Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SB1959

Introduced
6/13/23  

Caption

Jury ACCESS Act of 2023 Jury Access for Capable Citizens and Equality in Service Selection Act of 2023

Impact

The enactment of SB1959 would signify a significant step towards inclusive juror representation in federal courts. The bill's amendments to Section 1862 of Title 28 would incorporate 'sexual orientation' and 'gender identity' alongside other protected characteristics such as sex, thereby expanding the legal safeguards against discriminatory practices. This change is designed to foster a more representative and fair judicial process, reflecting the diversity of the American populace.

Summary

SB1959, known as the Jury ACCESS Act of 2023, aims to amend Title 28 of the United States Code to ensure that individuals cannot be excluded from federal jury service based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. This legislative proposal seeks to promote equality and inclusion within the judicial system by protecting the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals, who have historically faced discrimination in various facets of society, including jury duty.

Conclusion

Overall, SB1959 stands as a legislative effort aimed at enhancing the inclusiveness of the justice system by preventing discrimination against individuals based on sexual orientation and gender identity. If passed, this bill would not only reinforce existing federal anti-discrimination laws but also amplify the message of equality within the framework of public services, particularly in the context of fulfilling civic duties such as jury selection.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB1959 include concerns regarding the implications of expanding non-discrimination protections in federal jury service. Opponents may argue about the challenges of enforcing such provisions or express fears over potential misuse of the law. Additionally, discussions may arise regarding the broader societal impacts, as the bill could be viewed as part of a larger movement advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and protections against discrimination in various sectors of public life. Supporters, however, are likely to highlight the ethical imperative of ensuring that all citizens, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, have equal access to civic duties.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB4042

District of Columbia Local Juror Non-Discrimination Act of 2023

US SB1924

GLOBE Act of 2023 Greater Leadership Overseas for the Benefit of Equality Act of 2023

US HB4050

GLOBE Act of 2023 Greater Leadership Overseas for the Benefit of Equality Act of 2023

US HB3876

Access to Genetic Counselor Services Act of 2023

US SB1189

Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act of 2023

US SB312

Outpatient Surgery Quality and Access Act of 2023

US SB1960

Global Respect Act of 2023

US SB5

Equality Act This bill prohibits discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity with respect to businesses, employment, housing, federally funded programs, and other settings. Specifically, the bill expands Title II and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to prohibit public accommodations and federally funded programs, respectively, from discriminating based on sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity. It also includes stores, transit services, recreational facilities, and establishments that provide health care, accounting, or legal services as public accommodations under Title II. The bill also expands Title IV (desegregation of public schools) and Title VII (employment discrimination) to specifically include sexual orientation and gender identity. (The Supreme Court held in Bostock v. Clayton County that Title VII's prohibition of employment discrimination based on sex also prohibits employment discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.) The bill similarly expands the Fair Housing Act (discrimination in public and private housing) to include sexual orientation and gender identity. It also prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity by creditors and with respect to jury selection. The bill defines sex for purposes of the aforementioned provisions to include sex stereotypes, pregnancy, childbirth, sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics.

US SB2145

Patsy T. Mink and Louise M. Slaughter Gender Equity in Education Act of 2023

US HB15

Equality Act This bill prohibits discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity with respect to businesses, employment, housing, federally funded programs, and other settings. Specifically, the bill expands Title II and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to prohibit public accommodations and federally funded programs, respectively, from discriminating based on sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity. It also includes stores, transit services, recreational facilities, and establishments that provide health care, accounting, or legal services as public accommodations under Title II. The bill also expands Title IV (desegregation of public schools) and Title VII (employment discrimination) to specifically include sexual orientation and gender identity. (The Supreme Court held in Bostock v. Clayton County that Title VII's prohibition of employment discrimination based on sex also prohibits employment discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.) The bill similarly expands the Fair Housing Act (discrimination in public and private housing) to include sexual orientation and gender identity. It also prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity by creditors and with respect to jury selection. The bill defines sex for purposes of the aforementioned provisions to include sex stereotypes, pregnancy, childbirth, sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.