FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 10, 2021

CONTACT
Manisha Sunil, West End Strategy Team
msunil@westendstrategy.com; Phone: 202-417-0171

Faith Leader Welcomes Stronger Anti-Discrimination Protections for Transgender Americans by HHS

WASHINGTON — By reversing Trump-era policies permitting health care providers to discriminate against patients on the basis of gender identity, the Biden administration is signaling its commitment to both equality and religious freedom, argues Rabbi Jack Moline, president of Interfaith Alliance. Said Rabbi Moline in a statement:

“We celebrate the reversal of this Trump-era policy as one of many to ensure our federal policies are rooted in justice and dignity for all. Discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, medical history or any other reason has no place in our health care system. And yet, discriminatory policies have caused members of the LGBTQ+ community to face significant barriers to receiving quality, affirming care, costing millions of lives.

“The First Amendment protects our private spiritual lives, ensuring that every American can believe and worship as we choose, with one key one restriction: religious freedom cannot be used to deny the several rights of others. As the religious right continues its national attack on trans youth, it is more critical than ever that the Biden administration does all it can to ensure people of all gender identities can receive the lifesaving care they need. Faith leaders must continue to hold public officials’ feet to the fire on issues of transgender equality, because religious freedom and equality are complementary – not contradictory – values.”

If you are interested in speaking further with Interfaith Alliance on this issue, please contact Manisha Sunil at (202) 417-0171 or msunil@westendstrategy.com.

Interfaith Alliance is a network of people of diverse faiths and beliefs from across the country working together to build a resilient democracy and fulfill America’s promise of religious freedom and civil rights not just for some, but for all. We mobilize powerful coalitions to challenge Christian nationalism and religious extremism, while fostering a better understanding of the healthy boundaries between religion and government. We advocate at all levels of government for an equitable and just America where the freedoms of belief and religious practice are protected, and where all persons are treated with dignity and have the opportunity to thrive. For more information visit interfaithalliance.org.