White House supports anti-LGBT discrimination measure

Washington (AP) — The White House has come out in support of a federal measure outlawing discrimination against LGBT people.

Spokesman Josh Earnest says the bill would provide comprehensive equal rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans and also protect religious freedom.

The bill, the Equality Act, would update the 1964 Civil Rights Act to provide LGBT Americans with lasting protections against discrimination in employment, housing, education and other areas.

Earnest announced the administration's support for the measure on Tuesday, the same day President Barack Obama appeared on the cover of Out magazine.

The publication says Obama is the first sitting president to be photographed for the cover of an LGBT title.

Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

The Gayly – November 11, 2015 @ 7:50 a.m.