Hello John,

For decades advocates of LGBTQ equality have been fighting hard for a comprehensive federal law protecting LGBTQ Americans from discrimination – and this year, with pro-equality majorities in the House and Senate and a supportive president, the legislation stands its best chance ever of advancing and becoming law. 

Today lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives introduced the Equality Act, federal legislation that would prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, housing, credit, education, public accommodations, federally funded programs, and jury service.

The U.S. House of Representatives may vote as soon as next week on the legislation – and ahead of that vote, we need to make it clear that Southerners across the region want and need these critical federal protections. Can you join us in sending a message to your U.S. Representative and Senator? Click here to take action on the Equality Act. 

Polling consistently shows that a majority of people in every state in the South support LGBTQ protections, and recent developments in Southern states underline a burgeoning mandate for federal action. In just the past year, North Carolina communities have refuted the divisive politics of HB2 by passing local ordinances, with the support of our NC is Ready campaign with Equality NC; Virginia broke through as the first Southern state to pass comprehensive statewide protections; and Florida is accepting and investigating complaints of anti-LGBTQ discrimination as of last week! 

Momentum is certainly building for LGBTQ equality across the South, and now it’s time to push forward on the Equality Act, which would bring the most significant sweeping legal change for LGBTQ people and our families in history. 

As Congress gears up for this vital vote, can you take a moment and urge your Representative and Senator to support LGBTQ equality and the Equality Act? Take action using this simple form.

Thank you,
Jasmine Beach-Ferrara
Campaign for Southern Equality