Washington, DC – Today, LGBTQ Victory Institute condemned United States Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) for an unprecedented decision to block Prof. Chai Feldblum’s position on the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). In a statement released earlier this year, Lee characterized Feldblum as having “radical views on marriage,” and wrote, “Don’t think for a second that you, your family, and your neighbors will be left alone if Feldblum gets her way.”
Feldblum is currently the only openly LGBTQ member of the EEOC, and Sen. Lee is overtly targeting her for being LGBTQ.
“In 2009, LGBTQ Victory Institute – through its Presidential Appointments Initiative – actively supported Feldblum’s appointment to the EEOC by President Obama,” said Reggie Greer, Victory Institute Director of Constituent Engagement. “We once again urge the U.S. Senate to confirm Feldblum given her record of accomplishment and expertise.”
Ever since the Trump Department of Justice began arguing that the 1964 Civil Rights Act does not extend to LGBTQ workplace protections, the EEOC has been clear that it does. By blocking Feldblum’s reappointment, Sen. Lee is not only attacking a distinguished scholar and public servant because of her sexual orientation – he is aiding the Trump Administration in their continual fight against LGBTQ equality.
Today, there are zero employment protections for LGBTQ Americans in 28 states, and 1 and 4 LGBTQ people have reported facing employment discrimination in the past five years. Approximately 26% of trans people have lost a job due to bias, and 50% have experienced workplace harassment. The data demonstrate precisely why federal protections and LGBTQ representation in government are so critical.
About Victory Institute
Victory Institute works to increase the number of LGBTQ people in public office and provides programming, services, and other support to ensure their success.