Feingold On The Issues

"On The Issues

Civil Rights

I am committed to ensuring that all Americans enjoy the rights and protections
guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. Americans are entitled to due process and equal protection under the law regardless of race, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, or sexual orientation.

I am working hard to fight discrimination by, for example, introducing legislation to suspend federal executions and urge the states to suspend their executions, while a national commission reviews the fairness of the administration of the death penalty. I have also introduced legislation to prevent racial profiling by law enforcement officers, and been a consistent supporter of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA). As our nation responds to the new challenges arising from the tragic events of September 11, 2001, I also pledge to work to ensure that we preserve our cherished freedoms while fighting terrorism. I believe that civil rights for all Americans should be a priority for this Administration and Congress.

This year we mark the 50th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court's landmark decision, Brown v. Board of Education, and the 40th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. These events remind us of how far our nation has come since the civil rights struggle of the 1950s and 1960s, but also of how much still needs to be done to achieve full racial equality. I am determined to combat efforts to turn back the clock on civil rights. The Fairness and Individual Rights Necessary to Ensure a Stronger Society: the Civil Rights Act of 2004 or "FAIRNESS Act", S. 2088, which I have cosponsored, is a comprehensive civil rights 'fix' bill. The FAIRNESS Act would restore fairness and equal justice under the law by providing protections to older workers, providing fair treatment for state employees (including those who serve in the military), preventing discrimination in access to public services, ensuring equal pay for equal work for working women, and protecting the right to go to court for employees who have
been the victims of discrimination in the workplace."
-From Russ Feingold's Senate Website

For more on Russ's position on Civil Rights go here.