(J. Scott Applewhite/AP)The House passed sweeping legislation Friday to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity after an emotional debate that underscored the divide between the two parties. The bill would prohibit discrimination in employment, housing, education, jury service and federal financing, protecting people from being fired or harassed for their sexuality or gender identity. Republicans countered that the bill infringes on the religious beliefs of individuals and repeatedly raised the specter of women’s sports. described the bill as government-imposed discrimination against those Americans with “time-honored views” of marriage. IBM will continue to push for final passage of the Equality Act to prevent discrimination against Americans for being who they are.”

Source: Washington Post May 17, 2019 16:18 UTC