Congressional Democrats are reviving the Equality Act — a sweeping civil rights bill that would enshrine federal protections for queer Americans. Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon and Representative Mark Takano of California are leading the charge, backed by Democratic leaders like Chuck Schumer, Nancy Pelosi, Katherine Clark, Cory Booker, and Sarah McBride, the first out transgender member of Congress.
Unveiled yesterday at the Capitol, the bill would amend the Civil Rights Act to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in workplaces, schools, housing, and more. But with Trump back in the White House and Republicans in control of Congress, the path ahead is steep.
Schumer pointed out that in 29 states, LGBTQ Americans can still be legally denied housing or health care. While its passage is uncertain, the reintroduction of the Equality Act signals one thing clearly: LGBTQ+ leaders and allies aren’t backing down.
