MONTGOMERY--Despite various discriminatory anti-LGBT bills being considered and debated over the past few months, the Alabama Legislature concluded this year’s legislative session on Thursday without a single piece of anti-LGBT of legislation becoming law.  In addition, a handful of pro-equality bills that would have added explicit new protections for LGBT Alabamians were introduced in this year’s session. HRC Alabama saw both of these developments as noteworthy signs of progress, and urged lawmakers in future legislative sessions to keep discriminatory legislation where it belongs: in the dustbin of history.

“Alabama’s future is bright, and it’s future will be even brighter when we win the critical legal protections that LGBT Alabamians rightly deserve as citizens of our state and our great country,” said HRC Alabama Director Patricia Todd.  “In addition, passing these protections would enhance the ability of Alabama’s businesses to attract and retain the nation’s top talent, and would signal to private sector leaders across the country that Alabama is an open and welcoming place to invest and create jobs. Importantly, not only will HRC Alabama continue to work aggressively to one day make full equality in our state a reality, we will do whatever we can to ensure that discriminatory legislation remains where it belongs: in the dustbin of history.  While some may think of such measures as part of Alabama’s past, I hope all Alabamians agree that it should absolutely not be a part of our shared future.”

HRC Alabama is working to advance equality for LGBT Alabamians who have no statewide protections in housing, workplace, or public accommodations; and legal state recognition for their relationships and families. Through HRC Alabama, we are working toward a future of fairness every day—changing hearts, minds and laws toward achieving full equality.