House Passes Equality Act for LGBTQ Protections

The Equality Act just passed in the House of Representatives, and it’s a major trending topic on Twitter.

The House passed sweeping legislation prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sex, sexual orientation and gender identity on Thursday (February 25), moving forward on a 224-206 vote, mostly down party lines, USA Today reported.

Three Republicans voted with all Democrats.

The bill is one of President Joe Biden‘s top legislative priorities that he wants passed in his first 100 days in office.

“The legislation amends civil rights laws including the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964, which had banned discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion and national origin, to include protections on the basis of sex, sexual orientation and gender identity. It also would prohibit such discrimination in public places, on transportation and in government-funded programs,” USA Today reports.

Rep. David Cicilline, who introduced the House measure, said “every American deserves respect and dignity,” and the act would “ensure that LGBTQ Americans can live lives free of discrimination.”

A similar version of the bill passed in 2019, but did not make it through Senate. It is not clear yet if this bill will pass through the 50-50 split Senate.

Some conservatives and Republicans are concerned that the legislation could infringe upon religious liberty or lead to inequality in athletic competitions if transgender women compete against cisgender women.

Cicilline responded to the religious objections by saying “religious organizations would still enjoy the rights they have” under existing law.

Sen. Chuck Schumer said he would use his power as majority leader to put the bill on the floor, but did not specify when it would be brought into consideration in the Senate.

There is also news regarding the former President’s tax returns.

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