Panetta Joins Reintroduction of Equality Act as Original Co-Sponsor
Press Release
Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-20) joined Rep. David Cicilline (D-RI-01) and 192 of their House colleagues yesterday in reintroducing the Equality Act, which would provide explicit, permanent protections against discrimination for LGBT people in matters of employment, housing, access to public places, federal funding, credit, education and jury service. It would also prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in federal funding and access to public places.
"No one should face discrimination because of who they love or who they are," said Congressman Panetta. "I am proud to be an original cosponsor of the Equality Act, a bipartisan, comprehensive nondiscrimination bill to extend civil rights protections to LGBT Americans. As a member of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus, I will keep fighting every day to make sure LGBT people have an equal shot at the American Dream."
The Equality Act would amend the 1964 Civil Rights Act to include nondiscrimination protections on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity. The legislation was also introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), with 45 original cosponsors.
"Fairness and equality are core American values. But millions of LGBT Americans are still viewed as less than equal in the eyes of the law today," said Congressman Cicilline. "I'm proud to introduce the Equality Act of 2017 with Senator Jeff Merkley. This bill ensures that every LGBT person can live their lives free from the fear of discrimination. Above all, it's about honoring the values that have guided our nation since its founding. It's critical that Congress pass the Equality Act into law."
Currently, LGBT Americans have no protection from discrimination in 29 states. In these states, LGBT persons can be fired, evicted, or denied a loan just because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. The Equality Act will ensure nationwide, comprehensive protection from discrimination for LGBT people.
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