What is in the U.S. Equality Act?

The U.S. House has passed the Equality Act, legislation that aims to ensure U.S. federal protections would extend to LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning) Americans. The Senate still needs to vote to approve the bill before it can become law.

The Equality Act would amend the Civil Rights Act of 1964 which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion andnational origin. The new bill adds protections on the basis of gender identity, sex, and sexual orientation.

It also makes it illegal to discriminate on public transportation, public spaces, and in any U.S. government funded program. Passing the act is a key part of U.S. President Biden’s agenda.

Supporters say it’s necessary to protect all Americans from discrimination. Opponents say it could infringe on religious beliefs and would be unfair to force cisgender athletes to compete against transgender athletes.

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