The bill, SB 2278, ultimately failed in the House in early April. However the public and institutional support was strong enough that we remain optimistic for GLBT equality in North Dakota.

The bill also garnered a lot of media attention, becoming one of the most talked-about legislative topics of the entire session. From the four simultaneous press conferences annoncing the bill to editorials, op-eds and letters from all sides, the print press is collected in a single PDF.

A special thanks to Fair Housing of the Dakotas for compiling the document, and for working with NDHRC to pass SB 2278.

SB_2278-Press_Round_Up

Just minutes ago, the North Dakota House voted down SB 2278, a bill that would have added sexual orientation and gender identity to the list of protected classes in North Dakota.

Though this single bill has failed, our efforts have not. No state has passed such legislation the first time around — and we, together, exceeded everyone’s expectations.

When equal rights legislation does pass in North Dakota — and it will — we will look back on this as a turning point in the struggle for equality. This was a time when thousands and thousands of North Dakotans stood up and spoke out against discrimination. This was a time when people young and old across the state realized that they are not alone.

Those Representatives that voted against this bill let fear, ignorance and intolerance rule the day. We need to express our disappointment in that.

We also need to thank and lift up those Representatives who voted in favor of the bill, and especially those who spoke so eloquently and bravely in support of its passage.

Everyone in this group made a difference, in votes and in the lives of those that this bill would have affected. We will continue to make a difference. And a greater difference each time we stand in solidarity in support of that which we know to be just and right.

I still support equal rights in North Dakota. I hope you will too. Soon, very soon, we will come together to continue this shared struggle for equality.

In service,

MITCH MARR
Executive Director
North Dakota Human Rights Coalition

We need your help today to pass SB 2278, the bill to add sexual orientation and gender identity to the list of protected classes in North Dakota.

Opponents of the bill are louder than ever. But our e-mails and calls of support to legislators make a difference. Let’s show them just how important this bill is. Let’s send a message: North Dakotans value fairness and opportunity for all of our neighbors.

Take action now!
•    Contact your representative
•    Contact the Human Services Committee
•    Send us your written testimony or letter of support: glbt@ndhrc.org
•    Attend the hearing— and wear blue!
•    Spread the word

Join the Facebook group I Support Equal Rights in North Dakota
Donate to support this legislative effort

Advocacy: http://www.hrcactioncenter.org/campaign/equalitynd_house

E-mail: http://www.hrcactioncenter.org/actioncenter/notice-description.tcl?newsletter_id=37862683

Some legislators are worried that the bill is “a solution looking for a problem”. In other words, we need to show them that this problem exists by telling our side of the story.

Have you or someone you know ever been discriminated against in North Dakota on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity? Have you lost a job or promotion? Been forced out of housing?

Send your written testimony to GLBT@NDHRC.ORG today and we’ll package and deliver them all to North Dakota Representatives.

And, if you haven’t already, please e-mail your Representatives and the House Human Services Committee in support of SB 2278.

With your help, this bill can be made law, and we can begin to extend equal rights to all North Dakotans. Please respond today, and spread the word.

* Send us your written testimony and we will deliver it: glbt@ndhrc.org
* House Human Services Committee members: http://tinyurl.com/bl24q4
* Locate your state Representatives: http://tinyurl.com/damrk8

Protection from discrimination in North Dakota should be extended to gays and lesbians.

This does not endorse sexual orientation or lifestyle choices, but protects gays and lesbians from discrimination when it comes to housing, employment, credit, insurance, public accommodations and services.

Already discrimination based on race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin and disability are protected.

These are fairness issues that deserve support.

The state Senate passed the bill doing this by a 27-19 margin, and now it’s in the state House of Representatives. The House should pass it.

If passed, SB 2278 will prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation & gender identity in North Dakota. Please contact House Human Services Committee members and your local state Representatives and ask them to support SB 2278.

Contact us if you’d like to testify at the hearing. We will send notice as soon as it is scheduled. Written testimony may also be submitted through us.

* View Human Services Committee members
* Locate your state Representatives
* Testify at the state legislature
* Send us your written testimony and we will deliver it: glbt@ndhrc.org
* Spread the word to family & friends!

We can pass this legislation, but we need you and all of your friends and family to support it — and to urge legislators to do the same.

Contact the Representatives listed below in support of the bill. Ask friends & family to do the same — especially if you or they are from their district.

Human Services Committee:
Robin Weisz: rweisz@nd.gov, Chairman – Hurdsfield, District 14
Vonnie Pietsch: vpietsch@nd.gov, Vice Chairman – Casselton, D. 22
Tom Conklin: tconklin@nd.gov – Douglas, D. 4
Kari L. Conrad: kconrad@nd.gov – Minot, D. 3
Chuck Damschen: cdamschen@nd.gov – Hampden, D. 10
Robert Frantsvog: rfrantsvog@nd.gov – Minot, D. 40
Curt Hofstad: chofstad@nd.gov – Devils Lake, D. 15
Richard G. Holman: rholman@nd.gov – Mayville, D. 20
Robert Kilichowski: rkilichowski@nd.gov -Minto, D. 16
Michael R. Nathe: mrnathe@nd.gov – Bismarck, D. 30
Todd Porter: tkporter@nd.gov – Mandan, D. 34
Louise Potter: lpotter@nd.gov – Grand Forks, 17
Gerry Uglem: guglem@nd.gov -Northwood, 19

It was a great win and a significant margin. Thank you to everyone who contacted Senators.

Now SB 2278 moves onto the House where the process starts all over again. This time we lobby Representatives, and things will move much faster.

We will send out a message as soon as SB 2278 is assigned to a committee — then we can once again show our legislators how important this legislation is. Please don’t e-mail your Representative yet.

In the meantime:
* Spread the word to your family & friends
* E-mail your Senator to express your thanks for a ‘Yea’ vote or disappointment in a ‘Nay’ vote
(The Senate vote record is posted below)

Congratulations on a great grassroots effort in support of this bill!