Pallone Introduces the Equality Act with Colleagues to End LGBT Discrimination

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 23, 2015


WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) introduced the Equality Act as an original cosponsor of the bill. The Equality Act would amend the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to make it illegal to discriminate against someone based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. The legislation would apply to public accommodations, federal funding, education, employment, housing, credit, and jury service.

“No one should ever be discriminated against, live in fear of being fired, or be denied equal basic protections under the law because of who they love,” said Congressman Pallone. “As a longtime advocate for LGBT equality, I am proud to help lead the fight to rid our country of this unacceptable discrimination.”

Despite last month’s U.S. Supreme Court ruling that affirmed marriage equality, discrimination against LGBT individuals remains legal in most states. For example, today, only 19 states offer employment and housing protections for the LGBT community. Furthermore, just 17 states prohibit discrimination for public accommodations based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

Among Pallone’s ongoing efforts for full LGBT equality, he has long-urged government action against LGBT discrimination in the workplace. He led letters in Congress asking the President to sign an executive order that would require any company seeking a federal contract to have adopted workplace policies against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. In 2014, the President heeded the call and extended protections to LGBT workers.