On February 23rd, 2021, the Equality Act (S. 393) was introduced in the Senate. The Equality Act would amend the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to prohibit discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, housing, credit, education, public spaces and services, federally funded programs, and jury service. This is a historic piece of legislation that will provide consistent, nationwide protections for the LGBTQIA+ community. The bill passed the House of Representatives on February 25th. Now, it is time for the Senate to act! According to a 2016 survey conducted by the Center for American Progress, at least 25 percent of LGBT respondents reported experiencing discrimination because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. In the same study, 11 to 28 percent of LGBT people reported not getting a promotion because of their sexual orientation. It also stated that more than 27 percent of transgender persons were refused employment, fired or denied a promotion. Twenty-nine states fail to offer legal protection for LGBTQ persons from discrimination. At least 52 percent of LGBTQ people in the U.S. live in these states. Join the Office of Public Witness in urging your Senators to support the Equality Act! Micah 6:8 tells us that the Lord requires us “to do justice, and to love kindness, and walk humbly with our God.” This call is critical now. Knowing that all our siblings are created in the image of God, we must do what is necessary to eliminate discrimination and denial of basic human rights. In Mark 12:31, Jesus teaches us to love our neighbors as ourselves. Loving our LGBTQIA+ neighbors means fighting for laws that provide clear and explicit protection from discrimination. Our new Congress must pass this legislation now! The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has been a long-time advocate for civil rights for all people, including people in the LGBTQIA+ community. It is time to update our laws and pass the Equality Act to uphold the sacred dignity and worth of our LGBTQIA+ siblings. We Urge You to Contact Your Senator and Tell Them to Support the Equality Act. | 
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