Human Rights Campaign Applauds Nevada Legislature for Passing Transgender Employment Protections

by Admin

Urges Gov. Brian Sandoval to Sign Bipartisan Measure into Law

Washington - The Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest LGBT civil rights organization, today congratulated the Nevada Legislature for passing AB 211, a bill codifying prohibitions against discrimination in employment on the basis of gender identity or expression. The bill now moves to Governor Sandoval's desk for his consideration.

"The Nevada legislature has rightly recognized that everyone should be treated equally in the workplace, and Governor Sandoval should sign this bipartisan measure into law," said HRC President Joe Solmonese. "Being free from discrimination based on gender identity or expression, judged solely on your merits and quality of work, is the most common-sense approach to employment policies."

"Today is a great day for all residents of Nevada," said Josh Miller, a member of the HRC Board of Directors from Nevada. "Providing employment protections based on gender identity or expression is a victory for civil rights, and we urge Gov. Sandoval to sign this legislation. The people of our state should be judged on the quality of work they do and not on who they are."

Additionally, the Senate has approved 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 are awaiting Assembly action before heading to Governor Sandoval's desk for consideration. If signed into law, Nevada would become the 14th U.S. state, along with the District of Columbia, to provide protections based on gender identity or expression.

"The state legislature is blazing the trail to full equality in Nevada," said Solmonese. "We urge them and Gov. Sandoval to continue to fight for what's right and pass these important protections in employment, housing and public accommodations."

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.

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.

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