Speak Up: Lawmakers announce new equal-rights amendment for LGBTQ+ and disability protections

Lawmakers from the 151st Delaware General Assembly unveiled plans for a new equal-rights amendment to the state’s constitution, which would increase protections for LGBTQ+ Delawareans and persons with disabilities, per a rally last week at Legislative Hall. The rally began with dozens of locals, activists and lawmakers gathered on the east steps outside Legislative Hall to support the newly proposed legislation. Lawmakers discussed the proposed House Bill 199, which would prohibit discrimination toward the LGBTQ+ community and persons with disabilities in Delaware.

• Just more grandstanding for politicians. Everyone already has equal rights. Except for conservatives and White males. — Bob Hice

• Conservatives and White males get preferential treatment in most places in America. — Pete Schonert

• Just pandering. — Hilary Ennis

• They don't follow or enforce current laws, might as well just make a bunch. I appreciate feel good laws-but real change would be great! — Beth Gallagher

• Where does it say that they don’t have equal rights? Democrats, stop making so many unnecessary laws! — Philip L Puschel