The Judiciary Committee recently held a hearing on Legislative Bill 627, sponsored by State Sen. Patty Pansing Brooks of Lincoln. Her bill “protects Nebraskans against being fired for simply being who they are and who they love,” she told the committee. “Times have changed, and it’s making Nebraska’s lack of movement on employment discrimination look absurd and archaic.”

LB 627 would prohibit employers, employment agencies and labor unions from discriminating against individuals based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. The measure would build on existing Nebraska law that prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, marital status or national origin.

Committee members heard from testifiers describing their personal experiences and supporting Pansing Brook’s bill. When members of the LGBTQ community make decisions about where to locate and work, Nebraska’s lack of legal safeguards stands as a huge negative, said Morgann Freeman, who testified on behalf of the Greater Omaha Young Professionals Council.

“We should be able to contribute our expertise and skill to their jobs and careers as their full, authentic selves without fear of discrimination by their employers,” Freeman said.

Omaha for several years has operated under a city ordinance prohibiting such discrimination, and the measure has proved positive for the city. A state law would underscore Nebraska’s commitment to equality.

The Judiciary Committee has approved LB 627 and sent it to the full Legislature for consideration. It deserves passage.

The extension of workplace protection via LB 627 would be a win all around — positive for LGBTQ individuals, who would be encouraged to enrich their workplaces with their talents, experience and perspectives, and positive for Nebraska itself, which would send a needed message of welcome and commitment to equality.