Plain Language Summary
# EQUITY Act Summary **What It Would Do:** The EQUITY Act would prohibit the Department of Defense from discriminating against military personnel and applicants based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, gender identity, or sexual orientation. The bill would require that military service eligibility be determined only by an individual's ability to meet standard occupational requirements for their specific military role—rather than other factors. **Who It Affects:** This bill would impact current and prospective service members in the Armed Forces, establishing protections for those from underrepresented groups. It would also affect military recruitment and personnel policies across all service branches. **Current Status and Context:** The bill is currently in committee in the House.
It was introduced as President Trump has signed executive orders taking a different approach to military policy, including orders addressing gender identity in the military and emphasizing military readiness standards. This creates significant tension between the bill's intent and current executive branch direction, which may affect its prospects in Congress.
CRS Official Summary
Equal and Uniform Treatment in the Military Act or the EQUITY Act This bill prohibits discrimination within the Department of Defense (DOD) against individuals on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, gender identity, or sexual orientation.A qualification established or applied related to eligibility for service in any of the Armed Forces must only consider (1) the ability of an individual to meet the general occupational standards for service, and (2) the particular military occupational specialty.On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order titled Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government, declaring that the United States recognizes two sexes (male and female) and these sexes are not changeable.On January 27, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order titled Prioritizing Military Excellence and Readiness, expressing that the policy for troop readiness is inconsistent with gender dysphoria or the use of pronouns that inaccurately reflect an individual’s biological sex. Further, the order directs DOD to update specific guidance documents related to medical standards for military service to reflect the purpose and policy of the order.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.