WASHINGTON, July 6 — Connecticut Gov. Dan Malloy has signed legislation barring discrimination based on gender identity or expression in employment, housing, public accommodations, credit and all other laws under the jurisdiction of the state's Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities. Connecticut becomes the 15th state, along with the District of Columbia, with clear protections for transgender people in its statewide nondiscrimination laws.
Task Force staff has assisted with this legislation over the past several years, including traveling to Connecticut to conduct training and assisting with legal analysis of the bill language and proposed amendments.
The Task Force and the National Center for Transgender Equality recently released Injustice at Every Turn: A Report of the National Transgender Discrimination Survey, which reveals the depth of discrimination against transgender and gender non-conforming people. The study is the first large-scale national study of discrimination against transgender and gender non-conforming Americans, and paints a more complete picture than any prior research to date.
The survey showed that 26 percent of transgender people have lost a job due to bias, 50 percent have been harassed at work, 19 percent have been denied a home/apartment, and 19 percent were homeless at some point due to bias, with higher rates for transgender people of color.
Statement by Rea Carey, Executive Director
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
"Our national survey spotlights just how pervasive and severe discrimination is toward transgender and gender non-conforming people. The alarming personal stories and stats show that transgender people face injustice in many places — from exclusionary workplaces to the grocery store to doctors' offices. Connecticut responded appropriately to this crisis. We thank Gov. Dan Malloy and lawmakers for ensuring that the people of Connecticut, regardless of gender identity or expression, are protected from such discrimination. Congratulations to the Connecticut TransAdvocacy Coalition and CtEquality and all those who have advocated for these critical protections."
To learn more about the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, visit www.theTaskForce.org
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