Rep. Lofgren Applauds House Passing Landmark Bill that Would Protect LGBTQ Americans from Workplace and Housing Discrimination

Washington, D.C.--Today, U.S. Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif) and the House of Representatives voted to pass the Equality Act of 2019, landmark legislation that would amend the Civil Rights Act to outlaw discrimination based on Americans' sexual orientation and gender identity in employment and housing, as well as public accommodations, federal funding, public education, credit, and the jury system. Following today's vote, Rep. Lofgren released the following statement:

"No person should have to fear being fired or kicked out of their home because of who they are or the person they love," Rep. Lofgren said. "In passing the Equality Act, the House took a major step to ensure LGBTQ Americans get the protections they deserve. I call on the Senate to pass this bill to guarantee our nation's promise as the land of freedom and opportunity for all."

Having passed the full House of Representatives, the Equality Act now moves to the Senate where Majority Leader Mitch McConnel will decide whether the bill will be scheduled for a vote. According to the Human Rights Campaign, 50 percent of LGBTQ Americans live in states without statewide legal protections from discrimination. The Equality Act would guarantee that protection in all 50 states.

Rep. Lofgren is a member of the LGBT Equality Caucus and has long fought for the rights of LGBTQ Americans. During her time in Congress, Rep. Lofgren has repeatedly voted for the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, a precursor to the Equality Act that also would prohibit hiring and employment discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Earlier this year, Rep. Lofgren successfully worked to ensure that a ban on discrimination in the House of Representatives based on sexual orientation and gender identity be included in the new Democratic-majority House rules package for the first time. As Chair of the House Administration Committee, Rep. Lofgren oversees the implementation of this historic rules change.

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Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren is serving her thirteenth term in Congress representing most of the City of San Jose and Santa Clara County. Congresswoman Lofgren is the Chair of the Committee on House Administration, is the elected Chair of the 46-member California Democratic Congressional Delegation and serves as the Chair of the House Judiciary Immigration and Citizenship Subcommittee.