​Last month, Honda joined the Human Rights Campaign’s (HRC) Business Coalition for the Equality Act. HRC is the leading organization advocating for the rights and protection of LGBTQ+ individuals across our country and around the world.

Honda is proud to join this coalition of more than 300 companies that support expanding federal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals. HRC and the coalition advocate for the enactment of the Equality Act, which is federal legislation that would provide consistent non-discrimination protections based on sexual orientation or gender identity, not currently included in federal civil rights laws. Legal protections for LGBTQ+ Americans vary by state.

The Equality Act would amend existing federal law to include sexual orientation and gender identity as protected characteristics, and prohibit discrimination in public spaces and services, as well as federally-funded programs on the basis of sex.

“Honda is pleased to deepen our relationship with the Human Rights Coalition,” said Yvette Hunsicker, division head and vice president of the Office of Inclusion and Diversity and Corporate Community Relations at American Honda. “This is an important bill and we are proud to support it becoming law. This is an important benefit for the LGBTQ+ community.”

The Equality Act was passed by a bipartisan vote in the House last year and is currently in the Senate for consideration.

Honda’s participation in the Business Coalition is consistent with the company’s fundamental belief in Respect for the Individual. Honda has supported similar efforts, including becoming the first automaker to join Ohio Business Competes, a coalition of corporations, universities, law firms, and businesses in Ohio that favor statewide LGBTQ+-inclusive nondiscrimination policy.

Honda companies have supported the LGBTQ+ communities in a variety of ways in recent years. Honda has participated in PRIDE parades since 2016 and became a member of the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce in 2018.

Honda stands ready to support HRC in its efforts to ensure equal rights and protection of LGBTQ+ individuals, and will continue to seek opportunities to collaborate with organizations that align with Honda’s values and fundamental beliefs.