Protecting LGBT Families
Same-sex couples are denied over 1,000 benefits, rights, and protections that federal law affords to married, heterosexual couples, as well as hundreds of such protections at the state level.

Marriage
The national debate about whether or not same-sex couples should be allowed to receive a marriage license has elevated after Ontario and British Columbia legalized same-sex marriage and the Supreme Court declared sodomy laws unconstitutional.

Workplace Discrimination
Gay, lesbian, and bisexual employees can be fired on the basis of their sexual orientation in 34 states. Transgender employees can be fired on the basis of their gender identity and expression in 44 states.

Immigration
Current U.S. immigration law does not allow lesbian and gay citizens or permanent residents to petition for their same-sex partners to immigrate.

Privacy Issues
On June 26, 2003, the U.S. Supreme Court handed down its decision in Lawrence v. Texas. The Court overturned Texas' sodomy law as a violation of privacy rights under the due process clause of the 14th Amendment.

Health
HRC's health work has historically been focused on issues surrounding the HIV/AIDS pandemic, but has broadened to encompass a wide variety of health issues, such as lesbian health, that impact upon the LGBT community.

Hate Crimes
Anti-gay hate crimes are underreported, increasing, and state laws are inadequate. The federal hate crimes bill does not include hate crimes based on sexual orientation, gender or disability.

Transgender Issues
There is a lack of public education and understanding of issues faced by the transgender community, in addition to the discrimination against the entire GLBT community.

Military
Under the U.S. military's "don't ask, don't tell, don't pursue, don't harass" policy, gay, lesbian and bisexual service members are prohibited from serving openly. Current military regulations also medically disqualify transsexual men and women from service.

Judicial Nominations
HRC monitors judicial nominations that could place courts outside the mainstream, which would make it increasingly difficult for GLBT Americans to achieve basic justice and equality through the federal courts.