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Equality Act Reintroduced by Democrats to Bolster LGBTQ+ Protections

The proposed legislation seeks to amend the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to explicitly ban discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, facing steep challenges in a Republican-controlled Congress.

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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.