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Congressman Paul D. Tonko, Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan, and local LGBT leaders joined this morning in Academy Park in Albany to discuss recent victories in the campaign for equality and the challenges that continue to exist before the community. The officials were joined by Michael Weidrich, Executive Director of the Pride Center of the Capital Region, Lyndon Cudlitz, Director of Training of the Pride Center of the Capital Region, and Tandra Lagrone, Executive Director of In Our Own Voices, Inc.

The group discussed June as a historic month that has seen Supreme Court decisions that have struck down discriminatory laws and made marriage equality the law of the land. Tonko spoke to the need to pass the Equality Act, which would expand anti-discrimination protections contained in the 1964 Civil Rights Act to include sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity.

“In the past 13 years, the month of June has brought us progress in the LGBT community – and for all Americans. But as we celebrate the victories of marriage equality and defeating DOMA, we are reminded too often that we have more work to do. Whether it’s a shooting in Orlando, or a bigoted bathroom law passed in North Carolina, or a Pride flag burned here in Albany at the Damien Center, we know there are still goals yet to be achieved,” said Rep. Paul Tonko.

"While the City of Albany has passed many of the protections for the LGBT community sought in the Equality Act, no one should have to worry about their rights once they leave City limits," said Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan. "The Equality Act will improve Albany's protections and ban discrimination nationally against LGBT people based on sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity. When these protections become the law of the land, it will ensure LGBT people will be safe and protected wherever they go in this country. Thank you Congressman Tonko for leading the fight for this essential legislation."

“In the face of the Orlando tragedy – a hate crime and act of terrorism – gay and bisexual men wanting to donate blood to the victims were discriminated against by the Food & Drug Administration’s ban on blood donation from members of the LGBT community. This continued discrimination needs to stop and the FDA needs to change their policy,” said Michael Weidrich, Executive Director of the Pride Center of the Capital Region. “We have come so far as a movement, but hate and discrimination against the LGBT community continues. Congress needs to pass the Equality Act to prohibit discrimination based on sex, gender identity and sexual orientation. The United States must protect its LGBT citizens and make Equality the law of the land.”

Despite progress made in recent years, discrimination remains a reality of life for many LGBT Americans. A study conducted earlier this year by the non-partisan Human Rights Campaign found that 63% of LGBT Americans have experienced discrimination in their personal lives. In addition, research indicates 82% of LGBT students report that they’ve been verbally harassed, 38% have been physically harassed, and 64% have felt unsafe at school because of their sexual orientation.

The Equality Act will expand the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other existing laws to extend anti-discrimination protections for both sexual orientation and gender identity. Despite last month’s Supreme Court ruling that affirmed marriage equality, discrimination against LGBT individuals remains legal in most states. Today, only 19 states and the District of Columbia offer employment and housing protections for the LGBT community. And three other states have prohibitions on discrimination based solely on sexual orientation.

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