Proposed federal rule would prohibit transgender Americans from accessing homeless shelters as rates of homelessness soar drastically
Mayor Dobies has joined thousands of other Americans and more than 60 other mayors who represent more than 21 million constituents in submitting a public comment and letter opposing a proposed federal rule attempting to undermine the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Equal Access Rule, which ensures protections for LGBTQ people seeking federal housing and safe shelter.
Earlier this summer, the federal administration announced a proposed rule that would gut protections for transgender people by removing critical equal access protections meant to ensure the safety of anyone in need of HUD-funded programs, including transgender people seeking to access homeless shelters consistent with their gender identity.
By allowing shelters to consider factors such as religious beliefs and sex stereotypes in determining whether or not to house a transgender person, the administration is attempting to create a right to discriminate for taxpayer-funded shelters. This is especially dangerous as America continues to confront COVID-19, as the consequences of being turned away from a shelter can be dire.
The letter — which was coordinated by the National Center for Transgender Equality — reads, in part:
“As leaders of boroughs, towns, and cities, we oppose rule changes that will impede our ability to protect our constituents and provide necessary shelter. … Discrimination is never okay, but this proposal is particularly dangerous as our nation continues to struggle to suppress a national and global health crisis that has cost the lives of over 180,000 people across this nation. … As the death toll continues to rise, we know firsthand how this pandemic has overburdened our social and medical systems and impacted our constituents, many of whom may not have access to stable housing. … For transgender people, increasing barriers to health care and health care coverage is especially harmful during this public health crisis.”
Mayor Dobies released the following statement:
“In this time of global pandemic and economic uncertainty, everyone should have access to safe housing and shelter when in need. Period. Transgender Americans face high rates of discrimination when seeking housing, employment, and health care even in the best of times. The federal government’s proposed reversal puts undue hardship on vulnerable citizens. It’s just plain cruel at a time where we need compassion more than ever. As mayors, we continue to support all our residents, including those who are LGBTQ, and commit to doing our best to provide lifesaving services for everyone who needs them.”
The submitted letter is available for review here.
Mayor Dobies is a member of Mayors Against LGBTQ Discrimination, a national bipartisan coalition of more than 400 municipal leaders dedicated to securing inclusive nondiscrimination protections for all Americans, including LGBTQ people, at all levels of government.