What is the equality act?

The Equality Act is a landmark civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information in employment, housing, public accommodations, and federally funded programs. It also expands the definition of "public accommodations" to include places like retail stores, restaurants, and movie theaters, and it strengthens protections against discrimination in employment.

The Equality Act was first introduced in Congress in 1974, but it has never been enacted. It has been repeatedly blocked by Republicans, who argue that it would infringe on religious freedom and lead to frivolous lawsuits. However, supporters of the Equality Act say it is necessary to ensure that all Americans are treated equally under the law.

The Equality Act has been endorsed by a wide range of organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union, the Human Rights Campaign, and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). It is also supported by a majority of Americans, according to a 2019 poll.

In recent years, there has been growing momentum behind the Equality Act. In 2019, the House of Representatives passed the Equality Act for the first time in its history. However, the bill stalled in the Senate, where it was blocked by Republicans. In 2021, the House of Representatives passed the Equality Act again, and the Senate is currently considering the bill.

If enacted, the Equality Act would be a major victory for civil rights in the United States. It would provide comprehensive protection against discrimination for all Americans, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.