May 13, 2016

Wyden Applauds Actions to Protect LGBT Americans from Discrimination in Education, Health Care

After two announcements on actions that take steps toward protecting the rights of LGBT Americans today, U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., issued the following statement:

“All young people should be able to go to school and seek health care in an environment where they can be who they are and love who they want,” Wyden said. “I applaud the administration for taking these critical steps in the fight for full protections for all LGBT Americans.”

The first announcement, from the Education and Justice Departments, said that public schools must allow transgender students to use whichever bathroom corresponds with their gender identity. Last week, Wyden signed a letter asking for such clarifications from the administration.

The second announcement, from the Health and Human Services Department, finalized explicit protections against discrimination in health care on the basis of gender identity or sexual orientation, in addition to race, color, national origin, age, and disability. 

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