Equality Act a welcomed replace to civil rights legal guidelines – The Each day Japanese Information

The equality bill was passed in the House of Representatives on Thursday with the support of all Democrats and three Republicans. The Equal Opportunities Act would prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. This will also significantly expand the areas to which this protection against discrimination applies.

Biden promised that this bill would be one of his top priorities for the first 100 days of his presidency. In a statement, Biden wrote: “I urge Congress to swiftly pass this historic piece of legislation. Everyone should be treated with dignity and respect, and this bill is a critical step in ensuring America lives up to our core values ​​of equality and freedom for all. “

With the Equality Act so declared, it seems like a breeze to pass it. On the other hand, opponents of the Equal Opportunities Act fear that it will violate religious freedom. “It protects the rights of one side but tries to destroy the rights of the other,” Douglas Laycock, a law professor at the University of Virginia, wrote to NPR. “We should protect the freedom of both sides to lead their own lives according to their own identity and their own values.”

Another concern of those who oppose the Equal Opportunities Act is that it could threaten businesses or organizations with religious goals to serve LGBTQ + people, forcing them to choose between operating and following their beliefs.

This bill would be a big step forward, but I expect it will be falsified in the Senate. “Senator Romney believes that strong protection of religious freedom is essential to any legislation on the matter, and since these provisions are not in this bill, he cannot endorse it,” his spokesman told The Blade.

“Rob is against all forms of discrimination and he also believes it is important that Congress not undermine the protection of religious freedom,” Rob Portman’s office said in a statement. “He will review all laws, when and whether they will be put to the vote in the Senate.”

“It also does these other things that I think a lot of people are surprised that federal law doesn’t,” said Naomi Goldberg, associate director of the Movement Advancement Project.

“Federal law does not prohibit racial discrimination in retail stores, it does not prohibit gender discrimination in public accommodation locations.”

Our society has evolved since 1964, as has the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It is time for updates and the expansion of American civil rights policy.

Lindsey Urley is a freshman undergraduate degree in political science. She can be reached at 581-2812 or at [email protected]