The Nation : Civil Rights Bill Backed

The House Judiciary Committee voted for legislation that would restore full protection of four major civil rights laws that were curtailed by a 1984 Supreme Court decision. The committee version, approved on a 21-12 vote, was a victory for civil rights lobbyists, who fought successfully to keep Republicans from adding restrictive abortion language. The bill would restore the full effect of laws protecting minorities, women, the elderly and disabled in programs and activities that accept federal assistance--both in and out of government.