Today’s action: Protect LGBTQ+ communities from discrimination — pass the Equality Act!

The House votes this Thursday for LGBTQ+ rights. Because, while over 70 countries around the world offer anti-discrimination protections for LGBTQ+ individuals at a national level, the United States is not one of them. And with Trump continuing his campaign for “religious freedom” AKA the freedom to discriminate, the LGBTQ+ community needs and deserves protection fast.

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects a lot of underrepresented groups from discrimination – based on race, skin color, sex, religion, and national origin. However, the landmark legislation does not include sexual orientation or gender identity, leaving many LGBTQ+ communities without a shield from the whims of bigots.

Here’s a second “70” fact: it’s the percentage of Americans who support the Equality Act, which would finally provide federal protections for LGBTQ+ people.

The vote in the House is expected Thursday – and the Senate will need a huge push to get it on the floor for a vote. Tell your Members of Congress to co-sponsor and pass the Equality Act of 2019, implementing anti-discrimination laws for LGBTQ+ individuals at the federal level. If they have already cosponsored (House/Senate), thank them!

30 States have no anti-discrimination laws for sexual orientation or gender identity, home to approximately 50% of LGBTQ+ Americans. In these states, LGBTQ+ individuals are subject to harassment, losing their jobs, being denied housing or entering businesses, and more.

And, the threat is very real: two-thirds of LGBTQ+ Americans report experiencing discrimination in their lifetimes. The Equality Act won’t eliminate all hate crimes and discrimination — but it will certainly prevent some, and provide the LGBTQ+ community with immediate protections, recourse, and justice against intolerance.

Email or call (202.224.3121) your Members of Congress and demand they co-sponsor and pass the Equality Act of 2019. Tell them federal anti-discrimination laws for LGBTQ+ individuals are decades overdue. And if they’ve already cosponsored – House/Senate – thank them!