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Bill aims to end LGBT bias in federal jury selection

Bill aims to end LGBT bias in federal jury selection

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A bill that would prohibit discrimination against gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered individuals in the federal jury selection process has been introduced in the Senate.

The measure, called the Jury Access for Capable Citizens and Equality in Service Selection, or Jury ACCESS Act (S. 3618) would add “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” to the list of impermissible reasons for striking federal jurors under the U.S. Code. Currently the Code prohibits discrimination in federal jury selection on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin and economic status.

“Discriminating against a potential juror because of sexual orientation or gender identity is unacceptable, and it should not be tolerated,” Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., a co-sponsor of the bill, said in a statement. “Our country is founded on principles of inclusion and acceptance and the jury selection process should be no different.”

The bipartisan-backed legislation is co-sponsored by Sens. Susan Collins, R-N.H., and Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I.

D’Arcy Kemnitz, executive director of the National LGBT Bar Association, praised the legislation.

“Extending federal jury non-discrimination policy to include sexual orientation and gender identity is truly a step forward for the LGBT movement and a notable achievement for the entire LGBT community,” Kemnitz said in a statement about the measure, which also has the backing of groups including the ACLU, Lambda Legal, Alliance for Justice, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders.”

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