Professional Documents
Culture Documents
DP Editorial On Federal Pride Act
DP Editorial On Federal Pride Act
Equality Act
by Syndicated Columnist
March 20, 2021
in Opinion
3 min read
33
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
The current version of the Equality Act, recently passed by the House of
Representatives, is a partisan one. It would create federal anti-discrimination
protections for sexual orientation and gender identity while explicitly reducing
federal religious freedom protections. The former idea has bipartisan appeal,
while the latter does not. The Equality Act got 12 fewer supporting votes in
Congress this year compared to last Congress, including seven fewer votes from
Democrats and five fewer votes from Republicans.
Despite Democratic Party control of the Senate, due to filibuster rules, the
legislation needs the votes of at least 10 Senate Republicans to pass. This
means the Equality Act will have to achieve a compromise that appeals to
centrist senators from both parties to have any shot at passing.
Compromise that can finally achieve anti-discrimination protections for LGBTQ+
American requires rising above partisanship to find what unites the majority of
Americans: The desire for respect and equality for all people regardless of belief
or nonbelief, sexual orientation or gender identity. This is doable.
For years, religious and LGBTQ+ Utahans have peacefully lived under a law that
secures the jobs and homes of LGBTQ+ individuals against discrimination, while
protecting people of faith better than anywhere else in the nation. Religious
freedom in Utah has not forced LGBTQ+ Utahans back into the closet.
Protections for sexual orientation and gender identity have not oppressed the
religious identity of churches and individuals.
How can such compromise be struck in Congress? One way is to amend the
Equality Act to protect a community often neglected by culture warriors on both
sides: Religious LGBTQ+ Americans.
These Americans want — and deserve — the ability to practice their faith in
public and be protected from discrimination against their sexual orientation and
gender identity.