WASHINGTON, DC — The National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) applauds the Biden Administration for taking steps to eradicate harmful discrimination in federally-funded social service programs. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) issued a proposed regulation today clarifying that entities that receive grants from HHS to administer programs meeting essential human needs must serve LGBTQ people on an equal basis with others. This rule implements the Supreme Court's 2020 decision in Bostock v. Clayton County, which held that federal sex discrimination laws prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and transgender status.

Statement by Julianna S. Conen, NCLR'S Federal Policy Director:

"Entities that take government money to carry out essential public programs should not be able to pick and choose whom they will serve. At a time when many states are targeting LGBTQ people, it is especially important for the federal government to ensure that our taxpayer dollars are not used to discriminate. We applaud HHS for codifying these important protections to ensure that no one is denied services they need."

The National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) is a national legal organization committed to advancing the human and civil rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community through litigation, public policy advocacy, and public education. Since its founding, NCLR has maintained a longstanding commitment to racial and economic justice and the LGBTQ community's most vulnerable. Website Link Here