Lesbian, Gay and
Bisexual Issues
NASW believes that same-gender sexual orientation should be afforded the same respect and rights as other-gender sexual orientation. NASW is committed to working toward the elimination of prejudice and discrimination based on sexual orientation, both inside and outside of the profession.
In social work education and the professional environment, NASW expects schools of social work to address the issue of discrimination. NASW encourages continuing education programs on practice and policy issues relevant to lesbian, gay, and bisexual people and cultures, as well as education about human sexuality. NASW believes all social work organizations and associations should use inclusive, gender-neutral language and social work licensure exams should include questions specific to lesbian, gay, and bisexual issues.
In coalition with other mental health and human services professions, NASW supports antidiscrimination legislation at the national, state, and local levels. NASW opposes laws that allow discrimination against lesbian, gay, and bisexual people, including in immigration, employment, housing, professional credentialing, licensing, public accommodation, child custody, and the right to marry. NASW encourages the adoption of laws that recognize inheritance, insurance, same-sex marriage, child custody, property, and other relationship rights for lesbian, gay, and bisexual people.
