Committee supports Sen. Bailey bill to prevent housing and employment discrimination against domestic violence victims

AUGUSTA – On Thursday, a bill sponsored by Sen. Donna Bailey, D-Saco, to prevent housing and employment discrimination against domestic violence victims was approved by the Legislature’s Judiciary Committee. LD 1294, “An Act To Prevent Discrimination against Domestic Violence Victims,” passed in committee by a vote of 7 to 4, with three members absent.

“Domestic violence survivors who take the brave step of seeking an order of protection for themselves should not also have to face potential repercussions at work or where they live for seeking the assistance of the law,” said Sen. Bailey.

LD 1294 amends the Maine Human Rights Act to increase protections for domestic violence victims. This change would ensure that domestic violence victims who seek a protection from abuse order through the Courts are not discriminated against in the areas of employment and housing.

Andrea Mancuso, Public Policy Director of the Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence, testified at the public hearing:

“Housing and employment discrimination jeopardizes both short-term and long-term economic security for survivors and their children. Several states have taken similar steps to address these types of discrimination against survivors by modifications to their human rights statutes. We encourage you to support this proposal and add Maine to this list.”

LD 1294 now faces votes in the Senate and House.

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