Equality Act

# Equality Act Summary The Equality Act would expand federal civil rights protections to cover discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Currently, federal law prohibits discrimination in housing, employment, education, and public accommodations based on race, color, religion, sex, and other characteristics—but sexual orientation and gender identity are not explicitly included. This bill would add those categories to existing civil rights laws, giving LGBTQ+ individuals the same legal protections as other protected groups. The bill would affect businesses, employers, schools, housing providers, and other organizations that serve the public.

Key provisions include applying existing nondiscrimination rules to LGBTQ+ people in areas like workplace hiring, housing rentals, education, and access to public services. The bill also addresses the Religious Freedom Restoration Act to clarify how religious exemptions would interact with these new protections. Currently, the bill is in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full Senate.