Planned Parenthood Condemns Attack on Transgender Workers

WASHINGTON D.C. - Today, Attorney General Jeff Sessions reversed the Department of Justice’s determination that the sex discrimination prohibition of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects transgender people from employment discrimination. Under President Obama’s administration, then Attorney General Eric Holder determined that Title VII prohibits discrimination based on a person’s gender identity.

Statement from Dawn Laguens, Executive Vice President of Planned Parenthood Federation of America:

“Workplace discrimination is an affront to our nation’s values. Attorney General Jeff Sessions and the Trump Administration have again launched an attack on communities that need more protection, not less. This targeted and biased attack on transgender workers is unconscionable.

“Transgender people face severe barriers, from discrimination to violence, in workplace settings, health care spaces, and their everyday lives -- especially transgender people of color. Planned Parenthood stands with them in their fight for equality and acceptance. Everyone deserves a safe and fair workplace, and this deliberate misreading of the protections promised by Title VII is a violation of transgender people's civil rights.”

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Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable health care for women, men, and young people, as well as the nation’s largest provider of sex education. With more than 600 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect and without judgment. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable health information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives.