#AM_Equality Tipsheet: January 15, 2019

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SENATE MUST DEMAND ANSWERS ON WILLIAM BARR, TRUMP-PENCE NOMINEE FOR AG: “Mr. Barr’s public record indicates deeply disturbing views toward LGBTQ people and people living with HIV that are out of step with the values of the American people,” said HRC Government Affairs Director David Stacy (@david_stacy). “From his legal positions around HIV and AIDS during his tenure as attorney general to his more recent writing promoting extreme views around religious exemptions, William Barr is ill suited to be our country's top law enforcement officer.” More from HRC.

TODAY -- NEW YORK LEGISLATURE TO VOTE ON ENACTING TWO VITAL PROTECTIONS FOR LGBTQ PEOPLE: Yesterday, two critical bills advanced through committee in the New York State Senate and Assembly. After more than a decade, the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA) -- a bill adding gender identity and expression to the Human Rights Law -- passed Senate committee and advanced to the Senate floor. Committees in both houses also passed a bill protecting LGBTQ youth from the dangerous practice of so-called “conversion therapy.” HRC is on the ground at the Capitol on this historic day with other advocates working toward final passage. Follow @HRC on Twitter for updates throughout the day.

#Thread: Today was a major day for #LGBTQ equality in New York.

Two vital protections for LGBTQ people passed out of Senate and Assembly committees TODAY and await a full vote TOMORROW. pic.twitter.com/pmT5TDYrm2

— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) January 15, 2019

TIME TO MOVE EQUALITY FORWARD IN VIRGINIA: Equality Virginia's Executive Director James Parrish pens a powerful piece on the critical need for the state legislature to finally pass LGBTQ-inclusive housing and public employee non-discrimination protections in Virginia. More from Richmond Times Dispatch.

TEXAS PARENT-ADVOCATES’ INSPIRING MESSAGE TO TRANS AND NON-BINARY YOUTH: Amber and Adam Briggle write, “We have so much hope for your future. We hope your school district adopts a policy that helps you feel safe and supported when you transition. We hope your elected officials spend more time focusing on funding your school and less time on the bathrooms inside them. We hope the adults in your life choose candidates who stand up for equality, knowing that your future is in their hands.” Read more at the Denton Record-Chronicle.

TUESDAY TWEET -- OHIO GOV. MIKE DEWINE SIGNS ORDER PROTECTING LGBTQ STATE EMPLOYEES FROM DISCRIMINATION: “Today, by continuing these crucial non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ state employees, Governor DeWine did the right thing, and we hope his administration will push for the fair treatment of all LGBTQ Ohioans over the next four years,” said HRC Ohio State Director Shawn Copeland, who also called on the state to pass a bill barring discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, housing and public accommodations. More from HRC.

This morning, Ohio Gov. @MikeDeWine signed an executive order prohibiting discrimination against #LGBTQ state employees. https://t.co/wtogGLxYnN

— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) January 14, 2019

HORRIFYING -- TEXAS MEN ARRESTED AFTER BEATING, SEXUALLY ASSAULTING NINE MEN MET THROUGH DATING APP: Daniel Jenkins and Michael Atkinson allegedly invited the men to an empty apartment and attacked them. More from The Star-Telegram.

NEW RESEARCH DETAILS SOCIAL STIGMA EXPERIENCED BY SAME-SEX FATHERS AND THEIR CHILDREN: More from NBC.

TACOMA MAN CHARGED UNDER STATE HATE CRIME LAW AFTER ALLEGEDLY HARASSING AND ASSAULTING LESBIAN AT FOOTBALL GAME: More from Patch Seattle.

CRITICS CHOICE AWARDS HONOR LGBTQ, ALLIED STARS AND SHOWS:

Congratulations to #CriticsChoice winners, including longtime @HRC supporters:
-@BarryJenkins
-@LadyGaga
-Cast & crew of @CrazyRichMovie, including @NicoSantos & @awkwafina
-Cast & crew of #ACSVersace, including @MrRPMurphy, @DarrenCriss & @Ricky_Martin.
-@PattyArquette

— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) January 14, 2019

GLOBAL EQUALITY NEWS

LITHUANIA’S CONSTITUTIONAL COURT RULES SAME-SEX FOREIGN SPOUSES MUST BE ABLE TO OBTAIN RESIDENCE PERMITS: Lithuania does not have any form of recognition of same-sex relationships. More from Gay Star News.

HORRIFYING -- PRO-LGBTQ AND PRO-IMMIGRANT POLISH MAYOR PUBLICLY STABBED: Gdansk Mayor Pawel Adamowicz died as a result of the stabbing. More from The New York Times.

LATER THIS MONTH -- INDIA TO DISCUSS DEEPLY-FLAWED “TRANSGENDER RIGHTS” BILL: The bill would make it more difficult for trans people to gain legal recognition, and disproportionately targets the Hijra, trans and intersex community. More from Samantha Allen (@SLAwrites) at The Daily Beast.

READING RAINBOW - Bookmark now to read on your lunch break!

The Atlantic chronicles the nearly two years of struggle for trans troops after Trump’s unconstitutional tweets banning them from serving their country; Hella Black Podcast interviews journalist George M. Johnson (@IamGMJohnson) about LGBTQ equality in the Black community

Have news? Send us your news and tips at AMEquality@hrc.org. Click here to subscribe to #AM_Equality and follow @HRC for all the latest news. Thanks for reading!


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