Sexual orientation anti-discrimination bill introduced in US Senate News
Sexual orientation anti-discrimination bill introduced in US Senate

[JURIST] A bill [S 1584 materials] aimed at banning workplace discrimination motivated by an employee’s sexual orientation or gender identification was introduced in the US Senate [official website] on Wednesday by Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) [official website]. The Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), if passed, would protect employees from discriminatory hiring and firing practices, and from segregation or classification on the basis of sexual preference or gender identity. The bill would be the first aimed at ensuring workplace equality for individuals who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or queer (GLBTQ). Expressing the support of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) [official website], HRC president Joe Solmonese said:

We are a nation predicated on equality. And over the years, we have embraced an increasingly broader and more inclusive vision of what that means. By passing the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, we will simply be adding another proud chapter to the amazing American story of opportunity.

Earlier this month in another measure [JURIST report] aimed at ensuring equality for those who identify as GLBTQ, the US Senate approved a bill [S 909 materials] that would expand hate crimes law to include crimes motivated by sexual orientation or gender. In 2007, the House and Senate [JURIST reports] passed similar legislation but the broadened language was ultimately removed [JURIST report] during subsequent negotiations. US President Barack Obama signed a memorandum last month [JURIST report] that would provide certain benefits to same-sex domestic partners of federal employees.

THIS DAY @ LAW

UN Security Council called for Israeli withdrawal from territories occupied in Six Days' War

On November 22, 1967, the UN Security Council called for Israeli withdrawal from territories occupied during the Six Days' War, and for respect of the right of all States in the area to "live in peace within secure and recognized boundaries." Read Resolution 242, which remains a cornerstone of efforts to achieve peace in the Middle East.

President Kennedy assassinated, VP Lyndon Johnson sworn inin

On November 22, 1963, President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas. Later that day, Vice-President Lyndon Johnson was sworn in as the 36th President of the United States. Earl Warren, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, was later tasked with leading a commission to investigate the assassination. President Johnson received the final report of the Warren Commission on September 24, 1964. Read the Warren Commission Report.