Federal - S 788

"Equality Act" (OPPOSED)

Introduced

March 13, 2019

Description

For purposes of determining discrimination, the Equality Act would change the federal definition of "sex" from its objective biological meaning (i.e., male/female) to encompass factors such as gender identity and sexual orientation. 

Our Position

Oppose

Commentary

Bill text and status

This bill would require those who do not share another person's perceptions and preferences regarding sexuality to nevertheless submit to those perceptions and preferences, under penalty of law. The Equality Act would force health professionals to participate in certain procedures, practices and prescriptions even if objected to on medical or ethical grounds. The bill would outlaw sex-segregated facilities (e.g., showers, locker rooms, shelters) designed to protect privacy. It also would deny the protections of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.

Original Sponsor 1

Co-Sponsors 46

Latest Actions See More/Less

  • March 13, 2019 — Original cosponsor(s): 46

    Baldwin, (D-Wis.)Harris, K. (D-Calif.)Sanders, (I-Vt.)
    Bennet, (D-Colo.)Hassan, (D-N.H.)Schatz, (D-Hawaii)
    Blumenthal, (D-Conn.)Heinrich, (D-N.M.)Schumer, (D-N.Y.)
    Booker, (D-N.J.)Hirono, (D-Hawaii)Shaheen, (D-N.H.)
    Brown, S. (D-Ohio)Jones, (D-Ala.)Sinema, (D-Ariz.)
    Cantwell, (D-Wash.)Kaine, (D-Va.)Smith, (D-Minn.)
    Cardin, (D-Md.)King, A. (I-Maine)Stabenow, (D-Mich.)
    Carper, (D-Del.)Klobuchar, (D-Minn.)Tester, (D-Mont.)
    Casey, (D-Pa.)Leahy, (D-Vt.)Udall, (D-N.M.)
    Collins, S. (R-Maine)Markey, (D-Mass.)Van Hollen, (D-Md.)
    Coons, (D-Del.)Menendez, (D-N.J.)Warner, (D-Va.)
    Cortez Masto, (D-Nev.)Murphy, C. (D-Conn.)Warren, (D-Mass.)
    Duckworth, (D-Ill.)Murray, (D-Wash.)Whitehouse, (D-R.I.)
    Durbin, (D-Ill.)Peters, G. (D-Mich.)Wyden, (D-Ore.)
    Feinstein, (D-Calif.)Reed, J. (D-R.I.)
    Gillibrand, (D-N.Y.)Rosen, (D-Nev.)

  • March 13, 2019 — Read twice and referred to: Senate Judiciary.Congressional Record p. S1845