Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester (DE-AL) joined Rep. David Cicilline (RI-01) and 192 of their House colleagues in reintroducing the Equality Act. The legislation would provide explicit, permanent protections for members of the LGBTQ community in matters of employment, housing, education and more.

“Delaware has made great strides in protecting our LGBTQ community from discrimination and I’m incredibly proud to be an original cosponsor of the Equality Act so that all LGBTQ Americans have the chance to earn a living and provide for their families without fear of being fired or evicted because of who they are or who they love,” Rep. Blunt Rochester said. “Members of Congress have the opportunity to send a message to LGBTQ people everywhere that their lives are valued and that anything less than full equality will not be tolerated, and I’m going to fight to ensure that message is heard loud and clear. It’s time for the Equality Act to become law.”

"Fairness and equality are core American values. But millions of LGBT Americans are still viewed as less than equal in the eyes of the law today," said Rep. Cicilline. "I'm proud to introduce the Equality Act of 2017 with Senator Jeff Merkley. This bill ensures that every LGBT person can live their lives free from the fear of discrimination. Above all, it's about honoring the values that have guided our nation since its founding. It's critical that Congress pass the Equality Act into law."

"With LGBTQ Americans facing discriminatory attacks in state legislatures across the country, now more than ever, we deserve clear protections from discrimination throughout daily life," said Delaware native Sarah McBride, National Press Secretary at the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest LGBTQ civil rights organization. "Twenty states, including Delaware, protect their LGBTQ residents from discrimination. The Equality Act would build on that progress by ensuring that LGBTQ people are free from fear of discrimination no matter their state or zip code. Throughout her career, Rep. Blunt Rochester has been a steadfast champion of equality and her support and cosponsorship of this historic legislation continues that record."

“It’s time our community is treated fairly nationwide. Being secure in your job or your housing should not depend on where you live or who you love. The Equality Act will finally ensure that discrimination has no legal place in our nation or our society,” said Lisa Goodman, President of Equality Delaware. “Congresswoman Blunt Rochester has been a champion of equality for the LGBTQ community since her earliest days in public life. LGBTQ Delawareans are so lucky to have her as our champion and our Congresswoman, and Equality Delaware applauds her two decades of fighting for equality.”

The Equality Act would amend the 1964 Civil Rights Act to include nondiscrimination protections on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity.  The legislation was also introduced in the U.S. Senate today by Senator Jeff Merkley (OR), with 45 original cosponsors. Although Delaware has made great strides in protecting LGBTQ Americans, there are still 29 states where there is no protection from discrimination.  In these states, LGBTQ persons can be fired, evicted, or denied a loan just because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.  The Equality Act will ensure nationwide, comprehensive protection from discrimination for LGBTQ people.

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