HRC Responds to Rep. Dana Rohrabacher’s Endorsement of Discrimination in Housing

HRC responded to Rep. Dana Rohrabacher’s comments to a group of Realtors last week, during which he reportedly asserted that homeowners should have the right to refuse to sell their property to LGBTQ people.

In a meeting with the Orange County Association of Realtors, Rohrabacher reportedly said: “Every homeowner should be able to make a decision not to sell their home to someone (if) they don’t agree with their lifestyle. We’ve drawn a line on racism, but I don’t think we should extend that line. A homeowner should not be required to be in business with someone they think is doing something that is immoral.”

“It is unconscionable that in 2018 that Dana Rohrabacher believes LGBTQ people do not deserve legal protections from housing discrimination. He could not be more out of touch with everyday Americans and  his own constituents,” said David Stacy, HRC Government Affairs Director. “More than 70 percent of voters believe that every American should be able to buy or rent a home regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Speaker Ryan, who has supported employment non-discrimination protections in the past, should make clear that House Republicans reject Rohrabacher’s comments and schedule a hearing on LGBTQ housing discrimination. We thank the National Association of REALTORs for withdrawing their endorsement of Rohrabacher and the National Association of Gay and Lesbian Real Estate Professionals for their work to ensure  that he is held accountable for his discriminatory comments..”

Following a strong protest by the National Association of Gay and Lesbian Real Estate Professionals (NAGLREP), the National Association of Realtors (NAP) withdrew its endorsement of Rohrabacher, and rescinded its recommendation that members send campaign contributions to him, citing his comments as contrary to their code of ethics.

The Human Rights Campaign continues to call for passage of the Equality Act, which provides basic protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in employment, access to public spaces, housing, education, jury service, credit and federal funding.

www.hrc.org/blog/hrc-responds-to-rep.-dana-rohrabachers-endorsement-of-discrimination?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss-feed

#AM_Equality Tipsheet: May 25, 2018

HRC JOINS MEXICAN GOVERNMENT AND BUSINESS LEADERS TO SUPPORT LGBTQ INCLUSION: Yesterday, HRC honored the Museum of Memory and Tolerance in Mexico City, government officials and corporate partners for their commitment to greater LGBTQ inclusion. The event also celebrated the museum’s first LGBTQ-themed exhibit — “LGBT+. Identity, Love and Sexuality”, which includes mention of HRC’s Equidad MX program as among important equality efforts that are driving change in Mexico. “HRC welcomes the voices of so many leaders from across Mexico’s business, public and civil society sectors to promote LGBT equality as we head into Pride month. Now is the time for all of us to join in partnership and stand for our values of inclusion” said Mary Beth Maxwell, HRC’s Vice President for Programs, Research and Training. More from HRC.

.@HRC was honored to host an event at Mexico’s Museum of Memory and Tolerance (@museomyt) to honor the museum, government officials and corporate partners for their growing commitment to greater #LGBT inclusion. ��️‍������ #HRCinLatAm #HRCEquidadMX t.co/2C5FCuVD9O

— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) May 24, 2018

ICYMI — “BETSY DEVOS, HOW DO YOU SLEEP AT NIGHT?” — HRC PROJECTS MESSAGE ON U.S. DEPT. OF EDUCATION BUILDING IN WASH., D.C.: HRC and artist Robin Bell (@bellvisuals) projected a message to Education Secretary DeVos featuring findings from HRC’s recent groundbreaking  survey of 12,000 LGBTQ teens. The survey, conducted in partnership with the University of Connecticut, found that LGBTQ teenagers are not only experiencing heartbreaking levels of stress, anxiety and rejection, but also overwhelmingly feel unsafe in their own schools. The projection included a survey finding that 95 percent of LGBTQ teens report trouble getting to sleep at night, and asked DeVos, “how do you sleep at night?” More from HRC and NewNowNext.

When it comes to the safety of #LGBT youth in American public schools, @HRC isn’t playing around t.co/223YXViQX5 @slmjournalist

— NewNowNext (@NewNowNext) May 24, 2018

FAB FIVE FRIDAY — QUEER EYE IS BACK JUNE 15! The Netflix sensation Queer Eye will return for its second season on June 15, just in time for Pride season! More from The Wrap.

Who gave us permission? �� New episodes June 15 �� pic.twitter.com/6yp3r2HnpW

— Queer Eye (@QueerEye) May 24, 2018

HRC JOINS CALL FOR PEACE CORPS TO END DISMISSALS OF VOLUNTEERS NEWLY DIAGNOSED WITH HIV: According to recent media reports, two Peace Corps volunteers were informed that their assignments would be terminated as a result of their recent HIV diagnosis.  Worryingly, reports have also emerged of Peace Corps officials denying volunteers’ requests for PrEP.  “These policies are outdated and harmful to Peace Corps volunteers living with HIV or seeking effective prevention tools,” said Peter Cruz, associate director of HRC’s HIV and Health Equity Program. “We join fellow HIV advocates in asking the Peace Corps to act quickly to modernize their HIV policies and practices.” More from HRC.

MAN TAKES HIS SISTER TO PROM — THEN IS ARRESTED AND ASSAULTED BY POLICE AT A RESTAURANT: The outrageous treatment and arrest of Anthony Wall at a Waffle House in Warsaw, North Carolina — where he was also subjected to a homophobic slur — is appalling and unacceptable. HRC condemns discrimination in all forms. This dangerous attack at the intersection of racism and homophobia must be thoroughly reviewed. More from The Washington Post.

ANTI-EQUALITY ACTIVISTS IN OREGON ATTEMPT TO SUE SCHOOL FOR BEING INCLUSIVE TO TRANS STUDENTS: The case, brought by anti-equality activists, challenged the Dallas (Oregon) School District’s policy allowing transgender students to use facilities aligned with their gender identity. More from The Oregonian.

TRANS WOMAN FOUND DECEASED IN TEXAS WAS PIONEERING ACTIVIST: Nicole Hall is being described as a leader in the Texas Black Transgender Community. The Dallas Voice reports that a vigil is being planned for Saturday evening. More from Dallas News.

LICENSES TO DISCRIMINATE MAY TAKE MENTAL HEALTH TOLL ON LGBTQ AMERICANS: Boston University researchers found that laws allowing the denial of services to LGBTQ people can be linked to increased mental distress. More from U.S. News & World Report.

GLOBAL EQUALITY NEWS

BRAZIL ESTABLISHES NATIONAL PACT AGAINST LGBTQ VIOLENCE: More from The Rio Times.

TRANSGENDER IRANIANS STILL FACE DISCRIMINATION: Despite legal protections for transgender people, violence and discrimination are still a part of daily life in Iran. More from The Georgia Voice.

READING RAINBOW – Bookmark now to read on your lunch break!

South Florida Gay News profiles the seven LGBTQ gubnatorial candidates running across the country; Out In Jersey interviews “UnREAL” actor Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman (@JeffreyBChapman)

Have news? Send us your news and tips at [email protected]. Click here to subscribe to #AM_Equality and follow @HRC for all the latest news. Thanks for reading!

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