President Biden Signs Executive Orders Restoring LGBTIQ+ Rights
By MUUSJN on Saturday, February 6th, 2021
Let’s Make These Changes Permanent on Federal & State Levels
The Trump Administration was outrageous in the number of ways it attacked the dignity and the rights of people from LGBTIQ+ communities. For an extensive list from the Human Rights Commission (HRC), click HERE.
On January 20th, President Joe Biden signed an Executive Order on “Preventing and Combating Discrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation”.
The order says “Every person should be treated with respect and dignity and should be able to live without fear, no matter who they are or who they love”. The Executive Order says that every government department must adopt policies and regulations that protect LGBTQ people against discrimination. “Children should be able to learn without worrying whether they will be denied access to a bathroom, the locker room or school sports. Adults should be able to earn a living and pursue a vocation knowing that they will not be fired, demoted or mistreated because of whom they go home to or because how they dress does not conform to sex-based stereotypes. People should be able to access healthcare and secure a roof over their heads without being subjected to sex discrimination. All persons should receive equal treatment under law.” This Executive order confirms a Supreme Court Bostock ruling that laws that prohibit “discrimination based on sex prohibit discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation”. For more of the text of this Executive Order, click HERE.
Another Executive Order ended the Trump ban on transgender persons serving in the military. Much more action is needed by the Biden Administration during its first 100 days. For a list of 10 of these reforms, click HERE to see Lambda Legal’s “FIRST 100 DAYS CHECKLIST”.
WHAT FAITH GROUPS CAN DO
One reform that faith groups can do is endorse the Equality Act. If passed, the Equality Act would amend the Civil Rights Act to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, housing, public accommodations, public education, federal funding, credit, and the jury system.
Last year the Equality Act was adopted in the House but didn’t get out of the Senate. This year, it has a much better chances of being passed in the Senate. If you are connected to a religious organization, encourage that organization to sign this Equality Act Faith Endorsement. MUUSJN has taken this step.
GET READY TO SUPPORT THE FAIR & EQUAL CAMPAIGN
In Michigan, the Fair and Equal ballot campaign would amend the Elliot Larsen Civil Rights Act to prohibit discrimination based gender identify, sexual orientation and gender expression. It would provide broader protections in areas of local employment, housing, education, and public accommodations and services. The campaign, under a very difficult COVID pandemic, managed to collect about 530,000 signatures. The campaign raised almost $3 million, mobilized support from many business leaders, and was endorsed by 21 mayors representing nearly 2 million Michigan citizens. Once the petitions have been certified by the Board of Canvassers, the Michigan legislature will have 40 days to either pass the legislation or or send the issue to voters in the fall of 2022. Trevor Thomas, Co-Chair of the campaign, has said we “urge the Michigan legislature to finally act so that all Michiganders will have a fair and equal chance to succeed”.
MUUSJN will inform its readers when the Board of Canvassers has approved this historical ballot proposal. This email describes reasons to hope for stronger rights for people from LGBTIQ+ communities. For more information, contact MUUSJN’s LGBTIQ+ Welcoming and Justice Organizer, Sharon Pedersen, at sspedersen@sbcglobal.net.
Thanks for Living Your Values
Category: News |