The Equality Act will prohibit religiously-motivated discrimination against LGBTQIA+ people and so much more. Not only would it amend the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to include mandates against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, but it would codify equal protections for LGBTQIA+ people within healthcare, employment, education, housing, and federally funded programs.
Opponents of the Equality Act (H.R. 15 / S. 5) have argued time and again that this bill would infringe on their religious freedoms, when we know that it’s actually the other way around: the religious right continues to use their perverse definition of religious liberty to try to legitimize and further codify discrimination against LGBTQIA+ people.
The lack of federal protections for LGBTQIA+ people leaves very few options for those who seek justice for discrimination. Unfortunately, the Religious “Freedom” Restoration Act (RFRA) has made that all the more challenging. Companies, individuals, and taxpayer-funded organizations--from foster care agencies to universities--continue to weaponize religion against LGBTQIA+ people trying to exercise basic rights.
Passing the Equality Act is essential to ensuring vital protections for the LGBTQIA+ community at a time of unprecedented violence against the community. Will you reach out to your Representative and Senators today and urge them to support the Equality Act?
