Gay rights supporters push beyond marriage to broader legal protections

A liberal coalition spanning gay rights groups and traditional African American leaders turned its attention to a new legislative bid to outlaw discrimination against homosexuals in employment, housing, financial dealings and other regular actions not protected under the Supreme Court’s ruling declaring same-sex marriage a constitutional right.

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“You can be married on Saturday, post your pictures on Instagram on Sunday and fired from your job on Monday,” said Rep. David N. Cicilline (D-R.I.), one of six openly gay House members and the lead sponsor of the new legislation.

After Friday’s ruling, Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), the sponsor of the legislation in that chamber, e-mailed thousands of supporters asking them to get behind the new bid because, despite the marriage decision, it is still legal in some states to “kick someone out of a diner or other public accommodation because of who they love.”

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