Statement from Rebecca Isaacs, Executive Director, Equality Federation

We applaud President Obama for his support of the Equality Act, an important piece of legislation that would help ensure all Americans, including LGBTQ people and their families, are fully and clearly protected from discrimination. The announcement builds upon seven years of this administration’s support. They have  extended hospital visitation to LGBTQ families, ended discrimination among federal employees and contractors, supported marriage equality, opposed conversion therapy, and so much more.

Sadly, this legislation is desperately needed. There are 31 states remaining that do not have statewide nondiscrimination laws covering LGBTQ people. We are proud to be working with our state-based partner organizations, from Equality Pennsylvania to Equality Arizona, to build support at the state level for these  protections all across the country. No hard working American should be denied housing or basic services simply for being themselves. Discrimination harms families and holds our country back. The day will come when we will reflect on this time and ask ourselves why it took so long to achieve fairness, but we will be very proud of each step we make toward liberty and justice for all.