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Hi John,
The phones are ringing off the hook in the U.S. Senate (because, yes, they still have phones on hooks). Our allies on Capitol Hill have told us that Senators are getting dozens of calls every day about the Equality Act - landmark civil rights legislation that would finally protect LGBTQ folks from discrimination nationwide.
And you know what those callers are saying? “Vote AGAINST equality”!!?
That’s right. Extremists have rallied their troops, and Senators are barely hearing from most Americans who support LGBTQ equality. Make sure they hear from us too! Use this simple tool to make a call now (see suggested script below).
Can't right now? Join one of these virtual phone banks tonight or tomorrow morn.
Look, federal equality legislation is needed now more than ever. States from Iowa and the Dakotas to Missouri and Mississippi are scrambling to pass laws that make accessing health care and participating in school activities even more difficult for transgender youth. And in 27 states, LGBTQ youth can be fired, refused housing, or denied services simply because of who they are.
The Equality Act will stop this by amending the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to include LGBTQ people and strengthen protections for all people — including women, religious minorities, and people of color. These protections would make discrimination in public places, schools, restaurants, and shelters illegal. It would also ensure that institutions receiving federal funding cannot refuse services based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity.
The good news is that the Equality Act has passed the House, but it faces hurdles in the Senate. You can help overcome those hurdles and make history.
Tomorrow, there will be an important hearing on the Equality Act in the Senate Judiciary Committee. Senators have been hearing from our very loud opposition who want to deny people rights based on their sexual orientation and gender identity. If your Senators don’t hear from you, they’ll think that’s what most Americans believe. Let your Senators know that is not true. Tell them they must pass the Equality Act.
Calling your Senator is easy. Use this simple form here, and when you’re ready, our system will call you and connect you to your Senator’s office. Feel free to use the following script to show your support:
- “Hello, my name is ______________ from (town/state) and I am calling to urge you to support Senate Bill 393, the Equality Act. The Equality Act amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to include sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity as protected from discrimination and segregation. Research shows that 62% of LGBTQ youth experience some form of discrimination in their schools and communities. That is unacceptable. Please support the Equality Act. Thank you.”
In solidarity,
Kamilah Tisdale (she/her)
Domestic Policy Analyst
Advocates for Youth
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