Washington, DC-– In response to House passage of the Equality Act (H.R. 5), which recognizes that every American deserves full and equal rights under the law, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity, People For the American Way President Ben Jealous released the following statement:

“The U.S. House of Representatives took a giant leap toward true equality for every American, no matter their sexual orientation or gender identity, by voting to update the 1964 Civil Rights Act and other landmark laws to affirm a minimum standard of protection for people who face discrimination in their daily lives. Instead of having a patchwork of policies that has denied members of the LGBTQ+ community everything from food to shelter to education and public services, the Equality Act ensures that LGBTQ+ people from Florida to California are afforded uniform federal anti-discrimination protections. In the face of anti-gay, anti-transgender rhetoric and violence, let’s keep the drumbeat going to achieve full equality and true justice for everyone. The Senate must pass and President Biden must sign the Equality Act.”

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About People For the American Way

People For the American Way is a progressive advocacy organization founded to fight right-wing extremism and build a democratic society that implements the ideals of freedom, equality, opportunity and justice for all. We encourage civic participation, defend fundamental rights, and fight to dismantle systemic barriers to equitable opportunity. Learn more: https://www.pfaw.org.