DeGette: Time for Full LGBT Equality in All Walks of Life is Now

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette (CO-01) joined with Reps. David Cicilline (RI-01) and John Lewis (GA-05) and Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Cory Booker (D-NJ) to introduce the Equality Act, a landmark bill that would extend vital non-discrimination protections to include LGBT individuals.

Specifically, the Equality Act would amend the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other existing laws to prohibit discrimination based on actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity in the areas of employment, education, credit, housing, federal funding, jury service, and public accommodations.

"In a society built on the principle that all are created equal, discrimination of any kind is harmful to our democracy," said Rep. DeGette. "No American should be evicted from a home, fired from a job, or bullied in school because of who they are. I will continue to stand with my colleagues in defense of equality for all Americans and will continue this fight until discrimination of all kinds is eradicated in our country."

Currently, Colorado state law prohibits discrimination against LGBT individuals in the workplace, at school, or in public accommodations, however, most states do not have such protections. For example, it is still legal in 31 states to fire an employee because they are gay or transgender. In 28 states, same-sex couples have no legal recourse if their landlord decides to evict them from their home, and only 14 states have laws prohibiting discrimination against LGBT students in school. The Equality Act would work to correct these injustices.

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