Actor Laverne Cox discusses her life as a transgender woman in the film “It Gets Better,” which was shown during Hemet pride events recently. Valley News/Courtesy photo
Kevin FrekingThe Associated PressThe Democratic-led House passed a bill Thursday, Feb. 25, that would include LGBTQ protections in the nation’s labor and civil rights laws, a top priority of President Joe Biden, though the legislation faces an uphill battle in the Senate.The bill passed by a vote of 224-206 with three Republicans joining Democrats in voting “yes.”The Equality Act amends existing civil rights law to explicitly include sexual orientation and gender identification as protected characteristics. The protections would extend to employment, housing, loan applications, education, sports, public accommodations and other areas. Supporters said the law before the House Thursday was long overdue and would ensure that every person is treated equally under the law.
