Overview
- Congressional Democrats, led by Sen. Jeff Merkley, Rep. Mark Takano, Sen. Tammy Baldwin, and Sen. Cory Booker, reintroduced the Equality Act on April 29, 2025.
- The bill aims to provide federal nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ+ individuals in areas such as employment, housing, education, and public accommodations.
- The Equality Act has garnered support from over 650 organizations and 75% of the American public, according to recent surveys, highlighting widespread backing for its passage.
- The reintroduction comes in response to President Trump's executive orders restricting transgender rights and redefining sex as strictly male or female, fueling concerns among advocates.
- Despite bipartisan support in past House votes, the Equality Act faces significant hurdles in the Republican-controlled Senate and White House, with Democrats vowing to engage in direct discussions to build support.