LGBTQIA+ Rights
NOW is committed to fighting discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in all areas, including employment, housing, public accommodations, health services, child custody and military policies. NOW is committed to educational efforts that combat the adverse effects of homophobia, promote positive images in the media and ultimately ensure civil rights protection for all. NOW asserts the right of LGBTQIA individuals to live their lives with dignity and security, and marriage equality for all.
Blog
First Amendment Defense Act: A View on the “License to Discriminate” Hearing
By anonymous As a young queer person, two specific days stand out to me. Two major events in the last year have profoundly changed my life and how I live it. June 25, 2015 marked the day I was legally allowed to marry another person of the same gender Read more...Orlando Shooting: A Response
The day of: 10am – When I see it, I’m holding hands with my girlfriend. I’m checking Facebook over Cheerios on a Sunday morning and I see headlines. 20 dead, in a gay nightclub in Orlando. My blood runs cold. My girlfriend’s bus back to NYC leaves in t Read more...RFRA Laws Undermine Child Protection, DV and Civil Rights Laws
Indiana RFRA Law Inadequately Revised: You may have heard about the Indiana Religious Freedom Restoration Act (IRFRA), that many believe attempts to weaken progress the country has made towards equality. Disguised as a law to protect the freedom to exe Read more...News
On Title IX’s Anniversary, We Redouble Our Commitment to Ending Discrimination Against Women
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today marks the 48th anniversary of Title IX, the landmark legislation that set out to ensure equal educational opportunities regardless of gender. This civil rights law has opened up doors that had long been closed to women and gi Read more … Read more...LGBTQ Americans Just Won A Massive Civil Rights Victory At The Supreme Court
A majority of justices ruled that an employer violates federal law when they fire someone for being gay or transgender. Read more...NOW Celebrates Pride Month and Stands with LGBTQIA+ Communities Everywhere
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Every June, Pride Month marks a celebration of LGBTQIA+ communities who have been working for equality for decades. These communities and individuals have repeatedly been denied employment protections, health care equity, public accom Read more … Read more...Faith-based adoption agencies can reject LGBT families under new rule proposed by Trump administration
This is “extremist policy-makers” using religion to justify hurtful and hateful policies says National Organization for Women President, Toni Van Pelt. “The HHS rule has nothing to do with religious freedom and everything to do with intolerance and right-wing politics.” Read more...Resources
ISSUE ADVISORY – Upcoming U.S. Supreme Court Decision on Marriage Equality
Update: The Status of Marriage Equality – By the end of June (Pride month), the U.S. Supreme Court will announce their decision regarding the constitutional status of marriage equality. Currently, there is marriage equality in 37 states and the District of Columbia and 13 states that prohibit marriage equality. In January, the U.S. Supreme Court granted review for cases from four states –Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and Tennessee. These cases were in the appeals process after the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals overturned district court rulings after their marriage bans were struck down.
RFRA Laws Undermine Civil Rights, Child Protection and Domestic Violence Laws
Those advocating for the bill are only concerned with protecting hateful and intolerant religious zealots and completely unconcerned with how this potential discrimination will infringe on the rights of other people, namely the LGBTQIA community, children, domestic violence victims and others.
NOW Foundation Joins Amicus Briefs in Supreme Court Cases: Marriage Equality 2014-2015
The Supreme Court will hear a challenge to state bans on same-sex marriage in Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky, and Tennessee on April 28 – an historic event for marriage equality advocates and for the nation.
Lobbying Tips for NOW Activists
Helpful tips and tricks to help you plan your next meeting with your member of Congress.