NBA Move, Coupled with Other Advances, is Clear Sign of Momentum Toward LGBT Equality

WASHINGTON - The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nations largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, congratulated the National Basketball Association (NBA), who announced today they would be a adopting a non-discrimination policy that covers sexual orientation as part of their collective bargaining agreement. The announcement comes on the same day that HRC released the 2012 Corporate Equality Index, which scores U.S. employers on their policies and practices pertinent to LGBT employees. Earlier this year, the National Football League and Major League Baseball added sexual orientation to their nondiscrimination protections.

'The NBA now joins the ranks of some of the most influential organizations and corporations in the country, who all believe that equality and inclusion are integral to a successful workplace,' said HRC President Joe Solmonese. 'We are grateful to Commissioner Stern, the NBA and the Players Association for sending such a powerful message to society that what matters is a persons talent, not their sexual orientation.'

Over the last year, a number of professional athletes have worked with HRC to promote LGBT equality in America. Most recently, NBA great Steve Nash, Sean Avery of the NHL, and the NFLs Michael Strahan, Brendan Ayanbadejo and Scott Fujita all participated in video ads speaking out in favor of marriage equality.

Because there are no legal protections at the federal level, many private employers have adopted policies to protect their LGBT employees against unfair employment practices. HRC called on the NBA to adopt non-discrimination policies that cover sexual orientation and gender identity, and will continue to advocate for the inclusion of gender identity in their nondiscrimination policy.

Released today, HRCs Corporate Equality Index (CEI) provides an in-depth analysis and rating of large U.S. employers and their policies and practices pertinent to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees. For more information on the report and a list of the 636 participating companies, go to www.hrc.org/CEI.

The Human Rights Campaign is Americas largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

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