Nevada Legislature passes two more transgender nondiscrimination bills

The Nevada Assembly today passed two bills prohibiting discrimination in housing and public accommodations based on gender identity or expression. According to the AP, the bills each passed 29-13. The Senate previously passed the measures, which now move to Gov. Brian Sandoval for his signature. Last week, a bill banning employment discrimination based on gender identity or expression cleared the Nevada Legislature; it also awaits the governor’s signature.

The Task Force has been working with the Las Vegas-based staff of the Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada (PLAN) to pass protections for transgender Nevadans. This includes sending organizers from the Task Force Academy for Leadership and Action to assist and train local activists there, as well as providing monetary support.

The Task Force and the National Center for Transgender Equality recently released Injustice at Every Turn, which reveals the depth of discrimination against transgender and gender non-conforming people. The study is the first large-scale national study of discrimination against transgender and gender non-conforming Americans, and paints a more complete picture than any prior research to date.

Our response to today’s news:

No one should fear being jobless, homeless and going hungry because of discrimination. Without legal protections, transgender people are left particularly vulnerable to bias. We commend lawmakers for ensuring that all Nevadans, regardless of gender identity or expression, are protected from such discrimination The startling statistics and personal stories found in our national survey on transgender discrimination show just how critically necessary these protections are. We congratulate the Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada and transgender rights advocates for their hard work and leadership on this critical issue.