The Equality Act: Legislation Introduced in Congress to Prohibit LGBT

Apple, Nike, Facebook, American Airlines, General Mills, Levi Strauss, and Dow Chemicals are all coming out in favor of the act.

On July 23, 2015, Democratic Representatives David Cicilline (Rhode Island) and Jeff Merkley (Oregon) introduced in Congress legislation that would create the “Equality Act” (the Act). The approach of updating these laws builds off of the successful model in the roughly 20 states that have passed LGBT-inclusive nondiscrimination laws and ensures that LGBT Americans are treated equally.

“We’ve made tremendous strides in the journey towards equality, but work still remains”, said Sen.

This principle of do no harm extends beyond progress on the LGBT front and includes vocal and clear opposition to any attempt to utilize the Equality Act to undermine existing protections based on race, sex, national origin, or religion.

By both incorporating LGBT protections and expanding rights for all communities, the Equality Act represents our interconnectedness as a people. At the very least, their support could play a huge part in safeguarding the safety and well-being of LGBT Americans. We believe that diversity drives innovation and allows us to attract and retain world class talent. We need fair and equitable laws that prevent discrimination.’.

“As we work toward full equality for LGBT Americans, it’s critical that we prohibit discrimination in housing, education, and the workplace”, said Sen.

According to a Human Right Campaign (HRC) blog post, Symantec Corporation has also endorsed the proposed legislation.

Today, just days after the introduction of the historic Equality Act in Congress, five new major American companies announced their support for comprehensive, federal LGBT non-discrimination protections.

STATEMENT BY GENERAL MILLS – “At General Mills we have a long history of supporting LGBT equality and the time has come in this country for full, federal equality for the LGBT community”.