Here’s what they mean for you. If the term “federal regulations” doesn’t feel all that relevant or interesting to you, don’t worry, you’re not alone.
The term does perhaps sound a little dry and boring. But, as it turns out, federal regulations are actually very important and shape many aspects of our lives, even if we’re not aware of it.
Recently, two federal agencies – the Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services – issued important new regulations that make it clear that it’s illegal to discriminate against someone for being lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, or because they are intersex.
These rules clarify that federal laws against sex discrimination in education and health care cover discrimination based on sexual orientation, transgender status, and sex characteristics (including intersex traits).