Houses passes LGBTQ rights bill

Statement

Today the House passed H.R. 5, the Equality Act, which guarantees federal civil rights protections to LGBTQ Americans. The bill, of which I am an original cosponsor, amends existing laws to explicitly prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, education, housing, public accommodations, credit, Federal financial assistance, and Federal jury service. Only 21 states bar discrimination based on sexual orientation, and only 20 states have such protections for gender identity. The Equality Act insures LGBTQ people have these protections regardless of where in our country they reside. The Act also protects their family and friends who, because of their association, may experience discrimination and harassment. Statutory exemptions, including those for religious organizations, in the Civil Rights Act and the Fair Housing Act, remain in place. H.R. 5 passed by a vote of 236-173. The bill now goes to the Senate for action.

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