In Senate Committee·Last action 372 days ago

Equality Act expands federal anti-discrimination protections

Officially: Equality Act

This bill would make federal civil rights laws clearly cover sexual orientation and gender identity in many settings. It also broadens what counts as a public accommodation and limits use of RFRA in the covered cases.

Where it stands

Sitting in the Judiciary

No vote scheduled. Constituent contact is what moves bills out of committee.

What this bill actually does

Expands the Civil Rights Act's definition of "public accommodations" to include stores, online retailers and service providers, banks, health care providers, shelters, transportation services, and other places that offer goods, services, or programs.
Makes clear that public accommodations are not just physical places; individual service providers whose operations affect commerce are covered too.
Adds sex, defined to include sexual orientation and gender identity, as a protected category in rules covering public accommodations, public facilities, public education, and federally funded programs.

↓ Why your message matters here

This bill is sitting in committee with no scheduled vote — which means a small number of constituent messages can decide whether it moves forward or quietly dies.

Where your representatives stand

Enter your ZIP to see how your senators and member of Congress have voted, sponsored, or spoken on this bill.

The debate

What people are saying about this bill

✓Arguments in support

Legal Consistency: Supporters argue that the bill aligns with the Supreme Court's decision in Bostock v. Clayton County, which recognized that discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity is a form of sex discrimination.
Comprehensive Protection: The bill would provide uniform protections across all states, eliminating gaps where LGBTQ+ individuals currently lack explicit legal protections.
Economic Equality: Advocates believe the bill would allow LGBTQ+ individuals to work without fear of discrimination, promoting economic participation and reducing workplace bias.

✕Arguments against

Privacy Concerns: Critics argue that the bill could undermine sex-separated spaces like bathrooms and locker rooms, raising privacy issues.
Impact on Women's Sports: Some worry that the bill could affect women's sports by allowing transgender women to compete, potentially disadvantaging cisgender women athletes.
Religious Liberty: Opponents express concern that the bill could limit religious organizations' ability to operate according to their beliefs.

Where this bill is in the process

Legislative timeline

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Introduced

Introduced in Senate

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Senate Committee

Under Senate committee consideration

Latest: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (4/29/2025)

APR 29

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Senate Floor Vote

Voted on by Senate

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Passed Senate

Approved by Senate

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House Review

Sent to House for consideration

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Passed Both Chambers

Approved by both House and Senate

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Signed into Law

Signed by the President

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Equality Act expands federal anti-discrimination protections

Where your representatives stand

What people are saying about this bill

Legislative timeline

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