05/16/2019

ASAE Joins Letter in Support of Equality Act

The act would ensure federal protections for LGBTQ individuals

This week, the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) joined other trade and professional associations in a letter of support for the Equality Act, which would ensure federal protections for LGBTQ individuals.

The bill (H.R. 5) is set to get a vote in the House this week and would amend the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to explicitly prohibit discrimination in the workplace on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. The bill was previously introduced in 2015 but stalled in the Republican-controlled Senate.

Numerous industry groups are in support of the measure, as evidenced in the letter co-signed by ASAE.

“Our members recognize the value of equal opportunity because it enables them to attract and retain the most talented employees, connect better with their customers, and make their communities stronger and more inclusive,” the letter said.

H.R. 5 was introduced in the House with 240 co-sponsors and was approved by the House Judiciary Committee on May 1. The lead sponsor of the bill is Rep. David Cicilline (D-RI).

“Equal treatment under the law is a founding principle of America and it’s absurd that, in 2019, members of the LGBTQ community can be fired from their jobs, denied service in a restaurant or get thrown out of their apartment because of their sexual orientation or gender identity,” Cicilline said earlier this month.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) has not indicated whether he will allow the bill a vote on the Senate floor.

This article was provided to OSAE by the Power of A and ASAE's Inroads.