At Freedom for All Americans, we are working everyday to win comprehensive and enduring nondiscrimination protections for all LGBTQ Americans. We believe passing laws at the state and federal levels is the best way to build support for enduring measures that ensure LGBTQ people are protected from discrimination. The new majority in the U.S. House of Representatives is prioritizing federal nondiscrimination legislation, and FFAA is supporting efforts in municipalities and states across the country that will bring us one important step closer to the successful passage of a bill through Congress.
In just the past few weeks, four governors have issued executive orders implementing statewide nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ people in state and local public employment. Notably, these orders have found bipartisan support both from Republicans — outgoing governors John Kasich of Ohio and Rick Snyder of Michigan, and Democrats — newly-installed governors Tony Evers of Wisconsin and Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan.
Executive orders are an important step forward, and they bring immediate relief to LGBTQ state employees and employees of state contractors. But they’re not the endgame. Executive orders can be rescinded — legislation is lasting.
Ultimately, in order to secure full equality for all LGBTQ people, comprehensive nondiscrimination protections must be on the books in every state. To date, 19 states have comprehensive laws in place. But we must end this patchwork of inconsistent policies. Freedom for All Americans is committed to working with advocates and lawmakers across the country until nondiscrimination protections are a reality for every single LGBTQ American – no matter what state they call home.
