WHY WE NEED THE EQUALITY ACT
GLAAD has released an ad on broadcast and digital channels to show the personal consequences of the lack of protections for LGBTQ people against discrimination. It features a conversation many of us have had with our own families who love us, but who may not understand how our government has so far failed to protect us, and in some cases, actively tried to hurt us.
GLAAD’s ongoing research through the Trump Accountability Project tracks the Trump administration’s anti-LGBTQ rhetoric and policy. Since taking office in 2017, the Trump administration has attacked LGBTQ people nearly 170 times, including his opposition to The Equality Act.
The administration has deployed multiple agencies to roll back protections for LGBTQ people, especially transgender people, where we need it most – in health care, housing, education and the military. It has repeatedly argued all the way to the Supreme Court against LGBTQ workers, and LGBTQ families, in a case to be heard this fall.
Despite the landmark Supreme Court decisions for marriage equality and the expansion of non-discrimation employment protections, discrimination against LGBTQ people is still an alarming reality. There are significant gaps in protections for millions of employees of smaller businesses and religious institutions. That’s on top of an ongoing lack of protections for all LGBTQ people in housing, health care, education and public accommodations across the country. 27 states have no nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ Americans.
This means a landlord in Florida can refuse to rent to a same-sex couple. A college student in Tennessee can be kicked out of school for being transgender. A hospital in Maryland can refuse to treat a transgender man.
The Equality Act addresses these issues. It amends the Civil Rights Act to ensure comprehensive protections on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity nationwide, including in housing, education, public accommodations and access to credit. It is a quilt of coverage, not a small square provided by the Court’s landmark, but limited, decision. It allows a chance “for the full participation of LGBTQ people in society,” as the text of the Act says.
The Equality Act passed the House in May of 2019. It has not moved in the GOP-led Senate, nor even come up for a vote. President Trump has said he opposes it. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has refused to take any action on it.
Take action today. Call your Senator to demand a vote on The Equality Act.
ADD YOUR NAME IF YOU SUPPORT THE EQUALITY ACT