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On Heels of Marriage Ruling, NCTE Joins Members of Congress, Civil Rights Groups in Calling for Full Federal LGBT Non-Discrimination Protections

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Ash Orr (they/he)

Washington, DC - On the heels of the historic Supreme Court ruling bringing the freedom to marry nationwide, the National Center for Transgender Equality joined members of Congress in renewing the call for clear and comprehensive federal non-discrimination protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people.

In a joint statement issued today, Congressman David Cicilline and Senators Tammy Baldwin, Cory Booker, and Jeff Merkley said:

"This decision is a historic moment for equality, fairness and freedom in America. We celebrate this landmark ruling as a tremendous milestone along the path to an America where everyone is truly equal under the law. And we note that it highlights unfinished work that still needs to be done to ensure that all employees are hired, fired or promoted based on their performance, not their sexual orientation or gender identity, and to make sure every American has a fair chance to earn a living and provide for their families, including gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people.

"In dozens of states, a couple can marry in the morning, announce their union in the afternoon, yet lose their jobs or be evicted from their apartment by the day’s end. Just as we needed Congress to pass legislation to fully realize the promise of previous Supreme Court decisions recognizing fundamental civil rights, Congress must act to fully realize the promise of today’s ruling by introducing and passing legislation to finally provide comprehensive federal non-discrimination protections to LGBT Americans.

"Discrimination has no place in employment, housing, public accommodations, education, credit, federal funding, or jury service, just as it has no place in marriage. We are committed to adding protections for LGBT Americans to federal anti-discrimination laws."

National Center for Transgender Equality Executive Director Mara Keisling joined the call for explicit federal non-discrimination protections saying:

"Today, we mark the end of a decades-long fight for marriage equality. And this win underscores how much more work must be done until LGBT people are treated fairly in all aspects of life. Transgender people routinely face discrimination at work, in housing, and public accommodations simply for being who they are. This has contributed to record unemployment rates, homelessness, and violence. That's why the National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) has made it a priority to ensure existing federal nondiscrimination laws firmly secures the rights of transgender people. Congressman Cicilline and Senators Baldwin, Booker, and Merkley have long been leaders of transgender rights and NCTE is proud to join them as they work to bring explicit and comprehensive LGBT protections nationwide."

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