HHS is charged with protecting the health and wellbeing of all people, but its actions today demonstrate once again its complete disregard for its mission.
(New York, NY, November 1, 2019) Today, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced a proposed rule that would allow HHS to issue grants to social service agencies that discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity, as well as religion and sex. The rule seeks to permit discrimination by HHS-supported social services ranging from foster care, adoption, HIV and STI prevention programs, to programs for seniors and people experiencing homelessness, and many other public health services.
Sharon McGowan, Lambda Legal’s chief strategy officer and legal director issued the following statement:
“Furthermore, HHS’s announcement that it will immediately cease enforcement of existing nondiscrimination protections, rather than adhering to the established procedures for changing regulations such as these, once again demonstrates the Trump administration’s utter disregard for the rule of law.”