Call Congress: Support The Equality Act
Public Justice is proud to support the Equality Act (H.R. 5), which was originally introduced in both the House and Senate in Mar. 2019. On June 8, 2023, President Biden called for the passage of the Equality Act and for more initiatives to protect LGBTQ citizens.
In a year marked by rising discrimination against the LGBTQ community in America, the passage of the Equality Act is critical to securing a safe future for gay and transgender people.
Since March 2019, anti-LGBTQ legislation has skyrocketed in many states, and state representatives have introduced over 530 bills in 2023 as of June 13. The Equality Act would make gender identity and sexual orientation protected classes under the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964, banning legal discrimination against LGBTQ people in nearly every aspect of American life.
In June 2020, the Supreme Court’s decision in Bostock v. Clayton County established protections for LGBTQ people under federal law, aiding community members who faced bigotry and intolerance in the workplace. Passage of the Equality Act would take these protections a step further, amending the Civil Rights Act to prohibit discrimination against gay and transgender people in public accommodations and federal programs.
That’s why we’re asking Congress to pass the Equality Act — and why you should, too.
The Equality Act expands the definition of public accommodations, including spaces like retail stores, banks, transportation services and healthcare services. Americans in every state – regardless of religion, party affiliation, and economic status – broadly support this measure.
The Equality Act addresses important issues fundamental to Public Justice’s mission:
- When Congress wanted to protect LGBTQ students, we gave them our support.
- Through our Gender & Sexual Violence work, we’ve defended LGBTQ students against harassment and assault in schools.
- We fought efforts by the Department of Health & Human Services to erase trans, nonbinary and intersex people.
The Equality Act is a long-overdue step toward combating discrimination against LGBTQ people in every aspect of American life. We are proud to support the act and the human rights of all LGBTQ Americans.
Join us in supporting this important legislation by calling (202) 224-3121 and asking your Representatives and Senators to become co-sponsors (or thank them if they already are).