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Congress·In Committee·about 2 months ago

Rep. Watson Coleman's Bill Would Ban LGBTQ+ Discrimination at Stores, Banks, and Doctor's Offices

Also known as: Customer Non-Discrimination Act

Legislative Progress

✓ Filed
Review
House
Senate
President

Impacts

Mixed Impacts(1)
Small Business Owner
Neutral

Businesses would gain clarity on nondiscrimination rules but must comply with new federal requirements covering sex and gender identity.

Positive Impacts(4)
Lgbtq
Helps

Would make it illegal for businesses, services, and transportation to discriminate based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

Pregnant
Helps

Ensures pregnancy and related medical conditions cannot be treated less favorably than other physical conditions in public places.

Immigrant
Helps

Protections extend to anyone perceived as a certain identity, which can shield immigrants from discrimination based on appearance or association.

Mental Health
Helps

Reduced fear of discrimination in public spaces could improve mental health outcomes for LGBTQ+ individuals who face disproportionate stress.

Key Points

  • This bill, introduced by Mrs. Watson Coleman, would update the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to officially ban discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. This means businesses could not turn someone away or treat them differently because of who they love or how they identify.
  • The plan expands the definition of "public places" to include many more businesses than current laws cover. It would apply to retail stores, online shops, banks, gas stations, and even professional services like lawyers, accountants, or doctors.
  • It specifically protects the right of individuals to use shared spaces, such as restrooms, locker rooms, and dressing rooms, that match their gender identity. It also prevents businesses from treating people poorly because of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.
  • The bill clarifies that religious freedom laws cannot be used as a legal excuse to ignore these non-discrimination rules. This is intended to ensure that the protections are applied the same way across all covered businesses and services.
  • The rules would also cover transportation services like trains, buses, taxis, and airlines. This ensures that people have equal access to travel and public transit without fear of being denied service based on their identity.
Civil RightsConsumer Protection

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions
Jan 9, 2026House

Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Jan 9, 2026

Introduced in House

Related News

3 articles
Openly News·about 5 years ago

FACTBOX-What would the Equality Act mean for LGBT+ Americans?

The measure would outlaw unequal treatment or harassment against LGBT+ people in public places such as stores, restaurants, and medical centers. It updates the 1964 Civil Rights Act to include sexual orientation and gender identity alongside race and religion.

C=
Magnolia Tribune·almost 5 years ago

Hyde-Smith Testifies against Equality Act at Senate Judiciary Committee to Protect Girls', Women's Rights

Critics argue the bill's expansion of public accommodations would force facilities to host functions violating their beliefs. The act would require access to shared facilities, including restrooms and locker rooms, based on an individual's self-identified gender identity.

R−
Targeted News Service·about 2 months ago

Rep. Watson Coleman Reintroduces Customer Non-Discrimination Act

Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ) reintroduced the Customer Non-Discrimination Act to ensure fair treatment for LGBTQ+ Americans in public spaces. The bill adds sexual orientation and gender identity to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and expands covered establishments to include retail and banks.

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Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Customer Non-Discrimination Act

Bill NumberHR 7005
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionReferred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(19)
D: 19

Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.