DemocratBill · S. 1503· Senate(119-S-1503)

Equality Act

Rep. Merkley
Age: 70 years
Oregon
Introduced
4/29/2025
Last activity
4/29/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Sponsored by
Jeff Merkley
Cosponsors
Democrat - 44Republican - 0
Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues
  1. Introduced
  2. In Committee

What this bill would do

The Equality Act aims to prohibit discrimination based on sex, gender identity, and sexual orientation. It expands and clarifies protections across several areas, including employment, housing, and public accommodations. The bill amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Fair Housing Act, and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act. It also addresses discrimination in jury selection and federal funding. The goal is to create consistent national protections and remedies for these covered characteristics.

Yes· 3 of 22

  • Would LGBTQ people be better off under this?+10

    Directly protects sexual orientation and gender identity across employment, housing, and public spaces.

  • Does this expand the rights of LGBTQ people?+10

    Provides comprehensive national protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

  • Would women be better off under this?+8

    Prohibits discrimination based on sex, pregnancy, childbirth, and sex-based stereotypes.

The opposite

  • Does this protect the freedom to practise a religion?-6

    Explicitly limits the use of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act as a defense against discrimination claims.

  • Does this leave more decisions to the states?-5

    Overrides certain state-level permissions for discrimination and limits RFRA defenses.

  • Would business owners be better off under this?-3

    Increases legal liability for business owners regarding nondiscrimination compliance.