Post submitted by HRC Faith Organizer Daniel Ball

HRC Mississippi, along with the ACLU of Mississippi, held a legislative hearing at the Capitol in support of comprehensive, non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ people. HRC Faith Organizer Daniel Ball was among the six representatives who argued their case in support of LGBTQ protections.

 “The lack of explicit federal protections and the patchwork of state protections are inadequate, leaving LGBTQ people across our state vulnerable to discrimination,” Ball said. “In too many places, LGBTQ people are treated like second class citizens. We need comprehensive protections for LGBTQ people in core civil rights categories, including employment, housing, public spaces and services, education and federally funded programs.”

Thirty-one states, including Mississippi, still lack clear, fully inclusive non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ people. Additionally, since there is no federal law that consistently protects LGBTQ people, LGBTQ people can still be denied a mortgage, credit card, student loan or other type of lending simply because of who they are. That’s why HRC endorsed the Equality Act.

HRC Mississippi was very pleased to see the level of support from our legislators and leaders. We, along with our coalition partners, are committed and driven to help develop comprehensive protections for LGBTQ Mississippians.