WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, released the following statement on the joint guidance released today by the U.S. Departments of Education and Justice, and a new final rule by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on ensuring civil rights for transgender Americans:

“Schools and doctors’ offices should be safe places for everyone. No one should be discriminated against or harassed because of their gender identity or sexual orientation. Today’s guidance by the Obama administration is an important step in that direction. I’ll keep fighting in Congress to ensure strong civil rights protections for all LGBTQ Americans.”