“The LGBTQ community has waited long enough.” – The House passed a bill that outlaws discrimination based on sexual orientation.
- The House passed the Equality Act that prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and identity.
- President Biden supports the bill, saying that “it’s wrong to deny people access to services or housing because of who they are or who they love.”
- Opponents claim the legislation would violate First Amendment rights, such as free speech and religious liberty.
On Thursday, the House passed the Equality Act – legislation that prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. It affects multiple areas, including employment, housing, education, public accommodations, credit, and jury service.
Rep. David Cicilline, D-R.I., who introduced the bill, stated:
“The LGBTQ community has waited long enough. The time has come to extend the blessings of liberty and equality to all Americans, regardless of who they are or who they love.”
The measure passed on a 224-206 vote. Meanwhile, as NBS News reports, a similar bill was introduced in the Senate on Tuesday, but it needs a 60-vote threshold to pass.
My remarks on the #EqualityAct a few minutes ago, “The LGBTQ community has waited long enough. The time has come to extend the blessings of liberty and equality to all Americans, regardless of who they are or who they love.” pic.twitter.com/SKFaQkZCFS
— Cicilline Press Office (@RepCicilline) February 25, 2021
The White House supports the Equality Act.
President Joe Biden announced that passage of the Equality Act would be a priority in his first 100 days in office, saying:
“Full equality has been denied to LGBTQ+ Americans and their families for far too long. The Equality Act provides long-overdue federal civil rights protections on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity … codifying the courage and resilience of the LGBTQ+ movement into enduring law.”
Additionally, Human Rights Campaign President Alphonso David said in a statement:
“Today’s vote is a major milestone for equality bringing us closer to ensuring that every person is treated equally under the law. Now, the ball is in the Senate’s court to pass the Equality Act and finally allow LGBTQ Americans the ability to live their lives free from discrimination.”
Opponents claim the bill would affect First Amendment rights, including free speech and religious liberty.
The Heritage Foundation, a conservative organization, claims:
“The Equality Act would force employers and workers to conform to new sexual norms or else lose their businesses and jobs.”
Furthermore, they insist that the legislation would “discourage people from opening new businesses or entering into certain fields entirely.”
Despite the opposition, President Biden believes the bill is a “critical step toward ensuring that America lives up to our foundational values of equality and freedom for all.” He added:
“Too many states do not have laws that explicitly protect LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination. It’s wrong to deny people access to services or housing because of who they are or who they love.”
Do you support the Equality Act? Let us know in the comment section!
