Washington - The Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest LGBT civil rights organization, today commends the Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval for signing AB 211 into law. The bill codifies prohibitions against discrimination in employment on the basis of gender identity or expression.

"Thank you Governor Sandoval for standing up for all Nevadans," said HRC President Joe Solmonese. "Going forward, employment decisions in Nevada must be made on the basis of merit not an employee's gender identity or expression. This is a tremendous victory for our entire community."

Additionally, the Nevada legislature has passed SB 331 and 368, bills that expand the state's anti-discrimination laws in the areas of public accommodations and housing, respectively. SB 331 protects against discrimination in public accommodations on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, while SB 368 adds gender identity to Nevada's housing anti-discrimination law. These bills we transmitted to the Governor's office today and are now awaiting his consideration.

The Human Rights Campaign has worked to build both public and legislative support for this legislation, mobilizing Nevadans and sending staff to educate Nevada lawmakers and businesses on transgender issues. Through these efforts, thousands of phone calls, emails and handwritten letters have been sent to legislators urging them to approve this legislation.

Nevada is now the 14th U.S. state, along with the District of Columbia, to provide protections based on gender identity or expression. For maps of nondiscrimination laws in the states, please visit: www.HRC.org/State-Laws.

The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender 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.