NCJW Hails Passage of Equality Act in the House of Representatives

National Council of Jewish Women
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NCJW Hails Passage of Equality Act in the House of Representatives

May 17, 2019, Washington, DC – The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) today applauded the passage of the Equality Act in the House of Representatives. The proposed law would extend equal protection of the law to LGBTQ individuals across many spheres of life including employment, housing, credit, education, public spaces and services, federally funded programs, and jury service. NCJW CEO Nancy Kaufman released the following statement:

“Passage of the Equality Act granting equal rights and protections to LGBTQ individuals is long overdue. Though many federal courts have ruled that anti-LGBTQ discrimination is a form of sex discrimination that violates federal law, the administration is working to overturn these rulings and redefine federal sex discrimination through regulation. It is shameful that such a basic commitment to human rights is missing from our statutes. Its omission gives a silent nod to discriminatory behavior ranging from harassment to employment discrimination to denial of services, including financial and legal services.

“Though Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has halted US Senate action on all House-passed legislation, we call on him and the entire Senate to do the right thing.  Act quickly to pass the Equality Act to provide consistent and explicit non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ individuals.”

The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a grassroots organization of volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, and families and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms. More information on Facebook and on Twitter at @NCJW.