0. Democrats push for LGBT rights bill with over 200 cosponsors
THE EQUALITY ACT – in conjunction with
Democrats push for LGBT rights bill with over 200 cosponsors
The Equality Act also offers definitions of discrimination based on of sex, sexual orientation and gender identity
Sex discrimination includes discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, as well as pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition;
Sexual orientation discrimination includes discrimination based on homosexuality, heterosexuality, or bisexuality
Gender identity discrimination includes discrimination based on gender-related identity, appearance, mannerisms, or characteristics, regardless of the individual's designated sex at birth
Provisions of the Equality Act
Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to include sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity among the prohibited categories of discrimination or segregation in places of public accommodation.
Authorizes the Department of Justice (DOJ) to bring a civil action if it receives a complaint from an individual who claims discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation or gender identity.
Prohibits programs receiving federal funds from denying benefits or discriminating against LGBT people
Prohibits employers from discriminating against LGBT people in terms of hiring and firing employees
Amends the Fair Housing Act, Equal Credit Opportunity Act and jury selection standards to prohibit discrimination against LGBT people
Prohibits individuals from being denied access to gender-based facilities, such as bathrooms or locker rooms, that is in accordance with their gender identity
Co-sponsors in the House: 195
Co-sponsors in the Senate: 46
Republican co-sponsors: 1
So far Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL-27) is the only GOP co-sponsor; Ros-Lethinen has a transgender son and is a vocal supporter of trans rights
Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) has a record of supporting LGBT rights, but has not yet commented on the legislation
Sources: Congressional Review Service; National Journal research.
May 4, | Owen Minott Jr.

1. Democrats Fail to Remove Anti-LGBT Amendment From NDAA Bill
LGBT DISCRIMINATION PROVISION
Democrats Fail to Remove Anti-LGBT Amendment From NDAA Bill
Timeline of National Defense Authorization LGBT Amendments
Obama’s Executive Order
In 2014, President Obama issued an executive order barring federal contractors from discrimination against LGBT employees
The Russell Amendment
Rep. Steve Russell (R-OK) slipped an amendment into the National Defense Authorization Act to legalize anti-LGBT discrimination by government contractors
When the House approved the NDAA in May, Russell’s provision remained.
Maloney Introduced Counter-Amendment
Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney (D-NY) put forth an amendment to nullify Russell’s amendment.
House Republicans Killed Maloney’s Amendment
Maloney’s amendment had the votes to pass when time ran out, with GOP support, but Republicans did not bring the gavel down. They held the vote open while they persuaded seven GOP legislators to switch their vote.
When Maloney’s amendment failed to pass, House Democrats in the camber chanted “Shame!” at the Republicans who switched their vote.
2014
April 2016
May2016
Rep. Steve Russell
Republican, Oklahoma’s 5th District
Rep. Sean Maloney
Democrat, New York’s 18th District
Sources: Mark Joseph Stern, “Chaos in the House as Republicans Bend Rules to Save Anti-LGBTQ Bill,” Slate, May 19, 2016; Cristina Marcos and Mike Lillis, “Chaos in House After GOP Votes Down LGBT Measure,” The Hill, May 19, 2016.
May 20, | Owen Minott Jr.