Equality Act Introduced With Support of 241 Members of Congress

Only One Republican Is an Original Co-Sponsor

Senator Jeff Merkley and Representative David Cicilline, both Democrats, on Tuesday introduced the Equality Act of 2017. The bill, which would add sexual orientation and gender identity to the Civil Rights Act of 1964, is supported by 241 Members of Congress: 46 Democratic Senators, 194 Democratic Representatives, and one Republican Congresswoman. 

The legislation would “prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex, gender identity, and sexual orientation.” It also includes prohibitions against discrimination based on pregnancy, childbirth, and sex-based stereotypes, along with other forms of discrimination.

“The discredited practice known as ‘’conversion therapy’ is a form of discrimination that harms LGBT people by undermining individuals sense of self worth, increasing suicide ideation and substance abuse, exacerbating family conflict, and contributing to second class status,” the bill specifies.

“Women also face discrimination, in establishments such as stores and restaurants, and places or establishments that provide other goods or services, such as entertainment or transportation, including sexual harassment, differential pricing, and denial of services because they are pregnant or breastfeeding.”

The legislation bans discrimination “in education, employment, housing, credit, Federal jury service, public accommodations, and the use of Federal funds,” according to a press release.

“Every American deserves to be treated with dignity and respect,” Senator Merkley said at Tuesday’s event, according to the Washington Blade. “Every American deserves to be able to pursue their full potential without the door of discrimination being slammed in their face. When we pass the Equality Act, non-discrimination will be the law of the land here in America once and for all, and that day could not come sooner.”

Despite the impressive number of original co-sponsors, the legislation faces Republican majorities in the House and Senate, and a Republican president. 

“I am proud to announce that I am introducing the bipartisan Equality Act, along with Senator Jeff Merkley, to ban discrimination against LGBT Americans,” Rep. Cicilline said today on Facebook. “Fairness & equality are core American values. But millions of LGBT Americans are viewed as less than equal in the eyes of the law today.”

“This bill ensures that every LGBT person can live their lives free from the fear of discrimination. Above all, it’s about honoring the values that have guided our nation since its founding. It’s critical that Congress pass the Equality Act into law.”

The introduction of the bill was streamed live on Facebook (video above). 

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