Summary: The Equality Act was introduced by Democrats, in opposition to the Republicans First Amendment Defense Act, to extend federal protect to members of the LGBT community.
House Democrats introduced a bill that would protect the LGBT community from discrimination. The Equality Act will plan discrimination for sexual orientation or gender identity in places like housing, federal funding, employment, credit, jury service, and education.
The current Civil Rights Act of 1964 does not give full protection to all so the bill would seek to protect against discrimination on race, sex, religion, national origin, and color. The LGBT community has long been seeking to protect members from workplace discrimination with the Employment Non-Discrimination Act.
The proposed bill conflicts with efforts by Republicans to protect those that object to homosexuality for religious reasons. Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher partner Ted Olson led the way with David Boies of Boies, Schiller & Flexner in challenging the same-sex marriage ban in California. Olson stated about this bill that “if you agree with the principle that gay and lesbian citizens in the country should be treated with respect and equality, and religious principles should also be protected, then all these problems should be resolved.”
If passed the bill would prohibit almost every provider of goods, programs, and services such as wedding photographers, bakeries, doctors, and bankers from discriminating for reasons of sex, gender identity, or sexual orientation. Places that receive federal funding like schools, and private and public employers with over 15 employees, creditors, federal jury selectors, and housing providers are also included.
There are no Republican co-sponsors for the bill yet. The bill goes against the First Amendment Defense Act proposed by Republicans. No Democrats have signed that bill. This bill would protect those with religious reasons against LGBT. The federal government would not be allowed to take any discriminatory action like denying federal funding or tax deductions against those in religious organizations, companies or personal that does not assist or serve same-sex couples.
Republicans control both chambers of Congress so there is not a very good chance of the Equality Act passing.
Source: http://www.nationallawjournal.com/legaltimes/home/id=1202732888232
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