Labor.  HRC fully supports this bill and urges the legislature to finally protect those who are at most risk of discrimination in our community.
• Senate Bill 304 and 305, relating to tests for certain communicable diseases and prescriptions for sexual partners of persons diagnosed with an STD were also heard on Friday in the Senate committee on Health and Education.

The hearings went very well, as HRC worked with the ACLU and other partners to prepare testimony.  It was extremely challenging with so many bills being heard at the same time, but after many conference calls we were able to put together a workable schedule that had all our bases covered. “Friday was a wonderful day for all fair-minded Nevadans.  While there are many more steps to take before we get full equality this is a good first step along the march to equal rights for all Nevadans,” said State Senator David Parks, commenting on SB 283.  “All fair-minded Nevadans would like to thank the many individuals and organizations like the ACLU, PLAN, The Center and the Human Rights Campaign for their support.  Nevada has a Libertarian spirit that lives within us all.” Keep checking HRC BackStory for the latest happenings in Nevada.