News & Resources

Equality Federation won’t stop until all LGBTQ+ people are fully empowered and represented in their communities, experiencing full equality in their lives.

The Latest

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Federation Members Tell President Obama: No Broad Religious Exemptions in Executive Order

In the wake of the Supreme Court’s unprecedented decision in Hobby Lobby, LGBT advocates working across the country are deeply concerned about what will happen next, especially as the President’s staff prepares an executive order protecting LGBT people from discrimination by federal contractors.

July 8, 2014
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Press Release: LGBT Movement Leaders Tell President Obama Executive Order Shouldn’t Contain Broad Religious Exemptions

For Immediate ReleaseLGBT Movement Leaders Issue Strong Request to President ObamaExecutive Order Shouldn’t Contain Religious Exemptions Beyond the Constitution and Title VII

July 8, 2014
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Stories from the States: Overcoming Harsh Opposition in Hawai’i

Hawai’i is often thought of as the state that put in motion our modern march toward marriage equality. Even so, the Aloha State didn’t extend the freedom to marry to same-sex couples until last year. But it did so through a dramatic campaign that ended with a special legislative session and the passage of SB-1 — the Hawai’i Marriage Equality Act.

July 2, 2014
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Summer Meeting 2014: Full Schedule Released

Equality Federation Institute’s annual Summer Meeting is the premier gathering of LGBT movement leaders. The 2014 Summer Meeting (July 30 – August 2) will feature informative workshops, inspiring speakers, and incredible social events — in the amazing city of Minneapolis, with OutFront Minnesota as our host.

July 2, 2014
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The Latest on Summer Meeting: Schedules, Lodging Details, and More

Equality Federation Institute’s annual Summer Meeting is the premier gathering of state-based and national LGBT movement leaders. More than 150 advocates from across the country gather to connect and forge relationships, collaborate for future success and build momentum toward even greater wins in the communities we call home.

July 2, 2014
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Supreme Court Gets It Wrong in Hobby Lobby Case

In an unprecedented decision this week, the Supreme Court ruled that employers can use their religious beliefs to deny their employees access to benefits that they are guaranteed by law to receive.

July 1, 2014

Press Releases

6 Candidates for President Make Anti-LGBTQ Pledge

Equality Federation is disappointed to learn that six candidates for president signed a pledge supporting the so-called First Amendment Defense Act (FADA). FADA is an unnecessary piece of legislation that would enshrine discrimination into law, prohibiting the federal government from stepping in when people or businesses discriminate because they believe “marriage is or should be recognized as the union of one man and one woman” or that “sexual relations are properly reserved to such a marriage.”

December 22, 2015
2015 Municipal Equality Index Reflects Growing Support for LGBTQ Americans

Equality Federation is proud to have partnered again with Human Rights Campaign to publish the Municipal Equality Index (MEI). This year’s MEI shows the growing support for LGBTQ people and our families while highlighting the work ahead to ensure full equality.

December 18, 2015
Empire State Pride Agenda Bids Farewell

Equality Federation recognizes Empire State Pride Agenda (ESPA) for their incredible accomplishments, including the passage of over 100 pieces of legislation that advanced LGBTQ equality. For 25 years the ESPA team was at the forefront of the movement, often achieving wins that paved the way for other states and inspiring the nation

December 17, 2015
Report: Opportunities for Funding LGBT Communities in the U.S. South

Equality Federation is proud to share Funders for LGBTQ Issues’ new report Out in the South: Opportunities for Funding LGBT Communities in the U.S. South.

December 17, 2015
Introducing Equality Federation's Legislative Action Center

Equality Federation’s Legislative Action Center (LAC) is a proactive state legislative tracking and assistance program that will serve Federation partners, coalition members, and movement leadership and staff.

December 17, 2015
Equality California 3.0 - Our Agenda for Equality

This week, we wrapped up the second convening of Fair Share for Equality, our annual forum of California state and local elected officials, LGBT and civil rights leaders and social service agencies, aimed at addressing the daunting disparities in health and wellbeing LGBT people still face compared to the general population. In her address to the audience, California Controller Betty Yee said that “the agenda for California and the rest of the country is quite vast.”

December 17, 2015
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