Hartford - The Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest LGBT civil rights organization, today congratulated the Connecticut Legislature for passing HB 6599: An Act Concerning Discrimination by a vote of 20-16 in the state Senate, following a 77-62 vote in the House last month. The bill now moves to Governor Dan Malloy's desk for his signature - which he has indicated he will do.

"We congratulate the Connecticut legislature for recognizing every resident of the state should be treated equally in the workplace, housing, public accommodations and credit," said HRC President Joe Solmonese. "Being free from discrimination based on gender identity or expression, judged solely on your merits, is a principle of American society that should be universal in its application."

Governor Malloy called it a "step forward in the fight for equal rights for all of Connecticut's citizens and it's the right thing to do."

When signed into law, Connecticut would become the 15th U..S state, along with the District of Columbia, to provide protections based on gender identity or expression. Earlier this year, Hawaii and Nevada passed similar protections.

"Today is a great day for all residents of Connecticut," said Brian Rice, a member of the HRC Board of Governors from Connecticut. "Providing protections based on gender identity or expression is a victory for civil rights, and for the people of our great state. No one should ever have to worry about their employment, housing, credit or other things, simply because of who they are."

The Human Rights Campaign, in conjunction with ctEquality, has worked to build both public and legislative support for this legislation, mobilizing supporters to educate lawmakers on transgender issues. Through this effort, thousands of phone calls, emails and handwritten letters have been sent to legislators urging them to approve this legislation. We commend the work of the other coalition organizations and specifically Sally Tamarkin, lead organizer for ctEquality for her efforts.

For maps of non-discrimination 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.www.HRC.org