The United States is one step closer to banning discrimination based on “Afro” hair

Washington, March 18 (EFE) .- The United States is already one step closer to eliminating discrimination on the basis of hair style or style, especially for those with “Afro” hair, braids or treadlocks.

The U.S. House of Representatives approved a bill on Friday that recognizes that people of African descent “usually” miss out on education and employment because of their hair.

The bill, which has not yet been debated in the Senate, seeks to treat hair discrimination as a crime under racial or ethnic discrimination under civil rights protection laws.

The move was promoted by Bonnie Watson Coleman, the first African American woman to represent New Jersey in Congress and a staunch supporter of the rights of black women.

“For African Americans, growing natural hair is often considered ‘unprofessional’ because it does not conform to white beauty standards. Discrimination against African Americans is discrimination against African Americans,” Coleman said in a statement after the trial. Project approval.

The Congresswoman was backed by a large legislator with African roots, such as Ilhan Omar, who was born in Somalia and she wears a hijab over her hair. She and Rashida Taliban were the first Muslim women to be elected to the US Congress in 2018.

The bill is called the “crown” and means “creating a world of respect and openness for natural hair.”

235 legislators voted in favor (all Democrats and 14 Republicans), while 189 voted against Conservatives.

During the Lower House debate, Republicans argued that the move was not a priority for the United States, sinking into inflation that had not been seen for decades, and that petrol prices were close to historic records.

African-American legislator Barbara Lee called the Republicans’ arguments “hostile,” but said she was not surprised.

“With every step they take, Republicans are trying to undermine the humanity of color communities and try to defend white supremacy again,” Lee attacked, calling on conservatives to discuss the content of the move and stopping hiding behind excuses.

The initiative, which was approved by the Lower House this Friday, is similar to bills that prevent discrimination on the basis of hair style or style in 15 of the 50 U.S. states and 30 cities.

On Thursday, the Massachusetts House of Representatives approved its own text version. EFE

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