Pallone proposes legislation to outlaw LGBT discrimination

LGBT discrimination would be outlawed nationwide under a proposed amendment to the Civil Rights Act of 1964, cosponsored by shore Congressman Frank Pallone (D-6).

Under the Equality Act, discrimination against an individual based on sexual orientation or gender identity would be illegal. It would apply to public accomocations. federal funding, education, employment, housing, credit and jury duty.

According to Pallone, most states have not adopted anti-discrimination policies specific to lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders, despite last month's U.S. Supreme Court affirmation of marriage equality.

Nineteen states provide housing and employment protections to members of the LGBT community, and 17 prevent discrimination for public accomodations based on sexual orientation or gender identity, Pallone said.

"No one should ever be discriminated against, live in fear of being fired, or be denied equal basic protections under the law because of who they love," Pallone said in a prepared statement. "As a longtime advocate for LGBT equality, I am proud to help lead the fight to rid our country of this unacceptable discrimination."

The Monmouth Democrat was among those on Capitol Hill who succeeded in eliciting a Presidential directive requiring workplaces seeking government contracts to adopt anti-discrimination policies regarding sexual orientation and gender identity.