This week, the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) joined 43 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) was introduced in both the House and Senate on March 13 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.
“We believe an appropriately-tailored federal standard would complement our members’ ongoing work to promote equal opportunity in the workplace,” the letter said. “Our members recognize the value of equal opportunity because it enables them to attract and retain the most talented employees.”
H.R. 5 was introduced in the House with 239 co-sponsors and could see passage this spring. The lead sponsor of the bill is Rep. David Cicilline (D-RI).
“It is past time for the Equality Act to be written into law,” Cicilline said this week. “No American should ever be treated as less than equal in the eyes of the law.”
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) has not indicated whether he will bring the bill to the Senate floor.
This article was provided to OSAE by the Power of A and ASAE's Inroads.