Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB15

Introduced
1/3/25  
Introduced
4/29/25  
Refer
1/3/25  

Caption

Equality Act

Impact

If enacted, the Equality Act would significantly impact state and federal laws by expanding the definition of discrimination and reinforcing legal protections against bias based on sexual orientation and gender identity. This act would create a more inclusive environment in workplaces, educational institutions, and public spaces, encouraging equal treatment and opportunities for LGBTQ individuals. The provisions outlined in the bill are designed to provide necessary recourse for those who face discrimination, facilitating greater equality and protection under the law.

Summary

House Bill 15, known as the Equality Act, aims to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex, gender identity, and sexual orientation across various sectors, including employment, housing, public accommodations, and programs receiving federal funds. The bill seeks to amend several existing civil rights laws by explicitly incorporating protections for LGBTQ individuals, thereby addressing a critical gap in the current legal framework that has permitted discrimination against these groups. The proposed legislation has garnered significant media attention and is positioned as a landmark advancement for civil rights in the United States.

Sentiment

Sentiment surrounding HB 15 is notably polarized. Advocates for LGBTQ rights view the Equality Act as a long-overdue measure for justice and inclusion, emphasizing its potential to affirm the dignity and rights of marginalized communities. Conversely, opponents argue that it undermines religious freedoms and poses threats to existing protections for women and girls. The debate reveals a broader societal contention between inclusivity and traditional values, reflecting a significant cultural divide on issues related to gender and sexuality.

Contention

The Equality Act raises several notable points of contention among lawmakers and interest groups. Critics express concerns that the bill may inadvertently infringe upon the rights of religious institutions and individuals by compelling compliance with anti-discrimination mandates. Moreover, there are apprehensions regarding the potential impact on women's sports and safety in single-sex spaces, which opponents claim could be compromised by defining gender identity broadly. These contentious issues highlight the complexities involved in balancing civil rights advancements with existing social norms and values.

Companion Bills

US SB1503

Related Equality Act

Previously Filed As

US HB15

Equality Act This bill prohibits discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity with respect to businesses, employment, housing, federally funded programs, and other settings. Specifically, the bill expands Title II and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to prohibit public accommodations and federally funded programs, respectively, from discriminating based on sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity. It also includes stores, transit services, recreational facilities, and establishments that provide health care, accounting, or legal services as public accommodations under Title II. The bill also expands Title IV (desegregation of public schools) and Title VII (employment discrimination) to specifically include sexual orientation and gender identity. (The Supreme Court held in Bostock v. Clayton County that Title VII's prohibition of employment discrimination based on sex also prohibits employment discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.) The bill similarly expands the Fair Housing Act (discrimination in public and private housing) to include sexual orientation and gender identity. It also prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity by creditors and with respect to jury selection. The bill defines sex for purposes of the aforementioned provisions to include sex stereotypes, pregnancy, childbirth, sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics.

US HR558

Expressing support for the designation of June 26 as "LGBTQI+ Equality Day".

US HCR97

Recognizing the significance of equal pay and the disparity between wages paid to men and women.

US HR1332

Original LGBTQIA+ Pride Month Resolution of 2024

US HB1723

Abortion is Health Care Everywhere Act of 2023

US HB8707

Juror Non-Discrimination Act of 2024

US HR793

Calling on Hamas to immediately release hostages taken during October 2023 attack on Israel.

US HB17

Paycheck Fairness Act This bill addresses wage discrimination on the basis of sex, which is defined to include pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics. Specifically, it limits an employer's defense that a pay differential is based on a factor other than sex to only bona fide job-related factors in wage discrimination claims, enhances nonretaliation prohibitions, and makes it unlawful to require an employee to sign a contract or waiver prohibiting the employee from disclosing information about the employee's wages. The bill also increases civil penalties for violations of equal pay provisions. Additionally, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs must train EEOC employees and other affected parties on wage discrimination. The bill directs the Department of Labor to (1) establish and carry out a grant program to provide training in negotiation skills related to compensation and equitable working conditions, (2) conduct studies to eliminate pay disparities between men and women, and (3) make available information on wage discrimination to assist the public in understanding and addressing such discrimination. The bill establishes the National Award for Pay Equity in the Workplace for an employer who has made a substantial effort to eliminate pay disparities between men and women. It also establishes the National Equal Pay Enforcement Task Force to address compliance, public education, and enforcement of equal pay laws. Finally, the bill requires the EEOC to issue regulations for collecting from employers compensation and other employment data according to the sex, race, and national origin of employees for use in enforcing laws prohibiting pay discrimination.

US HR269

Recognizing that it is the duty of the Federal Government to develop and implement a Transgender Bill of Rights to protect and codify the rights of transgender and nonbinary people under the law and ensure their access to medical care, shelter, safety, and economic security.

US HR568

Original LGBTQIA+ Pride Month Resolution of 2023

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US SR424

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US HB3696

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