US House of Representatives Passes Far-Reaching LGBTQ Rights Bill

Last week, the US House of Representatives passed the Equality Act of 2019, which would prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in a broad array of important areas, including: employment, public accommodations, public facilities, education, federally funded programs, housing, credit, and jury service.

The vote was 236 for the bill and 173 against it. Generally, the vote was along party lines, but eight Republicans broke ranks with their party to support it.

A coalition of over 200 businesses and the US Chamber of Commerce also backed the bill. Said Neil Bradley, the Chamber’s Executive Vice President & Chief Policy Officer:

Americans are protected from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.  Yet, existing federal civil rights law and the laws of many states fail to protect against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. Providing such protections is necessary to filling the promise of equal opportunity that is the bedrock of the United States.

Despite that support, the measure likely will face tough going in the Republican-led Senate. And, the administration has signaled that President Donald Trump opposes the bill in its current form.

Contacts

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