This bill, the Equality Act, would add sexual orientation and gender identity to federal protections against discrimination tied to sex. It changes many existing federal civil-rights statutes so that people cannot be denied access to jobs, housing, credit, public places, education, jury service, federally funded programs, or child welfare services because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. The bill defines "gender identity" and expands what "sex" covers (including pregnancy, sex stereotypes, and intersex traits). It also says people should be allowed to use shared facilities, like restrooms and locker rooms, consistent with their gender identity. The text updates the Civil Rights Act, the Fair Housing Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, jury selection rules, and other federal codes. It also states that the Religious Freedom Restoration Act cannot be used as a defense or separate claim against the covered protections.
If the bill becomes law, federal anti-discrimination protections would explicitly apply to sexual orientation and gender identity in many areas of daily life. That includes employment, places that serve the public (stores, restaurants, doctors' offices, online services), housing, student services and schools, access to credit, jury service, and programs that get federal money. The bill adds clear definitions for terms like "gender identity" and clarifies that pregnancy and sex stereotypes are included in the meaning of sex. It also says people should not be denied access to shared facilities that match their gender identity.
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Supporters say the bill fills gaps and creates consistent, nationwide protections because LGBTQ people and women face discrimination in many areas such as housing, employment, health care, and public services. The bill cites court decisions (like Bostock v. Clayton County) and studies about housing and foster care to argue that an explicit federal standard will improve safety, economic opportunity, and access to services. The bill's findings describe harms such as denial of services, harassment, and reduced access to housing and foster placements and present the Act as a way to provide remedies and clearer notice of rights and responsibilities.
No publicly available information.