HUMAN RIGHTS »» LGBTQ RIGHTS »» LGBTQ CIVIL RIGHTS »» Aug 30, 2021

Civil rights are legal, economic and social rights equally extended to all inhabitants of a nation. Our Supreme Court decides many civil rights issues, such as when it ordered bussing to desegregate public schools. The 1964 Civil Rights Act and other legislation prohibited discrimination based on color, gender, race, religion or national origin. However, the protections of this Act were not extended to sexual orientation. Advocates say America must ensure the same civil rights protection for gays and lesbians that minority races, religions groups and other classes enjoy from the Civil Rights Act. If so included and for the first time, LGBTQ people could live openly without discrimination and enjoy equal rights, personal autonomy and freedom of expression and association – like everyone else. Pending Legislation: S.393 - Equality Act (passed House) Sponsor: Sen. Jeff Merkley (OR) Status: Senate Committee on the Judiciary Chair: Sen. Dick Durbin (IL)