WASHINGTON, Sept. 23, 2020 – American Bar Association President Patricia Lee Refo sent a letter to Michael Williams, the Principal Deputy General Counsel in the Regulations Division at the Department of Housing and Urban Development, opposing a proposed rule that would make admission or placement determinations based on sex in facilities under community planning and development housing programs.
The ABA supports efforts to reduce homelessness and provide safe emergency shelter for at-risk populations. But the proposed rule ignores applicable federal law, violates civil and human rights, poses a danger to transgender homeless youth and increases risks during the COVID-19 pandemic by denying access to a vulnerable population.
The ABA has been committed to expanding civil rights protections in the fight against discrimination to include LGBTQ individuals in housing and all other areas. Federal law supports this position. The ABA therefore urges that the department withdraw the proposed rule.
Read the complete letter here.
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