The Honorable Nancy Pelosi
Speaker
U.S. House of Representatives
U.S. Capitol Building, H-222
Washington, DC 20515
The Honorable Kevin McCarthy
Republican Leader
U.S. House of Representatives
U.S. Capitol Building, H-204
Washington, DC 20515
Dear Speaker Pelosi and Leader McCarthy:
On behalf of the members of HR Policy Association, I write in support of the Equality Act (H.R. 5).
HR Policy Association is the leading organization for Chief Human Resources Officers of more than 390 of the largest employers in the United States, and our members have long recognized the fundamental role that an inclusive culture plays in enabling their organizations to attract, motivate, and develop the caliber of talent needed. Our members have a longstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion, and they take proactive steps to ensure their companies are fostering positive and respectful cultures, free from any form of discrimination.
Despite the Supreme Court’s decision in Bostock v. Clayton County, legislative action is needed to forestall endless litigation under other statutes. However, some concerns have been raised regarding the potential application of H.R. 5 to other aspects of employment law. For example, the bill is silent as to whether employers may be required to ask employees and job applicants for information of a very private and personal nature. Importantly, Section 9 of President Obama’s Executive Order 13672, which is still in effect, states “the Secretary of Labor shall neither compel the collection of nor require the production of statistics on actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity from covered entities.”
The HR Policy Association urges Congress to pass the Equality Act, and we look forward to helping policy makers throughout the legislative process ensure that final measure achieves its purpose and is consistent with the progressive practices that large companies have long embraced.
Sincerely,
Timothy J. Bartl
President and Chief Executive Officer
HR Policy Association
