The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights Issues Statements in support of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month 2016 and the joint guidance on transgender student protections provided by the Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights and the Department of Justice

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Jun 20, 2016, 01:55 ET

WASHINGTON, June 20, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights (Commission), by majority vote, issued two landmark statements advocating for the preservation and advancement of civil rights protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people.

In its first statement, the Commission asserts its strong support for the joint guidance issued by the Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights and the Department of Justice which increases protections for transgender students under Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972. The statement reinforces the Commission's official position of denunciation of state legislation and pending proposals that aim to nullify constitutional protections of LGBT individuals. The full statement can be viewed here: http://www.usccr.gov/press/2016/PR_StatementofSupportforED-DOJJointGuidence.pdf.

In its second statement, the Commission observes LGBT Pride Month and honors sacrifices made by members and allies of the LGBT community. In addition to paying tribute to the courage of historical and current champions of LGBT rights, the statement calls attention to the continued challenges faced by LGBT people. It also reaffirms the Commission's commitment to furthering progress toward full equality under the law for LGBT people. The full statement can be viewed here: http://www.usccr.gov/press/2016/PR_StatementReLGBTPrideMonth.pdf.

Commission Chairman Martin R. Castro stated on behalf of the Commission, "It is at times like this in our nation's history that we must stand up and speak out for those who are targeted for discrimination and acts of hate. Today, we do that as well as celebrate and honor the accomplishments of the LGBT community who have contributed to the greatness of our country."

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The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights is an independent, bipartisan agency charged with advising the President and Congress on civil rights matters and issuing a federal civil rights enforcement report. For information about Commission's reports and meetings, visit http://www.usccr.gov.