S. 869 Summary from "Thomas" U.S. government WEB site
Hiring Quotas for Sexual "Minorities". . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 pages

Summary Date: 1998, January 21st

Bill Summary & Status for the 105th Congress Found at:
<http://thomas.loc.gov/home/thomas.html>

SPONSOR: Sen Jeffords (introduced 06/10/97)

TITLE(S):

• SHORT TITLE(S) AS INTRODUCED:
• Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 1997
• OFFICIAL TITLE AS INTRODUCED:
• A bill to prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.

STATUS: Floor Actions

***NONE***

STATUS: Detailed Legislative History

• Senate Actions

Jun 10, 97: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Labor and Human Resources.
Oct 23, 97: Committee on Labor and Human Resources. Hearings held.

COMMITTEE(S):

• COMMITTEE(S) OF REFERRAL:
• Senate Labor and Human Resources

AMENDMENT(S):

***NONE***

34 COSPONSORS:
[See <http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d105:SN00869:@@@L> for list.]

SUMMARY:

(AS INTRODUCED)

Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 1997 - Prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation by covered entities, including an employing authority or office to which specified provisions of the Government Employee Rights Act of 1991 or the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 apply. Prohibits related retaliation and coercion.

Declares that: (1) this Act does not apply to the provision of employee benefits for the benefit of an employee's partner; and (2) a disparate impact does not establish a prima facie violation of this Act. Prohibits: (1) quotas and preferential treatment; and (2) the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission from entering into a consent decree that includes a quota or preferential treatment. Declares that this Act does not apply to: (1) religious organizations (except regarding employment in a position the duties of which pertain solely to activities of the organization that generate unrelated business income subject to taxation under specified Internal Revenue Code provisions); (2) the armed forces; or (3) laws creating special rights or preferences for veterans. Provides for enforcement. Disallows State immunity. Makes the United States or a State liable for all remedies (except punitive damages, with compensatory damages available to the extent specified in certain existing provisions of law) to the same extent as under specified provisions of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Allows recovery of attorney's fees. Requires posting notices for employees and applicants.

Related bill: H.R. 1858
SPONSOR: Rep Shays (introduced 06/10/97)
Found at: <http://thomas.loc.gov/home/thomas.html>.

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