Blog of Rights
Ian S.
Thompson

Ian Thompson is a Legislative Representative in the ACLU’s Washington Legislative Office. In this capacity, Thompson works to advance the organization’s civil liberties and civil rights agenda in Congress and the executive branch by focusing on LGBT rights, HIV/AIDS and sex education. Prior to joining the ACLU in January 2006, Thompson interned in the Washington, D.C., office of Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio). A 2005 graduate of Penn State University, Thompson holds a degree in International Politics.

02/07/2012
Employment Discrimination

Washington Post Urges Obama to Issue Non-Discrimination Executive Order

By Ian S. Thompson, ACLU Washington Legislative Office at 2:34pm

In Tuesday’s Washington Post, the newspaper editorializes in support of a proposed executive order that President Obama could sign to ensure that federal contractors receiving federal tax dollars do not discriminate against applicants and employees based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.

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02/02/2012
SNDA

Victim of Brutal LGBT Bullying in Ohio School Tells His Story

By Ian S. Thompson, ACLU Washington Legislative Office at 3:53pm

The ACLU of Ohio is representing both Zach and his mother, and is working with his high school to ensure that something like this never happens again.

 

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01/28/2012
Housing Discrimination

New HUD Rule Delivers for LGBT Americans

By Ian S. Thompson, ACLU Washington Legislative Office at 3:46pm

Last year, we told you about a proposed rule from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regarding equal access to HUD housing programs regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Among the key requirements of the rule is a prohibition on inquires regarding sexual orientation or gender identity, as well as a prohibition on using sexual orientation or gender identity as grounds for decision-making in Federal Housing Administration (FHA) programs. Additionally, the rule brings the definition of “eligible families” into the 21st century by including those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT). 

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01/25/2012
GSA

On National GSA Day, Tell Congress to Stand Up for LGBT Students

By Ian S. Thompson, ACLU Washington Legislative Office at 5:18pm

Today is National Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) Day, a day to “strengthen the bond between LGBT people and straight allies” by recognizing the critical role that GSAs play in schools nationwide. GSAs are student-run extracurricular clubs that bring together LGBT and straight students to support each other, promote acceptance and are common in public school districts throughout the nation. They are crucial to providing a safe, supportive environment for LGBT students to educate the school community about homophobia, gender identity and sexual orientation issues.

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01/20/2012
SNDA

Teach Respect, Demand Non-Discrimination

By Ian S. Thompson, ACLU Washington Legislative Office at 10:24am

On Wednesday, a new international effort to combat racism and intolerance in schools was launched at the headquarters of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) with the full backing of the U.S. government. The effort, “Teaching Respect for All,” is designed to develop curriculum for use across the globe to promote tolerance and respect for all people. Importantly, the effort will allow countries to adept the curriculum for different contexts and needs.

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01/19/2012

Important New Report on Anti-LGBT Bias in Grades K-6

By Ian S. Thompson, ACLU Washington Legislative Office at 10:19am

On Wednesday, GLSEN (the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network) released a new report on anti-LGBT bias, homophobia and gender nonconformity in elementary schools across the country. The report, Playgrounds and Prejudice: Elementary School Climate in the United States, was based on national surveys of 1,065 elementary school students in grades 3-6, as well as 1,099 elementary school teachers in grades K-6.

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01/09/2012
Sen. Al Franken

Senator Franken Releases New "Making It Better" Video

By Ian S. Thompson, ACLU Washington Legislative Office at 1:50pm

Sen. Al Franken's new video supports passage of the Student Non-Discrimination Act, which would protect LGBT students from discrimination and harassment in public schools.

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01/06/2012
SNDA

Vicious Anti-Gay Rhetoric? Check. Facts? Not So Much.

By Ian S. Thompson, ACLU Washington Legislative Office at 2:26pm

On Thursday, subscribers to the conservative Weekly Standard received an email fundraising pitch from the president of a fringe anti-gay organization, Public Advocate of the United States, which directed tremendous venom at the Student Non-Discrimination Act, labeling it the “Homosexual Classrooms Act.” The email, first reported by Justin Elliott writing on Salon.com, opens with the following outrageous and hate-filled accusation, which would be laughable if it were not so deeply offensive:

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12/14/2011
HIV/AIDS

Will Politics Trump Science and Undermine Civil Liberties in Spending “Deal”?

By Ian S. Thompson, ACLU Washington Legislative Office at 9:40am

In negotiating the year-end spending deal, some in Congress would rather put politics ahead of science and public health.

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12/08/2011

Historic Advance for LGBT International Human Rights

By Ian S. Thompson, ACLU Washington Legislative Office at 9:49am

Tuesday marked a historic commitment by the United States to the cause of LGBT international human rights. First, President Obama issued a memorandum directing all federal agencies engaged abroad to ensure that U.S. diplomacy and foreign assistance promote and protect the human rights of LGBT persons. The memorandum represents the first-ever U.S. government strategy dedicated to combating human rights abuses against LGBT persons abroad.

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