FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 13, 2019
MEDIA CONTACT:
Ted Mason (312) 590-3443
Theodore.Mason@cookcountyil.gov
Cook County Commissioner Kevin B. Morrison supports Equality Act
Commissioner Kevin Morrison praised introduction of bill in House of Representatives that provides LGBTQ people and their families with protection against discrimination
CHICAGO –March 13, 2019—Cook County Commissioner Kevin B. Morrison praised the introduction of H.R. 5, the Equality Act, into the U.S. House of Representatives today. The Equality Act provides LGBTQ people and their families with clear, consistent protections nationwide against discrimination.
“In many states today, discrimination against the LGBTQ community is completely legal. An LGBTQ person can be fired from their job, evicted from their homes or thrown out of a restaurant without the same legal protections as their peers,” said Commissioner Kevin Morrison. “I’m proud that Illinois has been a champion on providing legal protections to the LGBTQ community, but our work doesn’t end until every LGBTQ person has the same rights, regardless of their zip code.”
More specifically, the Equality Act ensures constituent protections nationwide in employment, housing, credit, education, public spaces and services, federally funded programs, and jury service. The bill also expands protections in public spaces to cover retail stores, banks, and transportation services. The Human Rights Campaign (HRC)—the nation’s largest LGBTQ civil rights organization—announced last week that over 160 leading businesses had joined HRC in supporting the Equality Act, citing a desire for a federal legal standard that guarantees all employees the same rights and protections.
“The Equality Act is a landmark piece of legislation but it’s also just a common-sense law that everyone in this country should be behind regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity,” said Commissioner Kevin Morrison. “Equality and opportunity are fundamental American values, and it is long overdue for our federal government to ensure that these rights and protections apply to the LGBTQ community across our nation.”
About Cook County Commissioner Kevin B. Morrison:
Cook County Commissioner Kevin B. Morrison represents the 15th District which includes the Townships of Barrington, Elk Grove, Hanover and Schaumburg, as well as parts of Palatine and Wheeling Townships. Commissioner Morrison is the youngest and first openly LGBTQ board member. A native of Elk Grove Village with a background in public service, Commissioner Morrison serves as Vice Chair of the Human Relations and Tax Delinquency committees and his core issues include improving access to mental health services and providing development opportunities and support for small businesses. For information, please contact the Commissioner’s office by calling (312) 603-6388 or visiting https://commissionerkevinbmorrison.org/
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