2020·3 min read

LGBTQ Rights

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November 6, 2018

The Story

The 2018 midterm election is another chance to elect leaders who are focused on protecting LGBTQ rights.

Tell me more.

The LGBTQ community has always faced discrimination. In recent years, there have been some meaningful steps forward. The Obama admin told schools that transgender students can use bathrooms that match their identities. In 2015, the Supreme Court ruled that gay marriage is the law of the land. Some of those changes have been reversed under the Trump administration. Attorney General Jeff Sessions said the Justice Dept would protect gov agencies if they won't work with LGBTQ individuals because of religious beliefs. And the DOJ also said that LGBTQ people don’t get protection under Title VII (a law that protects people from things like sex, racial or age discrimination) – since it says sexual orientation doesn't fall under ‘sex.’

What’s the latest?

A few of the Trump administration’s moves have been stopped. Like the transgender military ban. And the DOJ’s stance on Title VII was shot down in court. But the LGBTQ community says there’s still more work to be done when it comes to discrimination in the workplace.

The percentage of Americans that say homosexuality should be accepted by society is rising. From 51% in 2006 to 63% in 2016.

What does the left say?

Baby, you were born this way. Whether you’re gay, straight, transgender, etc. everyone deserves to be treated the exact same way.

What does the right say?

Depends on who you ask. Some on the right lean more towards religious freedoms. Think: 'if a company’s values don’t align with yours, it shouldn’t be punished or have to serve you. Sorry.’ Others are joining the love is love train.

What can my elected reps do?

Your US senators and House reps can work on legislation to either protect the LGBTQ community from discrimination or deny services based on religious grounds

Your governor and state reps can also work on similar legislation

Your mayor can create a commission for local officials to work together to make sure your community doesn’t discriminate against LGBTQ individuals

theSkimm

The LGBTQ community had a big win with gay marriage. Now, they're asking elected officials to stand by them on other discriminatory issues.

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