Only 18 states protect LGBT Americans from discrimination. That means 32 states have no such laws on the books.

That could change if the U.S. Congress passes a bipartisan bill known as the Equality Act. This very important piece of legislation would, among other things, ensure that LGBT workers couldn’t be fired or denied housing because of who they love or their gender identity.

HRC knows that corporations carry a lot of weight with legislators (especially know in the post-Citizens United world). And so, it’s cobbled together a group of 60 major companies that have voiced support for the Equality Act, in the hope of garnering votes for the bill.

Only problem is, there’s not one automaker in the bunch. Check the list above: not one out of 60. Sad.

From HRC’s press release:

Since HRC joined with lawmakers and advocates last July to introduce the Equality Act in Congress, HRC has continued to build support from the business community. Today, the Business Coalition for the Equality Act launches with 60 leading American companies. With operations in all 50 states, headquarters spanning 22 states and a combined $1.9 trillion in revenue, the companies that make up the coalition employ over 4.2 million people in the United States.

“These business leaders are showing true leadership and fighting to end a shameful status quo that leaves LGBT people at risk in a majority of states for being denied services or fired because of who they are or who they love,” said HRC President Chad Griffin. “We’re proud of all these corporate leaders stepping forward to say that all Americans, including LGBT people, should be able to live free from fear of discrimination and have a fair chance to earn a living.”

[via Joe.My.God]