race; color; creed; religion; national origin; citizenship; age; sex; disability status; marital status; parental status; sexual orientation; gender identity; political ideology; criminal history; genetic composition; and more.
In Seattle, Washington, women who breastfeed babies in public are a protected class shielded from discrimination.
For members of protected classes, discrimination is prohibited in employment, housing, and public accommodation. Members of protected classes cannot be denied access to public programs and cannot be excluded from public activities. Members are safeguarded from harassment. People with family or friends in a protected class get these protections too.
From this one might think good progress is being made in guaranteeing equal rights for all Americans. There's another view, however, which says these efforts are not enough.
US Senator Cory Booker spoke at the Democratic National Convention on July 25, 2016. He said observing tolerance for those in protected classes is not enough. Extending respect, dignity, support, and cooperation to others is not enough. Guaranteeing rights and ending discrimination, sometimes under the force of law, are not enough.
Senator Booker said society cannot function properly and our nation cannot work well unless people are loved. That the highest duty of a patriot is to love every fellow countrywoman and countryman. That the only way to ensure people have a sense of worth and value is for others to love them -- especially members of protected classes.
So it's not about acceptance, it's not about equal rights, it's not about ending discrimination anymore. It's about embracing people, celebrating their choices, and loving everyone everywhere.
The US Constitution has a Bill of Rights. Is it time to enact a "Bill of Love"?
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