ATLANTA – State Representative Sandra Scott (D-Rex) recently introduced House Bill 19, legislation which would protect individuals from discrimination in housing, public accommodations and employment opportunities.
“It has been 55 years since the passage of the Federal Civil Rights Act of 1964, and Georgia remains one of three states in this country that does not have comprehensive civil rights protection in place,” said Rep. Scott. “I am introducing House Bill 19 because it is the ‘right thing to do.’ Civil rights are not, and should never be, only a democratic or republican issue. This is not a bill about any one group, it is a bill that seeks to extend the current civil rights legislation to all people, with no exceptions.”
House Bill 19 would protect citizens from discrimination by employers, businesses or landlords. The bill would safeguard against discrimination towards any person or group that is seeking housing opportunities in the state. Additionally, HB 19 states that homes that are for sale, or leased or job listings would not be able to advertise with any preference for a specific race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, familial status or national origin.
“In order for an individuals’ civil rights to be protected, the rights must not be subject to personal fears and preferences of a majority group,” continued Rep. Scott. “This bill would extend protection to an entire individual, not just the parts of people we like. House Bill 19 is our opportunity to ensure that the civil rights of all Georgians are protected. Our job as legislators is to protect every Georgian, regardless of their differences.”
For more information on HB 19, please click here.
Representative Sandra Scott represents the citizens of District 76, which includes portions of Clayton and Henry counties. She was first elected to the House Representatives in 2010 and currently serves on the Defense & Veterans Affairs, Human Relations & Aging, Legislative and Congressional Reapportionment, Science and Technology and Special Rules committees.
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