The Daily Record’s online poll from March 22 - April 5 asked readers whether they think Texas House Bill 2279, which would expand protection against sexual harassment in the workplace if passed, would be beneficial.
State Rep. Erin Zwiener (D-Driftwood) has proposed HB 2279, a bill that would expand sexual harassment protections to businesses of all sizes.
Currently, Texas does the federal minimum set by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Title VII only applies to employers with 15 or more employees.
Zwiener said that the federal minimum covers fewer and fewer companies, as more companies hire contractors instead of employees. Moreover, she said, a worker can experience sexual harassment at a company of any size.
Sen. Judith Zaffirini’s version of the bill in the Senate is Senate Bill 46.
The poll asking, “Do you think that HB 2279, if passed, would be beneficial?” received a total of 85 votes, with the majority of votes — 59 percent or 50 votes — going to option “Yes, expanding sexual harassment protections would be beneficial.”
Forty-one percent of voters, or 35 votes, chose, “No, the federal minimum already provides enough protection.”
A slight majority of poll voters think passing HB 2279 would be beneficial. Every week, the Record gives its readers the opportunity to voice their opinions on different topics.
This poll does not, and does not purport to, accurately depict public opinion. It is only intended to inspire thought-provoking discussion within the community.
SMDR’s new poll is available online now and asks for readers’ opinions on whether they think moving municipal elections to November in odd-numbered years would be beneficial. It can be voted on now.
