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Judge approves warrant for phone records in connection with robbery of Chinese food delivery man in Kingston

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Wilkes University Chamber Singers at First Presbyterian Church

WILKES-BARRE &#8212; Stating that no state has the right to deny any group of Americans their rights, U.S. Sen. Bob Casey Thursday announced that he will sign on as a co-sponsor of the Equality Act.The legislation, introduced by Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Oregon, amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to include sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity among the prohibited categories of discrimination or segregation in places of public accommodation.Casey, D-Scranton, will become an official co-sponsor on Monday when the Senate returns to session.Casey said he supports the act that will &#8220;guarantee basic rights for LGBT Americans.&#8221; He said June is LGBT Pride Month, which honors those who have fought for years for the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.&#8220;Some people may ask why this is needed,&#8221; Casey said during a teleconference Thursday. &#8220;Especially since the U.S. Supreme Court last year ruled in favor of marriage equality. But the fact is, sadly, that it is still legal in many states to fire someone if they happen to be gay or transgender. A loving couple could get married on a Saturday, and be fired when they arrive at work on Monday.&#8221;Casey said he has heard many stories from constituents regarding discrimination. One letter came from a seventh grader in southeastern Pennsylvania.&#8220;He wrote that he recently heard that LGBT people have no protections,&#8221; Casey said. &#8220;He has two moms and he said they are hardworking individuals who provide for him and his sister. He said, &#8216;I do not think it is fair to be fired for who you love.&#8217; This is just one story about the life experiences of real Pennsylvania families who are actual victims of discrimination.&#8221;Casey said North Carolina and Mississippi recently enacted laws that &#8220;are nothing more than state-sponsored discrimination.&#8221; He said much of the discussion around the laws has centered on public restrooms.&#8220;These laws are about much more that: they are a license to discriminate in all aspects of our society like the workplace and in housing,&#8221; Casey said. &#8220;These laws are contrary to the values of our nation and make clear the need for the Equality Act.&#8221;The Equality Act would end discrimination against LGBT Americans in public accommodations, education, federal financial assistance, employment, housing, credit and federal jury service.&#8220;We still have a long way to go to right a lot of wrongs,&#8221; Casey said. &#8220;What we&#8217;re trying to do here is to make it very clear that we intend to grant the full measure of programs to LGBT Americans that we have granted to all other Americans.&#8221;Casey said he expects a lot of discussion and debate as the proposed amendment goes forward. He is one of 41 co-sponsors of the act &#8212; 40 Democrats and one Republican.&#8220;We need bi-partisan support,&#8221; Casey said. &#8220;Let me be clear, having one Republican supporting it so far is a lot better than zero.&#8221;Casey said the focus will be on educating people about the gaps that remain in the policies.&#8220;We will push to try to get it done this year, but this may not get done until after 2016,&#8221; Casey said. &#8220;We have to work the other (GOP) side.&#8221;<div class="metaInfo"><bylineMeta>By Bill O&#8217;Boyleboboyle@www.timesleader.com</bylineMeta></div><div class="metaInfo"><shirttailMeta>Reach Bill O&#8217;Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.</shirttailMeta></div>

Sen. Bob Casey says he’ll sign on as co-sponsor of Equality Act