Federal - HR 5
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
Original Sponsor 1
Co-Sponsors 240
- Rep. Alma Adams (D-NC)
- Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-CA)
- Rep. Colin Allred (D-TX)
- Rep. Cindy Axne (D-IA)
- Rep. Nanette Barragan (D-CA)
- Rep. Karen Bass (D-CA)
- Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-OH)
- Rep. Ami Bera (D-CA)
- Rep. Donald Beyer (D-VA)
- Rep. Sanford Bishop (D-GA)
- Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR)
- Rep. Lisa Rochester (D-DE)
- Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR)
- Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-PA)
- Rep. Anthony Brindisi (D-NY)
- Rep. Anthony Brown (D-MD)
- Rep. Julia Brownley (D-CA)
- Rep. Cheri Bustos (D-IL)
- Rep. G.K. Butterfield (D-NC)
- Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-CA)
- Rep. Tony Cardenas (D-CA)
- Rep. Andre Carson (D-IN)
- Rep. Matt Cartwright (D-PA)
- Rep. Ed Case (D-HI)
- Rep. Sean Casten (D-IL)
- Rep. Kathy Castor (D-FL)
- Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-TX)
- Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA)
- Rep. Gil Cisneros (D-CA)
- Rep. Yvette Clarke (D-NY)
- Rep. Katherine Clark (D-MA)
- Rep. William Lacy Clay (D-MO)
- Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO)
- Rep. James Clyburn (D-SC)
- Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN)
- Rep. Gerald Connolly (D-VA)
- Rep. Jim Cooper (D-TN)
- Rep. Lou Correa (D-CA)
- Rep. Jim Costa (D-CA)
- Rep. Joe Courtney (D-CT)
- Rep. TJ Cox (D-CA)
- Rep. Angela Craig (D-MN)
- Rep. Charlie Crist (D-FL)
- Rep. Jason Crow (D-CO)
- Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-TX)
- Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-MD)
- Rep. Joseph Cunningham (D-SC)
- Rep. Sharice Davids (D-KS)
- Rep. Danny Davis (D-IL)
- Rep. Susan Davis (D-CA)
- Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-PA)
- Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-OR)
- Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO)
- Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT)
- Rep. Suzan DelBene (D-WA)
- Rep. Antonio Delgado (D-NY)
- Rep. Valdez Demings (D-FL)
- Rep. Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA)
- Rep. Ted Deutch (D-FL)
- Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI)
- Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-TX)
- Rep. Mike Doyle (D-PA)
- Rep. Eliot Engel (D-NY)
- Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-TX)
- Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-CA)
- Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-NY)
- Rep. Dwight Evans (D-PA)
- Rep. Abby Finkenauer (D-IA)
- Rep. Lizzie Fletcher (D-TX)
- Rep. Bill Foster (D-IL)
- Rep. Lois Frankel (D-FL)
- Rep. Marcia Fudge (D-OH)
- Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA)
- Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI)
- Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ)
- Rep. John Garamendi (D-CA)
- Rep. Jesus Garcia (D-IL)
- Rep. Sylvia Garcia (D-TX)
- Rep. Jared Golden (D-ME)
- Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D-CA)
- Rep. Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon (R-PR)
- Rep. Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX)
- Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ)
- Rep. Al Green (D-TX)
- Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-AZ)
- Rep. Debra Haaland (D-NM)
- Rep. Josh Harder (D-CA)
- Rep. Alcee Hastings (D-FL)
- Rep. Jahana Hayes (D-CT)
- Lt. Gov. Denny Heck (D-WA)
- Rep. Brian Higgins (D-NY)
- Rep. Katie Hill (D-CA)
- Rep. Jim Himes (D-CT)
- Rep. Kendra Horn (D-OK)
- Rep. Steven Horsford (D-NV)
- Rep. Christina Houlahan (D-PA)
- Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-MD)
- Rep. Jared Huffman (D-CA)
- Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX)
- Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA)
- Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY)
- Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX)
- Rep. Hank Johnson (D-GA)
- Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-OH)
- Rep. John Katko (R-NY)
- Rep. William Keating (D-MA)
- Rep. Robin Kelly (D-IL)
- Rep. Joseph Kennedy (D-MA)
- Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA)
- Rep. Dan Kildee (D-MI)
- Rep. Derek Kilmer (D-WA)
- Rep. Andy Kim (D-NJ)
- Rep. Ron Kind (D-WI)
- Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick (D-AZ)
- Rep. S. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL)
- Rep. Ann Kuster (D-NH)
- Rep. Conor Lamb (D-PA)
- Rep. Jim Langevin (D-RI)
- Rep. Rick Larsen (D-WA)
- Rep. John Larson (D-CT)
- Rep. Brenda Lawrence (D-MI)
- Rep. Alfred Lawson (D-FL)
- Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA)
- Rep. Susie Lee (D-NV)
- Rep. Andy Levin (D-MI)
- Rep. Mike Levin (D-CA)
- Rep. John Lewis (D-GA)
- Rep. Ted Lieu (D-CA)
- Rep. Dave Loebsack (D-IA)
- Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA)
- Rep. Alan Lowenthal (D-CA)
- Rep. Nita Lowey (D-NY)
- Sen. Ben Lujan (D-NM)
- Rep. Elaine Luria (D-VA)
- Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-MA)
- Rep. Tom Malinowski (D-NJ)
- Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY)
- Rep. Sean Maloney (D-NY)
- Rep. Doris Matsui (D-CA)
- Rep. Ben McAdams (D-UT)
- Rep. Lucy McBath (D-GA)
- Rep. Betty McCollum (D-MN)
- Rep. A. Donald McEachin (D-VA)
- Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA)
- Rep. Jerry McNerney (D-CA)
- Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-NY)
- Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY)
- Rep. Gwen Moore (D-WI)
- Rep. Joseph Morelle (D-NY)
- Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA)
- Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (D-FL)
- Rep. Stephanie Murphy (D-FL)
- Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY)
- Rep. Grace Napolitano (D-CA)
- Rep. Richard Neal (D-MA)
- Rep. Joe Neguse (D-CO)
- Rep. Donald Norcross (D-NJ)
- Del. Eleanor Norton (D-DC)
- Rep. Tom O'Halleran (D-AZ)
- Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY)
- Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN)
- Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ)
- Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-CA)
- Rep. Chris Pappas (D-NH)
- Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-NJ)
- Rep. Donald Payne (D-NJ)
- Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA)
- Rep. Ed Perlmutter (D-CO)
- Rep. Collin Peterson (D-MN)
- Rep. Scott Peters (D-CA)
- Rep. Dean Phillips (D-MN)
- Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-ME)
- Del. Stacey Plaskett (D-VI)
- Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI)
- Rep. Katie Porter (D-CA)
- Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA)
- Rep. David Price (D-NC)
- Rep. Mike Quigley (D-IL)
- Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD)
- Rep. Kathleen Rice (D-NY)
- Rep. Cedric Richmond (D-LA)
- Rep. Max Rose (D-NY)
- Rep. Harley Rouda (D-CA)
- Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA)
- Rep. Raul Ruiz (D-CA)
- Rep. C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD)
- Rep. Bobby Rush (D-IL)
- Rep. Tim Ryan (D-OH)
- Del. Gregorio Sablan (I-MP)
- Del. Michael San Nicolas (D-GU)
- Rep. Linda Sanchez (D-CA)
- Rep. John Sarbanes (D-MD)
- Rep. Mary Scanlon (D-PA)
- Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL)
- Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA)
- Rep. Brad Schneider (D-IL)
- Rep. Kurt Schrader (D-OR)
- Rep. Kim Schrier (D-WA)
- Rep. David Scott (D-GA)
- Rep. Robert Scott (D-VA)
- Rep. Jose Serrano (D-NY)
- Rep. Terri Sewell (D-AL)
- Rep. Donna Shalala (D-FL)
- Rep. Brad Sherman (D-CA)
- Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ)
- Rep. Albio Sires (D-NJ)
- Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-MI)
- Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA)
- Rep. Darren Soto (D-FL)
- Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA)
- Rep. Jackie Speier (D-CA)
- Rep. Greg Stanton (D-AZ)
- Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI)
- Rep. Thomas Suozzi (D-NY)
- Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA)
- Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA)
- Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-MS)
- Rep. Mike Thompson (D-CA)
- Rep. Dina Titus (D-NV)
- Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI)
- Rep. Paul Tonko (D-NY)
- Rep. Xochitl Torres Small (D-NM)
- Rep. Norma Torres (D-CA)
- Rep. Lori Trahan (D-MA)
- Rep. David Trone (D-MD)
- Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-IL)
- Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ)
- Rep. Juan Vargas (D-CA)
- Rep. Marc Veasey (D-TX)
- Rep. Filemon Vela (D-TX)
- Rep. Nydia Velazquez (D-NY)
- Rep. Peter Visclosky (D-IN)
- Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL)
- Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA)
- Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ)
- Rep. Peter Welch (D-VT)
- Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-VA)
- Rep. Susan Wild (D-PA)
- Rep. Frederica Wilson (D-FL)
- Rep. John Yarmuth (D-KY)
Latest Actions See More/Less
May 28, 2019 — J. Wilson, R-S.C., House speech: Personal explanation for roll call vote no.217, and would have voted nay if present. Congressional Record p. E681
May 28, 2019 — J. Wilson, R-S.C., House speech: Personal explanation for roll call vote no.216, and would have voted yea if present. Congressional Record p. E681
May 22, 2019 — Turner, R-Ohio, House speech: Personal explanation for roll call vote no.217, and would have voted nay if present. Congressional Record p. E655
May 21, 2019 — Burchett, R-Tenn., House speech: Personal explanation for roll call vote no.217, and would have voted nay if present. Congressional Record p. E645
May 20, 2019 — K. Brady, R-Texas, House speech: Personal explanation for roll call vote no.217, and would have voted nay if present. Congressional Record p. E629
May 20, 2019 — Pence, R-Ind., House speech: Personal explanation for roll call vote no.216, and would have voted yea if present. Congressional Record p. E631
May 20, 2019 — LaHood, R-Ill., House speech: Personal explanation for roll call vote no.216, and would have voted yea if present. Congressional Record p. E633
May 20, 2019 — LaHood, R-Ill., House speech: Personal explanation for roll call vote no.217, and would have voted nay if present. Congressional Record p. E633
May 20, 2019 — Duffy, R-Wis., House speech: Personal explanation for roll call vote no.216, and would have voted nay if present. Congressional Record p. E633
May 20, 2019 — Duffy, R-Wis., House speech: Personal explanation for roll call vote no.217, and would have voted nay if present. Congressional Record p. E633
May 20, 2019 — Clyburn, D-S.C., House speech: Personal explanation for roll call vote no.217, and would have voted yea if present. Congressional Record p. E634
May 20, 2019 — Clyburn, D-S.C., House speech: Personal explanation for roll call vote no.216, and would have voted nay if present. Congressional Record p. E634
May 20, 2019 — Smucker, R-Pa., House speech: Personal explanation for roll call vote no.217, and would have voted nay if present. Congressional Record p. E633
May 20, 2019 — Smucker, R-Pa., House speech: Personal explanation for roll call vote no.216, and would have voted yea if present. Congressional Record p. E633
May 20, 2019 — Swalwell, D-Calif., House speech: Personal explanation for roll call vote no.217, and would have voted yea if present. Congressional Record p. E629
May 20, 2019 — Swalwell, D-Calif., House speech: Personal explanation for roll call vote no.216, and would have voted nay if present. Congressional Record p. E629
May 20, 2019 — Swalwell, D-Calif., House speech: Personal explanation for roll call vote no.206, and would have voted yea if present. Congressional Record p. E629
May 20, 2019 — Swalwell, D-Calif., House speech: Personal explanation for roll call vote no.205, and would have voted yea if present. Congressional Record p. E629
May 20, 2019 — C. Higgins, R-La., House speech: Personal explanation for roll call vote no.206, and would have voted nay if present. Congressional Record p. E627
May 20, 2019 — C. Higgins, R-La., House speech: Personal explanation for roll call vote no.205, and would have voted nay if present. Congressional Record p. E627
May 20, 2019 — Received in the Senate and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee. Congressional Record p. S2962
May 17, 2019 — B. Johnson, R-Ohio, House speech: Personal explanation for roll call vote no.217, and would have voted nay if present. Congressional Record p. H3953
May 17, 2019 — Bucshon, R-Ind., House speech: Personal explanation for roll call vote no.217, and would have voted nay if present. Congressional Record p. H3953
May 17, 2019 — Westerman, R-Ark., House speech: Personal explanation for roll call vote no.217, and would have voted nay if present. Congressional Record p. H3953
May 17, 2019 — Rose, D-N.Y., House speech: Personal explanation for roll call vote no.217, and would have voted yea if present. Congressional Record p. H3953
May 17, 2019 — B. Johnson, R-Ohio, House speech: Personal explanation for roll call vote no.216, and would have voted yea if present. Congressional Record p. H3953
May 17, 2019 — Rose, D-N.Y., House speech: Personal explanation for roll call vote no.216, and would have voted nay if present. Congressional Record p. H3953
May 17, 2019 — Bucshon, R-Ind., House speech: Personal explanation for roll call vote no.216, and would have voted yea if present. Congressional Record p. H3953
May 17, 2019 — House Vote 217 LGBTQ Anti-Discrimination Protections — Passage
Passage of the bill that would prohibit discrimination or segregation based on sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity under 1964 Civil Rights Act protections, including in public facilities, public education, federal assistance programs, employment, jury service, and areas of public accomodation. It would expand the definition of "public accomodations" to include transportation services and any establishment providing a good, service, or program, including retailers, health care facilities, and legal services. The bill would define "gender identity" as "gender-related identity, appearance, mannerisms, or other gender-related characteristics of an individual," regardless of designated sex at birth. The bill would also allow the Justice Department to intervene in equal protection cases regarding sexual orientation and gender identity. Passed 236-173. Note: A "nay" was a vote in support of the president's position. Congressional Record p. H3952-H3953May 17, 2019 — House Vote 216 LGBTQ Anti-Discrimination Protections — Recommit
Steube, R-Fla., motion to recommit the bill to the House Judiciary Committee with instructions to report it back immediately with an amendment that would clarify that nothing contained in the bill may be construed to diminish any protections under title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex under any federally-funded education programs, stating that no person can be excluded from participation in or denied the benefits of such programs on the basis of sex. Motion rejected 181-228. Congressional Record p. H3950-H3952May 17, 2019 — Considered by the House. Congressional Record p. H3931-H3953
May 16, 2019 — Pence, R-Ind., House speech: Personal explanation for roll call vote no.206, and would have voted nay if present. Congressional Record p. E616
May 16, 2019 — Pence, R-Ind., House speech: Personal explanation for roll call vote no.205, and would have voted nay if present. Congressional Record p. E616
May 16, 2019 — S. Brooks, R-Ind., House speech: Personal explanation for roll call vote no.206, and would have voted nay if present. Congressional Record p. E611
May 16, 2019 — S. Brooks, R-Ind., House speech: Personal explanation for roll call vote no.205, and would have voted nay if present. Congressional Record p. E611
May 15, 2019 — House Vote 206 LGBTQ Discrimination, Tribal Lands, Health Care Package — Rule
Adoption of the rule (H Res 377) that would provide for floor consideration of the bill (HR 5) that would prohibit discrimination of the basis of sex, gender identity, and sexual orientation; the bill (HR 312) that would reaffirm the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe reservation; and the bill (HR 987) consisting of a package of measures related to prescription drug costs and health insurance marketplaces. Adopted 229-188. Congressional Record p. H3812-H3813May 15, 2019 — House Vote 205 LGBTQ Discrimination, Tribal Lands, Health Care Package — Previous Question
Scanlon, D-Pa., motion to order the previous question (thus ending the debate and possibility of amendment) on the rule (H Res 377) that would provide for floor consideration of the bill (HR 5) that would prohibit discrimination of the basis of sex, gender identity, and sexual orientation; the bill (HR 312) that would reaffirm the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe reservation; and the bill (HR 987) consisting of a package of measures related to prescription drug costs and health insurance marketplaces. Motion agreed to 228-189. Congressional Record p. H3812May 14, 2019 — Rules Committee resolution, H Res 377, reported to the House as a rule for HR 5.
May 14, 2019 — House Rules Committee granted a closed rule providing for consideration of the bill. Congressional Record p. H3781
May 14, 2019 — Full committee proceeding held by the House Rules Committee.
May 10, 2019 — House Education and Labor Committee, House Financial Services Committee, House Oversight and Reform Committee, and House Administration Committee discharged pursuant to clause 2 of Rule XIII. Congressional Record p. H3726
May 10, 2019 — Reported to the House amended by the House Judiciary Committee and placed on the Union Calendar. H Rept 116-56, Pt. 1Congressional Record p. H3726
May 1, 2019 — Full committee consideration and markup held by the House Judiciary Committee.
May 1, 2019 — Committee Vote: LGBT Discrimination Protections — Religious Exemption
Gohmert, R-Texas —Amendment to the Nadler, D-N.Y., substitute amendment that would strike language stating that existing law on religious freedom would not provide a defense for those discriminating on the basis of gender identity or sexual orientation in areas outlined in the measure.
Amendment to the Nadler, D-N.Y., substitute amendment that would strike language stating that existing law on religious freedom would not provide a defense for those discriminating on the basis of gender identity or sexual orientation in areas outlined in the measure.
Rejected 8-18.
May 1, 2019 — Committee Vote: LGBT Discrimination Protections — Health Care Providers
McClintock, R-Calif. —Amendment to the Nadler, D-N.Y., substitute amendment that would specify that nothing in the measure could be construed as requiring a health care provider to affirm the self-professed gender identity of a minor. It would define the term "minor" as an individual who has not attained the age of 18 and who is not emancipated under the law of the state the minor resides.
It also would define the term "health care provider" as any person or entity required by state or federal laws or regulations to be licensed, registered or certified to provide health care services and any other person or entity treated as a health care provider, health care professional or health care institution under state law.
Amendment to the Nadler, D-N.Y., substitute amendment that would specify that nothing in the measure could be construed as requiring a health care provider to affirm the self-professed gender identity of a minor. It would define the term "minor" as an individual who has not attained the age of 18 and who is not emancipated under the law of the state the minor resides.
It also would define the term "health care provider" as any person or entity required by state or federal laws or regulations to be licensed, registered or certified to provide health care services and any other person or entity treated as a health care provider, health care professional or health care institution under state law.
Rejected 7-19.
May 1, 2019 — Committee Vote: LGBT Discrimination Protections — Parental Rights
M. Johnson, R-La. —Amendment to the Nadler, D-N.Y., substitute amendment that would specify that nothing in the measure could be construed to deny a parent's right to be involved in their minor child's medical care.
It would define "minor" as an individual who has not attained the age of 18 years and who is not emancipated under the law of the state the minor resides. It also would define "parent" as a parent or guardian, a legal custodian or person standing in loco parentis who has care and control of the minor and with whom the minor regularly resides as determined by state law.
Amendment to the Nadler, D-N.Y., substitute amendment that would specify that nothing in the measure could be construed to deny a parent's right to be involved in their minor child's medical care.
It would define "minor" as an individual who has not attained the age of 18 years and who is not emancipated under the law of the state the minor resides. It also would define "parent" as a parent or guardian, a legal custodian or person standing in loco parentis who has care and control of the minor and with whom the minor regularly resides as determined by state law.
Rejected by voice vote.
May 1, 2019 — Committee Vote: LGBT Discrimination Protections — Women's Sports
Steube, R-Fla. —Amendment to the Nadler, D-N.Y., substitute amendment that would specify that nothing in the measure could be construed to require a biological female to face competition from a biological male in any sporting event.
Amendment to the Nadler, D-N.Y., substitute amendment that would specify that nothing in the measure could be construed to require a biological female to face competition from a biological male in any sporting event.
Rejected 10-22.
May 1, 2019 — Committee Vote: LGBT Discrimination Protections — Substitute Amendment
Nadler, D-N.Y. —Substitute amendment that would amend the finding section to add "queer people" to those facing discrimination, change references to "LGBT" to "LGBTQ" and add the term "public" to "gathering or display" to clarify that areas of "public gathering or public display" are protected as public accommodations.
Substitute amendment that would amend the finding section to add "queer people" to those facing discrimination, change references to "LGBT" to "LGBTQ" and add the term "public" to "gathering or display" to clarify that areas of "public gathering or public display" are protected as public accommodations.
Adopted 22-10.
May 1, 2019 — Committee Vote: LGBT Discrimination Protections — Vote to Report
Prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in public accommodations. The measure would amend previous laws, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (PL 88-352) and the Fair Housing Act of 1968 (90-284), to state the discrimination cannot occur on the basis of "sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity)" in public accommodations, public facilities, public education or federal funding.
The bill would prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in employment and housing. It would prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in any credit transaction, and prohibit discrimination on these factors in jury selection.
It also would allow the Justice Department to intervene in equal protection actions in federal court on account of sexual orientation or gender identity, and specify that a 1993 law on religious freedom (PL 103-141) cannot be cited as a defense to any discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in the areas specified.
As amended it would clarify that areas of "public gathering or public display" are protected as public accommodations.
Prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in public accommodations. The measure would amend previous laws, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (PL 88-352) and the Fair Housing Act of 1968 (90-284), to state the discrimination cannot occur on the basis of "sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity)" in public accommodations, public facilities, public education or federal funding.
The bill would prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in employment and housing. It would prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in any credit transaction, and prohibit discrimination on these factors in jury selection.
It also would allow the Justice Department to intervene in equal protection actions in federal court on account of sexual orientation or gender identity, and specify that a 1993 law on religious freedom (PL 103-141) cannot be cited as a defense to any discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in the areas specified.
As amended it would clarify that areas of "public gathering or public display" are protected as public accommodations.
Ordered reported favorably to the full House (as amended) 22-10.April 2, 2019 — Full committee hearing held by the House Judiciary Committee.
March 21, 2019 — Additional cosponsor(s): 1
Gonzalez-Colon, J. (R-P.R.) March 13, 2019 — Original cosponsor(s): 239
Adams, (D-N.C.) Gonzalez, (D-Texas) Pallone (D-N.J.) Aguilar, (D-Calif.) Gottheimer, (D-N.J.) Panetta, (D-Calif.) Allred, (D-Texas) Green, A. (D-Texas) Pappas, (D-N.H.) Axne, (D-Iowa) Grijalva, (D-Ariz.) Pascrell (D-N.J.) Barragan, (D-Calif.) Haaland, (D-N.M.) Payne (D-N.J.) Bass, (D-Calif.) Harder, (D-Calif.) Pelosi, (D-Calif.) Beatty, (D-Ohio) Hastings, (D-Fla.) Perlmutter, (D-Colo.) Bera, (D-Calif.) Hayes, (D-Conn.) Peterson, (D-Minn.) Beyer (D-Va.) Heck, (D-Wash.) Peters, S. (D-Calif.) Bishop, S. (D-Ga.) Higgins, B. (D-N.Y.) Phillips, (D-Minn.) Blumenauer, (D-Ore.) Hill, (D-Calif.) Pingree, (D-Maine) Blunt Rochester, (D-Del.) Himes, (D-Conn.) Plaskett, (D-V.I.) Bonamici, (D-Ore.) Horn, (D-Okla.) Pocan, (D-Wis.) Boyle, (D-Pa.) Horsford, (D-Nev.) Porter, (D-Calif.) Brindisi, (D-N.Y.) Houlahan, (D-Pa.) Pressley, (D-Mass.) Brown, A. (D-Md.) Hoyer, (D-Md.) Price, (D-N.C.) Brownley, (D-Calif.) Huffman, (D-Calif.) Quigley, (D-Ill.) Bustos, (D-Ill.) Jackson Lee, (D-Texas) Raskin, (D-Md.) Butterfield, (D-N.C.) Jayapal, (D-Wash.) Rice, K. (D-N.Y.) Carbajal, (D-Calif.) Jeffries, (D-N.Y.) Richmond, (D-La.) Cardenas, (D-Calif.) Johnson, E.B. (D-Texas) Rose, (D-N.Y.) Carson, (D-Ind.) Johnson, H. (D-Ga.) Rouda, (D-Calif.) Cartwright, (D-Pa.) Kaptur, (D-Ohio) Roybal-Allard, (D-Calif.) Case, (D-Hawaii) Katko, (R-N.Y.) Ruiz, (D-Calif.) Casten, (D-Ill.) Keating, (D-Mass.) Ruppersberger, (D-Md.) Castor, (D-Fla.) Kelly, R. (D-Ill.) Rush, (D-Ill.) Castro, (D-Texas) Kennedy, Joseph P. (D-Mass.) Ryan, T. (D-Ohio) Chu, (D-Calif.) Khanna, (D-Calif.) Sablan, (I-N. Marianas) Cisneros, (D-Calif.) Kildee, (D-Mich.) San Nicolas, (D-Guam) Clarke, Y. (D-N.Y.) Kilmer, (D-Wash.) Sanchez, (D-Calif.) Clark, K. (D-Mass.) Kim, (D-N.J.) Sarbanes, (D-Md.) Clay, (D-Mo.) Kind, (D-Wis.) Scanlon, (D-Pa.) Cleaver (D-Mo.) Kirkpatrick, (D-Ariz.) Schakowsky, (D-Ill.) Clyburn, (D-S.C.) Krishnamoorthi, (D-Ill.) Schiff, (D-Calif.) Cohen, (D-Tenn.) Kuster, (D-N.H.) Schneider, (D-Ill.) Connolly, (D-Va.) Lamb, (D-Pa.) Schrader, (D-Ore.) Cooper, (D-Tenn.) Langevin, (D-R.I.) Schrier, (D-Wash.) Correa, (D-Calif.) Larsen, R. (D-Wash.) Scott, D. (D-Ga.) Costa, (D-Calif.) Larson, J. (D-Conn.) Scott, R. (D-Va.) Courtney, (D-Conn.) Lawrence, (D-Mich.) Serrano, (D-N.Y.) Cox, (D-Calif.) Lawson, (D-Fla.) Sewell, (D-Ala.) Craig, (D-Minn.) Lee, B. (D-Calif.) Shalala, (D-Fla.) Crist, (D-Fla.) Lee, (D-Nev.) Sherman, (D-Calif.) Crow, (D-Colo.) Levin, (D-Mich.) Sherrill, (D-N.J.) Cuellar, (D-Texas) Levin, (D-Calif.) Sires, (D-N.J.) Cummings, (D-Md.) Lewis, John (D-Ga.) Slotkin, (D-Mich.) Cunningham, (D-S.C.) Lieu, (D-Calif.) Smith, Adam (D-Wash.) Davids, (D-Kan.) Loebsack, (D-Iowa) Soto, (D-Fla.) Davis, D. (D-Ill.) Lofgren, (D-Calif.) Spanberger, (D-Va.) Davis, S. (D-Calif.) Lowenthal, (D-Calif.) Speier, (D-Calif.) Dean, (D-Pa.) Lowey, (D-N.Y.) Stanton, (D-Ariz.) DeFazio, (D-Ore.) Lujan, B.R. (D-N.M.) Stevens, (D-Mich.) DeGette, (D-Colo.) Luria, (D-Va.) Suozzi, (D-N.Y.) DeLauro, (D-Conn.) Lynch, (D-Mass.) Swalwell, (D-Calif.) DelBene, (D-Wash.) Malinowski, (D-N.J.) Takano, (D-Calif.) Delgado, (D-N.Y.) Maloney, C. (D-N.Y.) Thompson, B. (D-Miss.) Demings, (D-Fla.) Maloney, S.P. (D-N.Y.) Thompson, M. (D-Calif.) DeSaulnier, (D-Calif.) Matsui, (D-Calif.) Titus, (D-Nev.) Deutch, (D-Fla.) McAdams, (D-Utah) Tlaib, (D-Mich.) Dingell, (D-Mich.) McBath, (D-Ga.) Tonko, (D-N.Y.) Doggett, (D-Texas) McCollum, (D-Minn.) Torres Small, (D-N.M.) Doyle, (D-Pa.) McEachin, (D-Va.) Torres, (D-Calif.) Engel, (D-N.Y.) McGovern, (D-Mass.) Trahan, (D-Mass.) Escobar, (D-Texas) McNerney, (D-Calif.) Trone, (D-Md.) Eshoo, (D-Calif.) Meeks, (D-N.Y.) Underwood, (D-Ill.) Espaillat, (D-N.Y.) Meng, (D-N.Y.) Van Drew, (D-N.J.) Evans, (D-Pa.) Moore, (D-Wis.) Vargas, (D-Calif.) Finkenauer, (D-Iowa) Morelle, (D-N.Y.) Veasey, (D-Texas) Fletcher, (D-Texas) Moulton, (D-Mass.) Vela, (D-Texas) Foster, (D-Ill.) Mucarsel-Powell, (D-Fla.) Velazquez, (D-N.Y.) Frankel, (D-Fla.) Murphy, S. (D-Fla.) Visclosky, (D-Ind.) Fudge, (D-Ohio) Nadler, (D-N.Y.) Wasserman Schultz, (D-Fla.) Fitzpatrick, (R-Pa.) Napolitano, (D-Calif.) Waters, Maxine (D-Calif.) Gabbard, (D-Hawaii) Neal, (D-Mass.) Watson Coleman, (D-N.J.) Gallego, (D-Ariz.) Neguse, (D-Colo.) Welch, (D-Vt.) Garamendi, (D-Calif.) Norcross, (D-N.J.) Wexton, (D-Va.) Garcia, (D-Ill.) Norton, (D-D.C.) Wild, (D-Pa.) Garcia, (D-Texas) O'Halleran, (D-Ariz.) Wilson, F. (D-Fla.) Golden, (D-Maine) Ocasio-Cortez, (D-N.Y.) Yarmuth, (D-Ky.) Gomez, (D-Calif.) Omar, (D-Minn.) March 13, 2019 — Read twice and referred to: House Administration, House Education and Labor, House Financial Services, House Judiciary, House Oversight and Reform.Congressional Record p. H2714
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.