Dan Coats: “today's debate concerns an issue of extreme import and controversy--extending civil rights protection to sexual…”

“today's debate concerns an issue of extreme import and controversy--extending civil rights protection to sexual orientation. This is an issue of great importance because, for the first time in our history, Federal legislation would protect an individual's behavior, rather than an individual's status, as traditional civil rights laws have done. The practical impact of this bill is that employers will no longer be able to consider or hold an employee accountable for any acts related to their sexual orientation. The fact that this issue--the extension of civil rights to an individual's behavior--is controversial goes without saying. This is an issue about gay rights in the workplace, which the American people have not reached a moral consensus. Many Americans, including business people, those who support strong traditional families, and persons with religious or moral objections, have serious concerns about promoting homosexuality as a lifestyle. This is important, because if this bill becomes law, it will give the Federal stamp of approval to activities that are still considered illegal in many States.”