Issue
In March 2021, the U.S. Senate held their first-ever hearing on the Equality Act, federal legislation that would expressly prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, housing, public accommodations, education, jury service, federal funding, and credit.
Impact
Currently, over half of LGBT people in the U.S. are not protected from discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, and other settings under state laws. The Equality Act would ensure that LGBT people are protected from discrimination no matter where they live.
Summary
Testimony submitted by Williams Institute scholars outlines the empirical need for express federal non-discrimination protections for LGBT people in all areas of the Equality Act. Scholars address a variety of topics including discrimination in employment and the judicial system; experiences of LGBT youth; discrimination against transgender people; minority stress; and discrimination by state governments.
Download the testimonies:
Discrimination by State Governments
LGBT Employment Discrimination
Bullying and Harassment of LGBT Youth
Discrimination Against Transgender People
LGBT Discrimination in the Judicial System