The Equality Act Passes First Step

The House Judiciary Committee approved a bill Wednesday that will add sexual orientation & gender identity to federal civil rights laws. U.S. Rep. David Cicilline (D-R.I.) introduced the Equality Act in March. The Equality Act passed the committee by a 22 to 10 vote margin with all Republican committee members voting against it. Congressman Cicilline stated, “Fairness & equality are core American values. This bill affirms those values & ensures members of the LGBTQ community can live their lives free from the fear of legal discrimination of any kind.” Vanita Gupta, President & CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil & Human Rights concluded, “Discrimination is wrong & runs counter to the fundamental American values of freedom & equality. Today’s committee vote takes us one step closer to ensuring equal opportunity & dignity for all LGBTQ individuals in America. We applaud Chairman Nadler & Congressman Cicilline for their leadership & committee members for rejecting amendments that would dilute the legislation’s protections. The Equality Act is long overdue & the House of Representatives must pass the bill.” The Equality Act will specifically add gender identity & sexual orientation to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 & the Fair Housing Act. Congressman Cicilline will be the Keynote Speaker at Boston Spirit Magazine’s thirteenth annual LGBT Executive Networking Night takes place on Thursday May 2nd at the Copley Marriott Hotel from 6P to 9P. There is a $15 admission fee at the door to attend the event. (Graphic by Richard Emmanuel)
For More Info: bostonspiritmagazine.com
LISTEN: Lesbian Icon Leslie Cohen Talks After Stonewall