DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - Gays and lesbians may soon enjoy more civil rights protections after the Legislature approved a bill that would allow them equal opportunity in employment, housing and other areas.The House had blocked the measure for weeks but approved it early last evening, sending it to the Senate, where it passed hours later. Gov. Chet Culver said he plans to sign the proposal into law, calling the bill historic and commending lawmakers for their votes.
Seventeen states and DC have a form of anti-discrimination law. Here's a map (which looks somewhat like a blue/red electoral map). http://www.thetaskfo... In addition, 100 municipalities have similar statutes in the 33 states without anti-discrimination laws.
N.H. Lawmakers Approve Civil UnionsBy BEVERLEY WANG
The Associated Press
Thursday, April 26, 2007; 12:15 PMCONCORD, N.H. -- New Hampshire lawmakers voted Thursday to authorize civil unions and sent the measure to Gov. John Lynch, who announced last week that he would sign it.
"This legislation is a matter of conscience, fairness and of preventing discrimination," said Colin Manning, a spokesman for the Democratic governor. "It is in keeping with New Hampshire's proud tradition of preventing discrimination."