“The reintroduction of the Equality Act today provides a much-needed opportunity to advance fairness and equality in our country by protecting LGBTQ people and all women from discrimination in workplaces, public spaces, schools and housing. It is unacceptable that people today can still be fired or denied housing simply because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, and that women are still refused equal protection in public spaces and federally funded programs. Our families, our communities and our society suffer when this kind of discrimination is allowed to continue.

The Equality Act would help tremendously by amending existing federal civil rights laws to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex, sexual orientation and gender identity in public accommodations and in federally funded programs or activities. It would also prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in education, employment, housing, credit, and federal jury service. Establishing these long overdue protections for women and LGBTQ people is especially important given the heightened threats and incidents of discrimination and hate crimes in today’s climate.

We commend the members of Congress who are championing the Equality Act for their leadership and ongoing commitment to equal rights. All members who care about eradicating discrimination and promoting equal opportunity should support this critical legislation. As a nation, we must protect the civil rights of all people if we are truly striving to create a fair and equal society that protects the economic security and well-being of all our communities. Passage of the Equality Act would be a highly significant step in that direction.”