WASHINGTON (1010 WINS) -- The House Judiciary Committee passed on Wednesday the Equality Act of 2019, which would modifiy existing civil rights law to extend anti-discrimination protections to LGBT Americans in access to employment, education, credit, jury service, federal funding, housing, and public accommodations.
Now, the House of Representatives needs to pass it.
Rep. Val Demings tweeted that applause broke out when the legislation was passed.
When Rep. David Cicilline (D-RI) introduced the bill in March, it had 239 co-sponsors. Senator Jeff Merkley has also introduced the bill in the U.S. Senate.
After its passage, Cicilline tweeted, "Fairness and equality are core American values. The #EqualityAct affirms those values and ensures members of the #LGBTQ community can live their lives free from the fear of legal discrimination of any kind. #HR5."
Sen. Tammy Baldwin tweeted, "Big news! For the first time in history, the #EqualityAct has passed out of committee and will head to the House floor. The time is now for bold legislative action to finally ban discrimination against LGBTQ Americans in every state in this country.