US House of Representatives set to vote on the Equality Act next week

[Patiently waiting for Truth]

https://www.gaytimes.co.uk/life/us-house-of-representatives-set-to-vote-on-the-equality-act-next-week/

Look for the funny paragraph in here.

This is a major step forward in the fight for LGBTQ+ protections and rights.

It has been reported that Rep. David Cicilline reintroduced the Equality Act in the House of Representatives this past Thursday, with the bill being voted on next week.

The Equality Act, which aims to protect LGBTQ+ people from discrimination in fields such as housing or employment has passed its vote in the House of Representatives.

Back in 2019, the bill passed by 236-173 vote, with most Democrats voting in favour, alongside eight Republicans. Seven Democrats abstained from voting, with 173 no votes coming from the Republican party.

Cicilline discussed the importance of the bill,  stating: “In 2021, every American should be treated with respect and dignity.”

He continued: “Yet, in most states, LGBTQ people can be discriminated against because of who they are, or who they love. It is past time for that to change.”

On top of being reintroduced in the House, Democratic senators Jeff Merkley, Cory Booker and Tammy Baldwin have also announced that they will be reintroducing the bill to the Senate.

 

Since it’s initial introduction back in 2015, the Equality Act has seen support from many organizations and groups.

In 2019 it was revealed that most major religious groups in the country support the measures in the Equality Act. 53% of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 70% of Mormons, 68% of non-white Catholics, 65% of African American Protestants, 60% of Muslims and 59% of Orthodox Christians support the bill.

Supporting, is an action. It is not neutral. It is partaking. It is being part of that 'world'.  Supporting the LGDTQ+

In honesty though I cannot believe that 53% of JWs 'support' the LGDTQ+... And where did they get this figure from ? 

I thought the article was funny though, but i don't believe those figures. 

 

 

 

[TrueTomHarley]

1 hour ago, 4Jah2me said:

I thought the article was funny though, but i don't believe those figures. 

 

“Still, since it takes a swipe at people I don’t like, I’ll run it as top headline! Who cares if its true?”

[Patiently waiting for Truth]

8 hours ago, TrueTomHarley said:

“Still, since it takes a swipe at people I don’t like, I’ll run it as top headline! Who cares if its true?”

No, i was actually wondering if the GB might sue them for the inacuracy in the article,  as the GB seem to be sueing people recently. 

[JW Insider]

5 hours ago, 4Jah2me said:

In 2019 it was revealed that most major religious groups in the country support the measures in the Equality Act. 53% of Jehovah’s Witnesses, [. . .]  support the bill.

Sometimes, it's just a matter of how the question is asked. For example, take a question like this:

"Even if your religious beliefs do not condone or support homosexuality (and/or LGBTQ+), do you think that homosexual (and/or LGBTQ+) persons should be discriminated against in the areas of jobs and housing?"

Depending on the exact wording of the question, you could potentially get 100% of any religious group to "support" such a bill. Remember that they are not directly asking if you support some particular bill, per se, but asking about support of some of the measures which might be found in it. The fact that such a bill might be in the works is not necessarily even brought up. Or even if it is brought up as a proposed bill, the survey could overcome prejudice against the political party sponsoring the bill, or religious feelings by using questions like:

Would you oppose any bill that tried to remove discrimination against LGBTQ+ persons?

A Witness would not say they opposed such a bill, because they are generally neutral regarding political bills.

Also, these are not simple yes or no questions in most surveys. They are often multiple choice such as the following, where the intro to the question can produce an implied meaning [in brackets] that may not even be in the "supported" bill:

Question: This is about hiring and firing LGBTQ+ persons from jobs, or landlords being able to not rent to, or kick out LGBTQ+ persons from their buildings or homes.

So . . . . are you:

A. Highly in favor of discriminating against LGBTQ+  [i.e., immediately fire them - immediately make homeless]

B. Somewhat in favor of discriminating against them [i.e., give them some advance notice before firing them from their jobs - or putting them out on the street]

C. Somewhat in favor of not discriminating against them [i.e., allowing them to keep their jobs, apartments, homes in most cases]

D. Highly in favor of of not discriminating [i.e., allowing them to keep their jobs, apartments, homes in all cases]

 

If you interview about 1000 people, and 17 identify as JWs, then only 9 of them need to choose C, and 8 can choose A or B, and that would be the 53% (9 of 17) who supposedly "support" the bill, even if they knew nothing about the bill itself. I think all of us know Witnesses who would answer C to the question.

[Arauna]

6 hours ago, 4Jah2me said:

Equality Act. 53% of Jehovah’s Witnesses,

yes - they call you for your opinion and people do not realize it is a political poll. Thank goodness Jehovah is not as harsh as you are.  People all over act in ignorance and they want to sound as though they are fair to others.

Especially if they ask if LGBTQ can have their rights..... Most people who care for others will agree that they should have their rights.  They have the right to choose the lifestyle they want BUT it does not mean we approve of it.... as the questions above proves.

Most witnesses do not understand these new laws..... that it will be detrimental to our future. They have already passed draconian measures in Australia.   

Do not judge the JWs .... Remember the scripture where it says ....... if it is mistakes you only look at Jehovah - who can stand before you?

Mistakes are very different to deliberate sin - like choosing to back a political party or stance.

[Matthew9969]

Soon you'll be able to marry anyone or any thing you want. If you marry a plate of sushi then eat it, would you be guilty of canniblism?

[TrueTomHarley]

2 hours ago, Arauna said:

yes - they call you for your opinion and people do not realize it is a political poll.

Telemarketers will eat you alive in my neck of the woods. I never answer a call from an unrecognized number so am spared this sort of nonsense. They can leave messages.

It probably has interfered with my participation in phone witnessing. When someone answers the phone, I think “What! Are you crazy?!”