ATLANTA – State Representative Sandra Scott (D-Rex) today issued the following statement in response to the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision to consider whether job discrimination laws apply to certain individuals on Monday, April 22, 2019:
“I applaud the courage and common sense exercised by the U.S. Supreme Court in its decision to hear arguments on whether Americans who are members of the LGBT community are protected under Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. When I introduced House Bill 19, it was my expectation that all Georgians would be protected against discrimination based on prejudices, personal likes or dislikes, or hate.
“It is my argument now, as it was when I drafted HB 19, that the issue of protecting Georgians against discrimination based on their sexual orientation or gender identity is an issue of civil rights. This discrimination threatens the protection of members already covered by the civil rights legislation as it strips them of any protection they have if they happen to be gay or transgendered. It is clear that the intent of the 1964 Civil Rights Act is to protect the rights of Americans and to be free from discrimination due to personal prejudices. It is my sincere belief as a legislator that the law should not be interpreted as exclusive, closed or limited to the groups of 1964.
“It is my hope that the U.S. Supreme Court will do what the Georgia General Assembly would not do – ensure the civil rights of all Americans regardless of our sexual orientation. I am pleased and cautiously optimistic about the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision.”
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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