House Republicans have introduced a measure aimed at erasing a policy that allows local governments to consider the race of contractors bidding on projects. The measure introduced Wednesday also would ban colleges from considering an applicant's race or gender. The measure, dubbed the "Antidiscrimination Act of 2009," has drawn fierce criticism from Democrats. But it's also earned the support of two black Republicans and a handful of other GOP lawmakers who say it's a first step toward creating a more "colorblind society." State Rep. Clay Cox of Lilburn, who authored the bill, says he hopes it "sends the message that race isn't important." Meanwhile, black legislative leaders called it an "awful piece of legislation."
(Associated Press)
(Associated Press)
