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CONGRESSMAN MORELLE VOTES TO PROTECT AND EXPAND ESSENTIAL HUMAN RIGHTS FOR LGBTQ COMMUNITY

May 17, 2019

Votes to pass Equality Act, prohibit discrimination against LGBTQ individuals

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, Congressman Joe Morelle (D, NY-25) voted to pass legislation to ensure all Americans are afforded the same essential human rights, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. The Equality Act, which Rep. Morelle cosponsors, will amend the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other existing laws to ensure LGBTQ+ individuals are guaranteed the same protections against discrimination as anyone else.

"No matter who they are or who they love, every single American should be guaranteed the same fundamental rights and protections," said Rep. Morelle. "Unfortunately, barriers still exist that stand in the way of achieving lived and legal equality for all people. The Equality Act breaks down those barriers and takes us one step closer to fulfilling the essential American promise that all people are endowed with the same equal rights and opportunity to succeed."

Currently, only 21 states have laws explicitly barring discrimination based on sexual orientation in employment, housing, and public accommodations, and only 20 states have such protections for gender identity. That means in a majority of states, it's still legal to discriminate against LGBTQ+ Americans in many aspects of daily life.

The Equality Act will amend the Civil Rights Act to specify that discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals in public accommodations, federal financial assistance, education, employment, housing, credit, and jury service is illegal.

"I am grateful to my colleagues for passing this critical legislation that is long overdue," continued Rep. Morelle. "I am proud to stand as an ally to the LGBTQ+ community and will continue to stand alongside them in the fight for opportunity, dignity, and equality for all."

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