Prohibit discrimination based upon sexual orientation and gender identity
Impact
If enacted, LB169 would amend existing state laws to explicitly include sexual orientation and gender identity as protected classes. This change would align the state's laws with evolving societal views on LGBTQ rights and could influence significant areas such as workplace policies, housing agreements, and treatment in public services. Proponents argue that such measures are essential for safeguarding the rights of marginalized groups and fostering a more inclusive environment across the state.
Summary
LB169 seeks to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, aiming to enhance protections for individuals in various spheres such as employment, housing, and public accommodations. The bill is positioned as a civil rights measure, reflecting a commitment to promoting equality and inclusiveness within the state's legal framework. By codifying protections against discrimination, LB169 stands to provide clear legal recourse for individuals who may face discrimination due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Contention
Despite its comprehensive aim to enhance civil rights for LGBTQ individuals, LB169 has faced opposition from various groups who argue that the bill could infringe upon religious freedoms or personal liberties. Critics express concern that imposing anti-discrimination laws could lead to potential conflicts between individual beliefs and compliance with the law. This has sparked a broader debate on balancing rights and freedoms within the context of evolving social norms, making LB169 a focal point of contention in legislative discussions.
Prohibit discrimination under the Nebraska Fair Employment Practice Act on the basis of gender identity or sexual orientation and prohibit discrimination by employers regardless of size
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.