Friends:

I’d like to take a few minutes today to talk to you about the Equality Act. I’m deeply proud to be an original co-sponsor of this bill, which would finally create federal protections from discrimination for LGBTQ Americans.

The Equality Act addresses a gap in civil rights legislation already on the books: There are federal laws that protect people from discrimination based on race, religion, sex, and disability, but none that protect LGBTQ people from discrimination. 

That means that, today, in many states, you can be evicted, be fired, or be denied medical care, a loan or an education, based on who you are or who you love.

It is outrageous, cruel, and unamerican. LGBTQ people deserve to live, work, raise families, and succeed just like anyone else—and LGBTQ kids deserve to grow up in a country that supports and encourages them. 

This bill first passed the House in 2019, but was blocked by Mitch McConnell in the GOP-controlled Senate. But today, with a Democratic Senate majority, I believe we have a real opportunity to pass the Equality Act. 

LGBTQ rights are human rights, and I will fight for them fiercely. But I need your help. Please, add your name to become a community co-sponsor of the Equality Act. It is past time to enshrine basic civil rights protections for the LGBTQ community into law.

Thank you for taking action,

Kirsten