More than 40 business groups have endorsed federal legislation to add sexual orientation and gender identity to list of protected classes in the Civil Rights Act.

The Equality Act would prohibit discrimination against LGBTQ people in the areas of employment, housing, public accommodations, jury service, education, federal programs and credit, according to NBC News. The bill was recently reintroduced in the U.S. House of Representatives after having first been introduced in 2015. https://nbcnews.to/2HtcApV

The bill is opposed by some conservative groups but has received endorsements from a wide range of businesses. It also has the backing of many associations representing those businesses, with 43 groups co-signing a letter urging congressional leaders to support the measure.

"We believe an appropriately-tailored federal standard would complement our members' ongoing work to promote equal opportunity in the workplace," the groups said. "A clear federal standard would better enable individuals to succeed based on their abilities and qualifications to perform a job."

Signatories include the Advanced Medical Technology Association, Aerospace Industries Association, ASAE, Business Roundtable, Edison Electric Institute, International Franchise Association and National Association of Manufacturers. http://bit.ly/2F8rbmX

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