Washington - The Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest LGBT civil rights organization, today applauded Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval for signing SB331 and SB368 into law. These bills codify prohibitions against discrimination in public accommodations and housing respectively.

"We thank Governor Sandoval, once again, for standing up for all Nevadans," said HRC President Joe Solmonese. "No one should have to live in fear of being discriminated against in housing or public accommodations simple because of who they are. With the signing of this legislation, Nevada takes another significant step towards full equality for Nevadans and visitors to the Silver State."

SB331 protects against discrimination in public accommodations on the basis of gender identity or expression, while SB368 adds sexual orientation and gender identity or expression to Nevada's housing anti-discrimination law. Additionally, the Nevada legislature passed and Gov. Sandoval last week signed AB211, legislation that expanded the state's anti-discrimination laws in employment to cover gender identity or expression. A ceremonial signing of the bills is scheduled for tomorrow.

The Human Rights Campaign has worked to build both public and legislative support for this legislation, mobilizing Nevadans and sending staff to educate Nevada lawmakers and businesses on transgender issues. Through these efforts, thousands of phone calls, emails and handwritten letters have been sent to legislators urging them to approve this legislation.

Nevada is now the 14th U.S. state, along with the District of Columbia, to provide protections based on gender identity or expression. For maps of nondiscrimination laws in the states, please visit: www.HRC.org/State-Laws.

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.