Trump Administration Attacks LGBTQ People (Yet Again!) with HHS Proposed Rule

Today, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced a proposed rule that would allow HHS to issue grants to social service agencies that discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity, as well as religion and sex. The rule seeks to permit discrimination by HHS-supported social services ranging from foster care, adoption, HIV and STI prevention programs, to programs for seniors and people experiencing homelessness, and many other public health services.

Sharon McGowan, Lambda Legal’s chief strategy officer and legal director issued the following statement:

“HHS is charged with protecting the health and wellbeing of all people, but its actions today demonstrate once again its complete disregard for its mission. Today’s proposed rule rolls back critical protections against discrimination on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and religion, and in doing so, puts at risk some of the most vulnerable members of our communities, including LGBT people who are poor or experiencing homelessness; LGBT seniors and LGBT youth in out-of-home care, including foster children in need of loving families, people living with HIV, and many others.

“Furthermore, HHS’s announcement that it will immediately cease enforcement of existing nondiscrimination protections, rather than adhering to the established procedures for changing regulations such as these, once again demonstrates the Trump administration’s utter disregard for the rule of law.”