WASHINGTON – The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, today applauded the Omaha city council for passing an ordinance banning discrimination in employment and public accommodations on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.  Already 123 cities and counties in the country have similar ordinances.

“Omaha is a world class city that now joins the ranks of other major American cities standing strong for fairness,” said HRC President Joe Solmonese. “The city council should be proud for affirming the principle that what matters is how you do your job, not who you are.”

HRC is proud to have partnered with Equal Omaha in advocating for the ordinance. The organization activated its local members and supporters as well as provided local leaders with strategic advice and financial support. HRC also provided data from its workplace project that shows 86 percent of Fortune 500 companies have their own policies against sexual orientation non-discrimination and nearly half cover gender identity.

“As part of our ‘On the Road to Equality’ bus tour last summer, I stood with local leaders in Omaha calling for this fair-minded measure,” added Solmonese. “It’s thrilling to see the city now implementing the best practices of America’s most successful businesses.”

The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.