Fight LGBTQ Discrimination: We MUST Pass the Equality Act
While there have been important gains over the last several years in securing LGBTQ civil rights protections, there remain significant gaps in the law that leave LGBTQ Americans vulnerable to discrimination. These gaps are especially prominent in light of the many recent discriminatory bills being passed in state legislatures. Absent a federal law providing consistent nondiscrimination protections based on sexual orientation or gender identity, states are free to continue this dangerous path of discriminatory legislation that is deeply harmful to the LGBTQ community.
The Equality Act would provide federal nondiscrimination protection across key areas of daily life, including employment, credit, education, public spaces and services, federally-funded programs, and jury service. It is a much-needed fix for the current uneven patchwork of state nondiscrimination protections.
Our nation’s federal civil rights laws protect from discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, and in most cases, sex, disability, and religion. The Equality Act would amend existing civil rights law to include sexual orientation and gender identity as protected characteristics. It retains the same religious exemptions that already exist for other protected characteristics.
The Equality Act is one more step toward upholding our principles of fairness and equality and it reflects the belief that everyone deserves the chance to earn a living, provide a home for their families, and participate in our common daily life without fear of discrimination.
The United Church of Christ General Synod has long advocated for the civil rights of LGBTQ people, grounded in the recognition of the God-given worth and dignity of every individual. Support for the Equality Act is consistent with our longstanding faith calling to fairness and justice.
All of us are diminished when individuals are prevented from contributing the full measure of their talent and ability to society. Right now the Equality Act has passed in the House of Representatives but is still pending in the Senate. Please take action and urge your senators to support the Equality Act.