Representatives George Miller and Rosa DeLauro introduced a bill last week that aims to protect hourly workers from scheduling abuses and allow for greater flexibility and certainty around their work schedules.
Executive Order Banning LGBT Discrimination in the Workplace Makes No Religious Exemptions
The President yesterday signed a long-awaited executive order barring workplace discrimination on the basis of gender identity or sexual orientation.
Bill to Reverse Hobby Lobby Decision Blocked in the Senate
A bill introduced by Democrats to reverse the Supreme Court’s ruling in the Hobby Lobby case failed Wednesday.
LGBT Rights Groups Withdraw Support for ENDA Following Hobby Lobby Decision
Several LGBT rights groups have withdrawn their support for the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), citing increased concerns about the religious exemption included in the bill.
Democrats to Introduce Bill Reversing Hobby Lobby Decision
Democrats in the House and Senate are expected to introduce companion bills today to reverse the US Supreme Court’s decision in Burwell v. Hobby Lobby by prohibiting for-profit employers from refusing to provide health insurance coverage for contraceptives.
President Obama Pledges to Sign Executive Order Protecting Transgender Federal Employees
At the White House annual LGBT Pride Month reception Monday night, President Obama reiterated his commitment to sign an executive order protecting transgender federal employees from discrimination.
Strong Support For IVAWA and CEDAW in Senate Hearing
Dozens of students, organizations, concerned citizens and U.S. Senators packed the small hearing room in Dirksen early this morning to show support for IVAWA and CEDAW–two critical tools the US hasn’t taken action on in years.
President Plans Expansion of Sick Leave For Same Sex Couples
Today, the White House called for a major benefit expansion that would boost same-sex couples.
Senate Set to Approve Rape Kit Backlog Funds
The Senate today is expected to approve $41 million in funding to process hundreds of thousands of untested rape kits across the country.
Missouri Legislature Passes Bill Instating 72-Hour Abortion Waiting Period
The Missouri House voted last night, in the middle of an ongoing 3-day protest on the steps of the state capitol, to approve a measure that will triple Missouri’s waiting period for an abortion procedure from 24 hours to 72 hours.
Louisiana Senate Passes Omnibus Anti-Abortion Bill
The Louisiana Senate voted 34-3 to pass an omnibus abortion bill yesterday that would limit access to abortion in the state by imposing burdensome regulations on abortion providers and forcing women to wait longer to obtain an abortion.
Missouri Activists Stage 72-Hour Protest of Abortion Waiting Period
Reproductive rights activists in Missouri are halfway through a 72-hour rally on the steps of the state capitol in protest of a state bill that would require a 72-hour waiting period for women seeking abortion.
Senator Lindsey Graham Pushes Federal 20-Week Abortion Ban
The bill has no Democratic sponsors, but 41 Republican Senators have already pledged support of the bill.
Bill Extending Abortion Coverage to Peace Corps Volunteers Re-Introduced
Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Representative Nita Lowey (D-NY-17) re-introduced the Peace Corps Equity Act in the Senate and House last week.
Mississippi Governor Signs 20-Week Abortion Ban Into Law
“It’s time for these politicians to stop passing laws that attack constitutionally protected women’s health care and finally focus on policies that would support the health, lives, and rights of Mississippi women and families.”
Senate Votes to Extend Unemployment Benefits
The Senate voted 50-38 yesterday to approve a bill that would restore jobless benefits for 2.4 million Americans who have been out of work for at least six months.
Senate To Vote on Equal Pay Legislation
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) announced that the Senate will vote on equal pay legislation as soon as next week.
New Bill Aims To Expand Health Care Access for Immigrant Women and Families
The Health Equity and Access Under the Law (HEAL) for Immigrant Women and Families Act of 2014, introduced last week, would significantly improve the ability of immigrant women and families to access affordable health care.
Senate Votes to Reauthorize Child Care Bill
The Senate voted 96-2 last week to pass the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 2014 (CCDBG), a federal grant program that provides child care assistance to families and funding for child care initiatives.
Arizona Governor Vetoes Bill Permitting Use of Religion as Cover to Discriminate
The bill was strongly opposed by LGBT groups who have seen businesses in other states – such as florists, photographers, and bakers – refuse to provide services to same-sex couples. Members of the Arizona business community also opposed the bill, as did politicians on both sides.
