Equality Act Passes in House with Bipartisan Support
Senators Must Now Prioritize LGBTQ+ Nondiscrimination Protections
KALAMAZOO, MI February 25, 2021 – OutFront Kalamazoo applauds the U.S. House of Representatives’ quick passage today of the Equality Act, (full text here) a landmark federal law that would protect LGBTQ+ Americans in virtually all areas of daily life.
The bill would amend existing civil rights laws to explicitly ban LGBTQ+ discrimination in employment, housing, education, credit, jury service, and other areas, and explicitly extend sex discrimination protections to public accommodations and federally funded programs.
A companion bill, SB393, was introduced on Tuesday in the Senate by Sens. Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Cory Booker (D-NJ). Michigan Sens. Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow have signed on as co-sponsors.
“This strong support of nondiscrimination protections is yet another sign that America is ready for comprehensive LGBTQ+ protections,” said Amy Hunter, Executive Director of OutFront Kalamazoo. “It is important to remember that nearly two-thirds of LGBTQ+ Americans report having experienced discrimination in their personal lives. The need for these protections is clear.”
Currently, half of LGBTQ+ people live in the 29 states (including Michigan) that still lack comprehensive statewide laws, while opponents of equality continue to file discriminatory legislation aimed at eroding existing protections for LGBTQ+ people and their families.
The Equality Act would ensure that all LGBTQ+ Americans can live, work, and access public spaces free from discrimination, no matter what state they call home. It has broad and deep support across lines of political party, faith traditions, and geography, with 83 percent of Americans saying they favor LGBTQ nondiscrimination protections, including 68 percent of Republicans and a majority in every state in the country.
“Everyone should have a fair chance to provide a home for their families and access essential services without fear of harassment or discrimination” said Hunter. “We are one step closer to getting this important legislation to the desk of President Biden, who pledged to sign the Equality Act into law during his first 100 days. It’s time to thank Michigan’s Senators for their support and urge others to join them on the right side of history.”
OutFront Kalamazoo is a non-profit, charitable organization whose mission is to create a just, inclusive, equitable, and supportive environment in Southwest Michigan for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities and expressions.
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Take action today by contacting your Senator by email or phone. It's so simple - just a few clicks will get it done. https://lgbtactionlink.org/equality-act
