WHAT THEY ARE SAYING:
HUD’s Directive to Enforce the Fair Housing Act to Prohibit Discrimination on the Basis of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced that it will administer and enforce the Fair Housing Act to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. The HUD directive begins implementation of the policy set forth in President Biden’s Executive Order 13988 on Preventing and Combating Discrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation.
LGBTQ Nondiscrimination in Arizona:
There are currently no explicit, comprehensive statewide non-discrimination protections for gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender people in Arizona. Public employees in Arizona are protected from employment discrimination based on sexual orientation, via a 2003 executive order.
The Latest on LGBTQ Nondiscrimination in Arizona:
In early 2014, Arizona was the subject of national attention when the passage of a discriminatory bill, S.B. 1062, led to an enormous outcry, including from some of the state’s largest employers and key businesses. The law was ultimately vetoed by Republican Governor Jan Brewer, but the legislature stopped well short of protecting LGBT people in Arizona from discrimination. Now, advocates are working to pass comprehensive LGBTQ nondiscrimination in Arizona.
State/Agency Policies:
A 2003 executive order signed by Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation – but not gender identity and expression – in state employment.
Municipalities with Non-Discrimination Protections: Last Updated January 5, 2021
The following municipalities protect people from discrimination on the basis of their sexual orientation and gender identity and expression:
Active Litigation
Brush & Nib Studio v. City of Phoenix
Case Seeking Religious Exemption from LGBTQ Nondiscrimination Laws
Key Date: September 16, 2019 • Ruling from the AZ Supreme Court ReviewStatus: Limited Ruling in Favor of Business Seeking Anti-LGBTQ Exemption
Legal Team: Alliance Defending Freedom
Type: Public Accommodations Discrimination
On June 7, Alliance Defending Freedom indicated it would appeal to the AZ Supreme Court following the Arizona Court of Appeals' ruling, which upheld the city of Phoenix's nondiscrimination ordinance that protects LGBTQ from discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodations.
Read MoreState of LGBTQ Equality in 11 Arizona Cities Detailed in HRC’s 6th Edition of the MEI
by Allison Turner •
For LGBTQ Americans, legal protections and benefits vary widely depending on location -- states and cities have markedly different laws governing discrimination. 20 states have non-discrimination laws that include protections for LGBTQ people in employment, and 19 states have laws that protect LGBTQ people from discrimination in places of public accommodation. But cities are leading the way: since the MEI’s debut in 2012, the number of cities earning perfect scores has increased more than sixfold, and today at least 24 million people live in cities that have more comprehensive, transgender-inclusive non-discrimination laws than their state.
The average score for cities in Arizona is 61 out of 100 points, which falls above the national average of 57.
Avondale: 15
Chandler: 61
Flagstaff: 67
Gilbert: 19
Glendale: 63
Mesa: 60
Peoria: 26
Phoenix: 100
Scottsdale: 65
Tempe: 100
Tuscaon: 100
“This year’s MEI paints a vivid picture: cities big and small, in red and blue states alike, are continuing our progress toward full equality, regardless of the political drama unfolding in Washington, D.C., and in state legislatures across the country,” said HRC President Chad Griffin. “Today, the MEI serves as a vital tool for business leaders and municipal officials alike when it comes to economic development. CEOs know that in order to attract and retain the best employees, they must grow their companies in places that protect LGBTQ citizens from discrimination and actively open their doors to all communities. The MEI is the best tool to help these businesses make crucial evaluations about the welcoming -- or unwelcoming -- nature of towns and cities across the nation.”
Small Businesses Against Discrimination
If You’re a Big Business, and You Believe in Protecting LGBTQ People from Discrimination, Click Here to Learn About Our America Competes coalition.
Small business owners across the United States are standing together to oppose discrimination and to support comprehensive nondiscrimination laws that protect all Americans, including LGBTQ people.
These business owners know that workforce development, innovation, tourism, economic growth, and quality of life are linked – and that environments that are welcoming to LGBTQ people are more competitive on all of these measures. They know that these same environments give their employees fair and equal opportunities to live, work, earn a living, send their kids to school, raise their families, and participate in their communities.
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