Contact: press@glaad.org
Join GLAAD and take action for acceptance.
Trending
- One of Michigan’s Oldest Pride Centers Tells GLAAD How They’ve Continued to Meet the Moment For The LGBTQ Community in 2024
- Fact Sheet: Kamala Harris on LGBTQ Issues: Abortion
- Making History, Being Heard: LGBTQ Southern Delegates are Taking Up Space at the DNC
- Fact Sheet: Donald Trump on LGBTQ Issues: Transgender Americans
- Out at the Democratic National Convention: Queer Voices and Equality on Stage
- Inside Flame Con: The Largest Queer Comic Convention Experience!
- Responsible Coverage of the 2024 DNC Must Include LGBTQ Voices and Issues
- Chicago: Five Black and Queer Owned-Businesses You Should Visit During The 2024 DNC
GLAAD RESPONDS TO SENATE FAILURE TO ADVANCE VOTING RIGHTS PROTECTIONS
(New York, NY – June 22, 2021) GLAAD, the world’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) media advocacy organization, is responding to the failure in the U.S. Senate to open debate on the “For the People Act,” which would combat restrictions on voting that disproportionately impact people of color and LGBTQ people.
The vote was 50-50, evenly split between Democrats and Republicans, falling short of the 60 votes needed to override the filibuster.
The bill counters measures imposed in 14 states so far that could suppress the vote of vulnerable Americans. It mandates 15 days of early voting, allows no-excuse absentee voting, same-day registration, and eases “Voter ID” requirements that have also proven to impact people of color and transgender Americans.
Other legislation is threatened in the Senate by the filibuster, including The Equality Act, which provides comprehensive protections against discrimination for every LGBTQ American. The Equality Act passed the House in February.
GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis responded on Twitter, and here:
“Tonight’s vote proves how the arcane and undemocratic filibuster is blocking so much of what the American people want: equal access to the ballot box, equality for LGBTQ people, gun safety, and more. It’s way past time to revisit how the U.S. Senate does the business of the American people, and end the filibuster. It is not a tool to ensure deliberation and compromise. It is threatening our democracy and holding our country back from meaningful, necessary, desired safety and progress. It’s simply time for it to go.”
ADDITIONAL RESEARCH
-
GLAAD research shows up to 91% of Americans believe it should be illegal to discriminate against LGBTQ people.
-
Polls show the highest support in history, 76%, for laws protecting LGBTQ people from discrimination, including support from Americans of all faith groups, ages and races.
-
GLAAD’s poll of LGBTQ Americans in April shows 78% are concerned the filibuster will be used to block equality legislation; 47% believe the filibuster should be eliminated; 43% would be less likely to support a Senator who votes to keep the filibuster
-
LGBTQ voters were the deciding difference in key states in the 2020 election, including Georgia, which voted for a Democratic president for the first time since 1993 and two Democratic senators to give the party majority control of the Senate
About GLAAD: GLAAD rewrites the script for LGBTQ acceptance. As a dynamic media force, GLAAD tackles tough issues to shape the narrative and provoke dialogue that leads to cultural change. GLAAD protects all that has been accomplished and creates a world where everyone can live the life they love. For more information, please visit www.glaad.org or connect with GLAAD on Facebook and Twitter.
Add A Comment
Related posts
Share this
Our Picks
Join GLAAD and take action for acceptance.
Topics
Don't Miss
GLAAD is elevating LGBTQ voices and issues at the Democratic National Convention (DNC). LGBTQ voters…