Rep. Takano Introduces the Equality Act to Ban LGBTQ+ Discrimination in Housing, Jobs, and Schools
The Equality Act is currently in the early stages of the legislative process and is being reviewed by several House committees. It is actively moving forward as it waits for these committees to finish their work before it can be considered by the full House. There are no upcoming votes scheduled at this time.
While this bill has nearly 200 supporters in the House, it faces a very difficult path in the Senate where it would likely be blocked by a filibuster or opposition over religious exemptions.
Small businesses that operate as public accommodations (stores, salons, service providers, etc.) would be required to comply with expanded non-discrimination requirements covering sexual orientation and gender identity. The greatly broadened definition of public accommodation means many more businesses would be covered. For businesses already serving all customers equally, this would have little practical impact, but businesses that have relied on religious exemptions to refuse service would lose that legal defense.
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Education and Workforce, Financial Services, House Administration, and Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
House and Senate Democrats on Tuesday reintroduced the Equality Act, a landmark civil rights bill that would make sexual orientation and gender identity protected classes under the Civil Rights Act of 1964, covering areas like housing, employment, and public accommodations.
The bill would include sexual orientation and gender identity as protected categories in existing civil rights laws, protecting LGBTQ individuals from discrimination in public accommodations, housing, credit, education, and jury service.
A coalition of civil rights groups urged Congress to pass the legislation, noting that in 2025, LGBTQ+ people can still be denied loans or housing in many states. The bill faces an uphill battle in a Republican-controlled Congress.
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Equality Act
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