WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today joined Senators Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) in introducing the Equality Act, historic, comprehensive legislation to enshrine civil rights protections for LGBTQ+ people in federal law. The Equality Act amends landmark federal anti-discrimination laws to explicitly add sexual orientation and gender identity to longstanding bans on discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, jury service, access to credit, federal funding, and more.  

The bicameral legislation, led by U.S. Representative Mark Takano (D-CA-39) in the House, would also add protections against sex discrimination in parts of anti-discrimination laws where these protections had not been included previously, such as public accommodations and federal funding. 

“We should all aspire to create an America where everyone is free to be who they are without fear of prejudice or discrimination. The Trump Administration is working against that mission by attacking individuals’ rights and freedoms, including rolling back LGBTQ+ rights,” said Senator Welch. “The Equality Act acknowledges, with the force of law, that LGBTQ+ Vermonters are entitled to the same rights and protections as every Vermonter.” 

“Generations of Americans have marched, voted, organized, and raised their voices to fully realize the vision of America as a land of freedom and equality for all,” said Senator Merkley. “As MAGA extremists attack the rights and freedoms of our LGBTQ+ friends and neighbors, I am fighting to end this hateful discrimination, expand freedom, and open the doors of opportunity for everyone. Back in 2007, I led the fight to secure this vision for Oregonians, and it is way past time for Congress to do the same for all LGBTQ+ Americans by passing my Equality Act.” 

“The Equality Act simply puts into law what we all believe: that every American is created equal and should be treated equally under the law. But, for too many LGBTQ+ Americans in states across the country, equality under the law is not the reality, and they are harassed at work, denied a place to live, and discriminated against just for being who they are,” said Senator Baldwin. “The Equality Act makes clear that in the United States, we can live up to our nation’s highest ideals and we will not tolerate discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity – just like religion, race, or ethnicity. Equality is not a privilege, it’s what we’re all owed as American citizens, and I’m committed to making that promise a reality.” 

“As the Trump Administration dismantles the civil liberties and legal protections of LGBTQ+ folks nationwide––progress that was hard-won and that we are still fighting to maintain––lawmakers in Congress must act to pass the bicameral Equality Act,” said Senator Booker. “This legislation would finally make clear that LGBTQ+ people in this country cannot be denied entry into a restaurant, be denied federal housing and benefits, or be discriminated against simply because of who they are and who they love. This legislation is long overdue, and I will work tirelessly with my colleagues to ensure the Equality Act becomes the law of the land.” 

“Across the country, LGBTQI+ and trans Americans are being targeted and attacked, but we refuse to be cowed or intimidated by their hate. Instead, we reintroduce the Equality Act as our declaration that freedom and dignity are the birthright of every American. We will not rest until full equality is the law of the land,” said Rep. Takano. 

Despite major advances in equality for LGBTQ+ Americans in recent years, including codifying federal protections for same-sex and interracial marriages, the majority of states still do not have explicit LGBTQ+ non-discrimination protection laws. In states across the country, over 850 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been filed so far this year—the most in U.S. history. Recent studies report that attacks based on gender identity and sexual orientation have increased in the past year, with one in five hate crimes motivated by anti-LGBTQ+ bias. 

The Equality Act would finally enshrine protections into federal law under all areas of potential discrimination, protecting the rights and freedoms of LGBTQ+ Americans for generations to come. The Equality Act is supported by 47 U.S. Senators and 214 U.S. Representatives. A full list of the 600+ organizations endorsing the Equality Act can be found here. 

Stories in support of the Equality Act and the protections it would enshrine into federal law can be found here. 

Learn more about the Equality Act of 2025. 

Read and download the full text of the bill. 

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