Lawmakers considering adding gender identity and sexual orientation to Title VII

The U.S. House Committee on the Judiciary is considering a bill to extend protections offered under Title VII of the U.S. Civil Rights Act of 1964 to include sexual orientation and gender identity. If passed, the law would protect LGBTQ individuals from discrimination in the workplace, as well as housing and public accommodations, and provide easier access to federal programs.

Organizations such as ADP, Marriott, and IBM have voiced support for the bill, which offers advantages for employers as well as LGBTQ employees. For example, employers would no longer need to refer to complicated state laws protecting LGBTQ workers and could find it easier to attract and retain a more diverse workforce.

The bill was reintroduced this month after dying in the committee in 2015 and 2017.