Dear John,

You may have noticed recently a severe upsurge of anti-LGBTQ+ sentiments and actions across the country.

Unfortunately, it’s not just individual actions. There is a concerted effort to craft legislation in state houses across the country that targets LGBTQ+ people.

This year already, over 500 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been introduced, many aimed at marginalizing transgender youth, denying them needed healthcare, and even preventing their parents from seeking it for them.

A 2019 Quinnipiac poll found that 92% of Americans believe employers should not be allowed to fire someone based on their sexual orientation or sexual identity. Yet two-thirds of LGBTQ+ individuals report they have experienced discrimination in their personal or work lives.

Nevertheless, there are no federal protections, and a majority of states – 58% – have no laws outlawing anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination.

Fortunately, the Equality Act, reintroduced in the U.S. Congress, seeks to include LGBTQ+ individuals in the protections guaranteed by the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Sign the petition now and show Congress your support for LGBTQ+ rights.

Specifically, the Equality Act prohibits discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or intersex status in public accommodations and facilities, education, federally funded programs, employment, transportation, public services, housing, credit, and jury service.

It would also update the definition of public accommodations to include places of public gathering, recreation, or amusement, and the provision of goods, services, or transportation, thereby expanding protections for women and people of color as well.

Although recent Supreme Court cases have granted protection for same-sex marriage, there is currently no explicit protection from discriminatory practices in such essential areas as employment, education, housing, transportation, medical care, public services, family planning, and jury service.

The Equality Act explicitly affirms civil rights for LGBTQ+ individuals. Sign the petition today to demand these basic freedoms are guaranteed for all Americans.

Thank you for joining the effort to truly make this country one of opportunity for all.

Robert Reich
Inequality Media Civic Action