Full equality is not possible without ensuring full freedom in all aspects of our lives. We have many to thank for the strides we’ve taken towards equality in the past year.
A brief look at the numbers helps illuminate how the commitment and effort of our grantees and allies are making progress through nondiscrimination policies, relationship recognition, and safe schools.
Important changes were made to ensure equality in the workplace, with the passage of nondiscrimination protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in a number of states.
- Iowa, Colorado, Oregon, and Vermont passed or expanded their nondiscrimination laws.
- 44 percent of the U.S. population is now living in a state that passed a law banning discrimination based on sexual orientation and 29 percent now live in states that prohibit discrimination based on gender expression.
More LGBT people have access to some form of relationship recognition in their state.
- LGBT people in California, Oregon, Connecticut, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Vermont, and the District of Columbia now have access to civil unions or domestic partnerships, and LGBT citizens in Massachusetts have full marriage protections at the state level.
- Roughly 20 percent of Americans are now living in states which offer some form of relationship recognition.
The work to make schools safer is also rapidly spreading as educators and parents understand the link between harassment and poor academic achievement.
- Iowa passed an anti-bullying law, joining 12 other states and the District of Columbia.
- 28 percent of students in the country now have some state protection in education settings.
We recognize our progress depends on the support and hard work of our allies. Organizations such as People for the American Way and the Anti-Defamation League continue to stand beside us and view the rights of LGBT people as integral to their own progress.
Our work is long-term and while much remains to be done, the energy and hard work of supporters around the nation give us hope and optimism for the future.
On a personal note, I am pleased to welcome Tim Sweeney as our new executive director.
I would also like to recognize Rodger McFarlane for his leadership at the Gill Foundation over the past three years. Thank you Rodger. We are grateful for your vision and passion for the movement.
