Equality Act Passes in House

by | Feb 26, 2021 | Uncategorized | 0 comments

Equality Act Passes in House with Strong Bipartisan Support

Senators Must Now Prioritize LGBTQ Nondiscrimination Protections

OutNebraska applauds the U.S. House of Representatives quick passage today (Feb 25, 2021) of the Equality Act, a landmark federal law that would protect LGBTQ Americans in virtually all areas of daily life. 

The bill, passed with a 224-206 bipartisan vote, 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 Senate companion bill, S.393, was introduced on Tuesday by Sen. Jeff Merkley and 48 cosponsors.

“This strong bipartisan support of nondiscrimination protections is yet another sign that America believes in fairness and is ready for comprehensive LGBTQ protections,” said Abbi Swatsworth, Executive Director OUtNebraska. “We are one step closer to getting this important law to the desk of President Biden, who pledged to sign the Equality Act into law during his first 100 days.”  

LGBTQ people continue to face discrimination in their daily lives. A recent study found one in three LGBTQ Americans facing discrimination in the previous year, including three in five transgender Americans. Currently, half of LGBTQ people live in the 29 states 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.

“Americans understand freedom to mean everyone should be able to live, work, and play without fear of discrimination,” said Abbi Swatsworth. “It’s time for Senators Sasse and Fischer to join the American people on the right side of history.”

###