Congressman Carson Continues Fight to Ensure Full LGBT Equality

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman André Carson continued his efforts to fight discrimination against the LGBT community by helping to introduce The Equality Act, legislation banning discrimination against LGBT individuals in public accommodations, housing, employment, and other core areas of daily life.

"No one should ever be discriminated against or denied services based on who they are or who they love," said Congressman Carson. "The Equality Act will ensure that LGBT Americans are afforded the same basic protections under the law as everyone else. I am proud to help lead this fight in the House of Representatives."

The Equality Act, which was introduced by Congressman David Cicilline (D-RI) in the House of Representatives and Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) in the Senate, will amend the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to make it illegal to discriminate against someone based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Congressman Carson is an original co-sponsor on the bill.

Despite last month's Supreme Court ruling that affirmed marriage equality, discrimination against LGBT individuals remains legal in most states. Today, 19 states and the District of Columbia offer employment and housing protections for the LGBT community. Only three additional states have prohibitions on discrimination based solely on sexual orientation.

Congressman Carson is a longtime supporter of LGBT rights. Earlier this year, he introduced the Equality for All resolution, which expressed the sense of Congress that gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people should be protected from discrimination under the law. Congressman Carson is also a founding member of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus.