National coalition against LGBTQ Discrimination hits milestone, now represents mayors from every state
WASHINGTON—Today the Mayors Against LGBTQ Discrimination coalition announced that it has reached more than 350 mayors from all 50 states across the country. The coalition, which launched in January 2017, is the first coalition of its kind to bring mayors and local officials together to take concrete steps that advance LGBTQ nondiscrimination protections.
“When cities and local leaders work together, we make change happen. Since the launch of Mayors Against LGBTQ Discrimination, our coalition has grown and evolved into a thriving fellowship of local officials who are committed to lived equality for all LGBTQ Americans,” said Mayor Muriel Bowser of Washington, DC, and coalition co-chair of Mayors Against LGBTQ Discrimination. “Together, we are successfully building urgency and understanding around LGBTQ nondiscrimination protections. Now, with 350 mayors representing all 50 states as well as the nation’s capital, we look forward to continuing to defend and advance our shared values.”
In total, the mayors in the coalition represent more than 60 million constituents, now in all 50 states across the country. The mayors have participated in in-person briefings and convenings; published press statements and op-eds in support of LGBTQ nondiscrimination protections in places such as Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Michigan, Texas, and nationwide; signed onto friend-of-the-court briefs in key court cases such as the the three employment discrimination cases currently pending before the Supreme Court, and taken additional actions to advance equal treatment both at the federal level and in their home towns and states.
“As a Republican, I joined Mayors Against LGBTQ Discrimination in order to strengthen my advocacy around LGBTQ equality and share best practices with fellow mayors who believe in the same values as me,” said Mayor John Dennis of West Lafayette, Indiana, a member of the coalition. “It’s more important than ever to build a better world where all Americans can work hard, take care of their families, and contribute to their communities without the fear of discrimination. Our efforts to win equal justice for everyone are stronger and more powerful when we work together, and I’m proud to be a part of this coalition to achieve that goal.”
In October, the U.S. Supreme Court heard three cases about LGBTQ workplace discrimination that will determine whether federal law will continue to protect lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people. A decision is expected by June 2020. In addition, dozens of states are expected to consider LGBTQ-related legislation beginning next month. Mayors who are part of the Mayors Against LGBTQ Discrimination coalition will play a pivotal role in raising awareness about the need for a positive Supreme Court decision, as well as city, statewide, and federal nondiscrimination protections for all LGBTQ people, in all areas of life.
Massachusetts Mayors who’ve joined the Coalition; Graphic: Mayors Against LGBTQ Discrimination website
“As an Oklahoman, I know my state and residents stand for family and fairness, without room for discrimination of any kind: the real Oklahoma standard,” said Mayor Breea Clark of Norman, Oklahoma, which became the first city in Oklahoma to enact an LGBTQ nondiscrimination ordinance this past summer. “Being inclusive and treating LGBTQ people fairly is not only the right thing to do – it’s essential for our economy’s bottom line and to build the strongest communities possible. As mayors, we’re obliged to do our part to build understanding within ourselves, among our constituents, and in solidarity with other elected officials about the harms of treating people differently for being LGBTQ. Keeping our communities welcoming is a core part of our jobs.”
Mayors Against LGBTQ Discrimination is a project of Freedom for All Americans, the campaign to secure LGBTQ nondiscrimination protections nationwide. To learn more, visit www.mayorslgbt.org. Read quotes from some of the Mayors here.
Mayors Against LGBTQ Discrimination is a bipartisan coalition of municipal leaders dedicated to securing inclusive nondiscrimination protections for all, including lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals, at all levels of government. We recognize the special role mayors play in protecting the rights and safety of residents and in advancing policies that move our communities and our country forward. Mayors Against LGBTQ Discrimination is a program of Freedom for All Americans, the bipartisan campaign to win comprehensive LGBTQ nondiscrimination protections nationwide.
[From a News Release]
Our foundinf fathers provided the the final word in their Bill of Rights. All American citizens require equal protection under the law.