WASHINGTON - The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) today lauds the Nevada legislature for passing two vital pieces of legislation, SB 331 and SB 368, protecting transgender rights.

Both bills incorporate gender identity and expression into the state's non-discrimination law, one specific to housing and the other to public accommodations. Earlier this month, the Nevada legislature added gender identity and expression to the employment non-discrimination law. The bills now move to Gov. Brian Sandoval’s desk for his consideration.

“We congratulate the Nevada legislature for ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all Nevadans,” HRC President Joe Solmonese said. “An individual’s gender identity and expression should never be the basis for determining access to housing or public accommodations. We urge Governor Sandoval to swiftly sign these bills into law."

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.

If signed, Nevada will join 13 other states and the District of Columbia in providing protections based on gender identity and expression in housing and public accommodations. For maps of nondiscrimination laws in the states, please visit HERE.