Democrats Pass LGBT+ Discrimination Protections on First Day of New Congress

In one of their first acts after taking back the House of Representatives, the Democrats have passed new rules protecting LGBT+ lawmakers from discrimination, reports NewNowNext.

The new regulations, spearheaded by out lawmaker David Cicilline, prohibit discrimination against staff of the House of Representatives based on sexual orientation or gender identity. The rules passed by a vote of 234 to 197, firmly along party lines – the Democrats voting yes and the Republicans voting no.

“(We) praise the provision within the new House rules package that provides sexual orientation and gender identity workplace protections for Congressional staff in the 116th Congress,” wrote the Board of Directors of the LGBT Congressional Staff Association in a statement.

“This historic addition to the House rules will provide crucial job security for LGBTQ staff in the House of Representatives.

“This move also sends a powerful message about the importance of diversity within the institution we serve, saying that LGBTQ individuals are welcome on Capitol Hill and that the House of Representatives values and respects the identity and dignity of all LGBTQ people.”

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