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Discrimination
Most of us understand discrimination
all too well. It's losing a job to a lesser qualified but
married candidate, being told that you and your partner
can't rent the one bedroom apartment, or being shown the
door when you log onto an LGBT website at the internet café.
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Unfortunately, relatively few states have laws that protect
against LGBT discrimination in the workplace, housing, or
public accommodations. No federal LGBT civil rights protections
exist. While some states have anti-discrimination policies
that protect lesbian, gay and bisexual people, many of these
policies could be better. Currently, only California, Illinois,
Maine, Minnesota, New Mexico, and Rhode Island include gender
identity in non-discrimination laws.
LGBT activists have learned over the years that often the best course of action is to start locally and work up. If enough cities and towns pass good policies, you're that much closer to getting a state law.
While only governments can pass laws, businesses and schools can enact policies that send a strong message that LGBT discrimination will not be tolerated. Some of the greatest victories for LGBT equality have occurred in the workplace and at colleges and universities where employers and educators understand that creating a discrimination-free environment is in the best interest of everyone.
The following materials provide you with the tools to make a difference at the federal, state or local level.
Federal:
Let your representatives know that you want a federal law that protects against anti-LGBT job discrimination.
State:
If you're lucky enough to live in a community with a good anti-discrimination law, join the statewide fight.
Towns, Businesses and Schools:
If your town, employer or school doesn't have a civil rights policy that includes LGBT people, why not consider organizing a group of local supporters and getting one?
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