When a person’s civil rights are denied, they deserve representation. Today is a big day in our charge to provide that for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) community in Maryland. FreeState Justice is proud to announce the launch of the Maryland LGBTQ Legal Defense Fund to provide free legal services to those facing discrimination who could not otherwise afford representation.
As Maryland’s only statewide legal services and policy advocacy organization representing the LGBTQ community, FreeState receives hundreds of requests for legal assistance each year and closed nearly 150 discrimination cases in 2017.
Despite our progress, the Maryland LGBTQ community continues to face troubling attacks and policies from the current federal administration. We are not immune from the rescinding of guidelines protecting transgender students, condoning bigotry masked as religious belief, advocating in favor of discrimination in court, and targeting transgender service members. Now is the time for our community to come together to confront vitriolic national rhetoric and defend equality in our state. With the launch of this Fund, FreeState Justice is fighting back.
A contribution to the Maryland LGBTQ Legal Defense Fund can help provide the resources to recruit and train volunteer attorneys and ensure people are defended when their rights are violated.
This work is only possible because of tireless volunteers and generous contributors. Will you join us? An anonymous donor has offered to match every donation on Giving Tuesday tomorrow, dollar for dollar, up to $7,500! A gift of $250, $100, or whatever amount you are able to give will help us serve those in need and win victories for our community in 2018.
Donate at https://freestate-justice.org/defense-fund/defense-fund-donate/ today or send a check payable to FreeState Justice at the address below.
Every dollar donated to the Fund helps provide free legal representation to LGBTQ Marylanders facing discrimination who cannot otherwise afford it. Your support means so much to our community, especially those we serve who are most at risk of discrimination.
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