Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

Hawaii House Bill HR4

Introduced
1/23/26  

Caption

Requesting The United States Congress To Pass Legislation To Amend The Civil Rights Act Of 1964 To Prohibit Discrimination On The Basis Of Sex, Sexual Orientation, And Gender Identity In Employment, Housing, Public Accommodations, Education, Federally Funded Programs, Credit, And Jury Service.

Impact

If enacted, the amendment to the Civil Rights Act would significantly alter the legal landscape by layering federal protections on top of existing state laws, such as those currently in place in Hawaii. Hawaii has been progressive regarding LGBTQ+ rights, already implementing laws that protect against discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. However, states lacking similar protections would be compelled to align with the federal standards set forth by this amendment.

Summary

House Resolution 4, also known as HR4, requests the United States Congress to amend the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The aim is to prohibit discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity across various sectors, including employment, housing, public accommodations, education, federally funded programs, credit, and jury service. This initiative is rooted in the historical marginalization faced by sexual and gender minorities and seeks to provide comprehensive protections at the federal level.

Contention

Notably, there's a degree of contention surrounding the amendment. While advocates argue that such changes are necessary for ensuring equality and inclusion for all individuals, some opponents may view the legislation as an infringement on religious liberties or as an unnecessary federal overreach. The history of similar legislative efforts, such as previous versions of the federal Equality Act, indicate that there could be a significant debate surrounding both the purpose and implications of HR4 in Congress.

Companion Bills

HI HCR5

Same As Requesting The United States Congress To Pass Legislation To Amend The Civil Rights Act Of 1964 To Prohibit Discrimination On The Basis Of Sex, Sexual Orientation, And Gender Identity In Employment, Housing, Public Accommodations, Education, Federally Funded Programs, Credit, And Jury Service.

HI SR9

Same As Requesting The United States Congress To Pass Legislation To Amend The Civil Rights Act Of 1964 To Prohibit Discrimination On The Basis Of Sex, Sexual Orientation, And Gender Identity In Employment, Housing, Public Accommodations, Education, Federally Funded Programs, Credit, And Jury Service.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.