Greetings,

It has certainly been a good week for fairness! 

Incase you missed it, on Wednesday U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced plans to create the first national resource center for aging lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals.  It will assist in meeting the needs and concerns for older LGBT people and those caring for them.

Also, on Wednesday U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan announced a series of proposed rule changes to make housing programs blind as they relate to a person's sexual orientation or gender identity.  The changes would, among other things, clarify the term "family" and ensure that any FHA-insured mortgage loans be based on credit-related factors and not linked to orientation or gender identity

Today, the U.S. Senate passed the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act marking a memorable day in our country's history.  The measure previously passed the U.S. House of Representatives and now heads to President Obama for signature.

“The passage of an inclusive hate crimes bill by the U.S. Congress is a great step for fairness across our country.  President Obama should move quickly to sign this historic legislation and make it the law of the land,” said Jody Cofer, KFA Board member.  “While Kentucky hate crimes law references orientation, a portion of the LGBT community is passed over.  This federal legislation brings our transgender brothers and sisters into the tent.  Sadly, prejudices still sometimes lead to awful criminal acts - it’s time for federal statute to acknowledge and curb that."

All of this is great news for fair-minded Kentuckians, but more work remains and it will not get any easier.  Are you ready to keep moving forward?  If so, share the great news of this week with your friends & family and have them join KFA today!

In Fairness,
Your KFA Team

P.S. - If you haven't purchased your statewide fairness gala tickets yet, do it online today!  We want to see you Out & About.