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Legislation
Recent Legislation
Federal
Bullying
Safe Schools Improvement Act H.R 2262 Would amend the Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act (part of the No Child Left Behind Act) to require schools and districts receiving federal funds to adopt codes of conduct specifically prohibiting bullying and harassment, including on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. The Act would also require that states report data on bullying and harassment to the Department of Education. Status: SSIA was introduced in the 111th Congress by Representative Linda Sánchez (D-CA) in the House. There is no Senate bill at this time.
Employment Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) H.R 3017 ENDA, which has been introduced numerous times before, would extend federal employment discrimination protections to sexual orientation and gender identity. These protections are already extended to race, religion, sex, national origin, age and disability. ENDA would make it illegal for public & private employers (excepting businesses with fewer than 15 people, religious organizations, and the US military), employment agencies, and labor unions to use sexual orientation or gender identity as a basis for employment decisions such as hiring, firing, promotions and pay. ENDA would not allow the use of quotas or preferential treatment based on gender identity or sexual orientation.
Health Ending Health Disparities for LGBT Americans Act (EHDLA) The EHDLA would: require federal health surveys to collect data related to sexual orientation and gender identity, provide health benefits to partners of federal employees, address unequal taxation of employer-provided domestic partner health benefits, and ensure Medicaid recipients have early access to critical treatment for HIV. It also creates non-discrimination policies for federal health programs that includes gender identity, extends Medicare benefits to same-sex partners, funds training on LGBT health issues for health care providers and supports health centers that serve LGBT people. Finally, it establishes the Office of LGBT Health in the Department of Health and Human Services. Sponsored by Representatives Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Barney Frank (D-MA), Jared Polis (D-CO), and Henry Waxman (D-CA).
Medical Leave
Family Leave Insurance Act of 2009 H.R 1723 Would extend Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) benefits- 12 weeks unpaid leave to care for a sick spouse, parent or child- to domestic partners and their children. Current Status: Introduced to 111th Congress by Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA) on March 25, 2009.
Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell
Military Readiness Enhancement Act H.R 1283 Would repeal 10 U.S.C. 654, “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, Don’t Pursue, Don’t Harass” (DADT) which forbids gay service members from engaging in homosexual sex or disclosing their sexuality on threat of dishonorable discharge. MREA would also prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. Status: MREA was introduced in the 111th Congress by Representative Ellen Tauscher (D-CA) in the House. There is no Senate bill at this time.
Immigration Uniting American Families Act H.R. 1024/ S. 242 Would amend the U.S Immigration and Nationality Act so that U.S Citizens and legal permanent residents can also sponsor their “permanent partners” (as well as spouses and immediate family members) for immigration purposes. Status: UAFA was introduced in the 111th Congress by Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) in the Senate and Representative Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) in the House.
State (in progress)
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