(NEW YORK, NY - February 18, 2021) - Today, the Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund (TLDEF) released the following statement calling for the swift passage of the Equality Act. The Equality Act, introduced in the United States House today, makes explicit that discrimination on the basis of gender identity and sexual orientation is a form of sex discrimination in violation of federal law. It also extends sex discrimination protections to public accommodations and federal programs.

Statement from Andy Marra, Executive Director of TLDEF:

“The Equality Act is once in a generation legislation that cannot wait another day for passage. We have seen all too clearly just how quickly our most fundamental human rights can be denied without these critical protections in place, and are grateful to Senator Merkley and Representative Cicilline for their leadership on the bill.

“Transgender people should never have to endure a lengthy legal battle in order to secure a place to call home or to keep their job just because of who they are. No one should ever have to worry about being denied access to employment, education, housing, health care, or public spaces simply because of who they are. Today more than half of Americans live in communities without nondiscrimination protections. The Equality Act makes crystal clear that discrimination against LGBTQ people is illegal.

“At TLDEF, we are committed to advancing full and lived equality for transgender people and are working closely with our partners, community members, and elected officials to build momentum for successful passage of the Equality Act. The Equality Act is a crucial step toward achieving true legal equality for transgender people nationwide.”

About TLDEF

TLDEF is committed to ending discrimination based upon gender identity and expression and to achieving equality for transgender people through public education, test-case litigation, direct legal services, and public policy efforts. To learn more about TLDEF’s work, visit tldef.org.