Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SB1503

Introduced
4/29/25  

Caption

Equality Act

Impact

If enacted, SB1503 would have a significant impact on state laws by establishing federal protections against discrimination that local and state laws must comply with. This would prevent state and local governments from enacting laws that allow or result in discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The bill's proponents argue that it offers essential protections for marginalized groups and promotes equal treatment across many facets of public life, reinforcing the idea that discrimination is both socially and economically detrimental.

Summary

SB1503, known as the Equality Act, seeks to prohibit discrimination based on sex, gender identity, and sexual orientation across various sectors, including employment, housing, and public accommodations. The bill aims to amend existing civil rights legislation, notably the Civil Rights Act of 1964, to expand protections to individuals on the basis of these categories. The findings in the bill highlight the persistent inequities faced by LGBTQ individuals, underlining that such discrimination negatively impacts not only the targeted individuals but society at large by disrupting participation in commerce and civic engagement.

Contention

The Equality Act has faced notable opposition, particularly from groups advocating for religious exemptions. Critics argue that the bill may infringe on religious freedom and complicate the operations of religious organizations that engage with public services. Additionally, there are concerns regarding how the enforcement of such nondiscrimination policies will impact the rights of individuals and organizations that may have conflicting beliefs or practices. The debate around this bill encompasses broader issues related to personal beliefs and the role of government in regulating behavior and commerce.

Companion Bills

US HB15

Related Equality Act

Previously Filed As

US SB4629

John Lewis Every Child Deserves a Family Act

US SR749

A resolution recognizing June 2024, as "LGBTQ Pride Month".

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 SB5

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 HB9344

Promotion of Youth Sports Act of 2024

US SR282

A resolution recognizing June 2023 as "LGBTQ Pride Month".

US HB4050

GLOBE Act of 2023 Greater Leadership Overseas for the Benefit of Equality Act of 2023

US HR558

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

US HR557

Honoring the struggle, sacrifice, and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community and fight for equality in Texas.

US SB1924

GLOBE Act of 2023 Greater Leadership Overseas for the Benefit of Equality Act of 2023

Similar Bills

US HB3282

Preventing Antisemitic Harassment on Campus Act of 2025

US SB4629

John Lewis Every Child Deserves a Family Act

US HB8332

No Student Loan Forgiveness for Antisemitic Criminals Act

US SB4127

Antisemitism Awareness Act of 2024

US HB1007

Antisemitism Awareness Act of 2025

US SB558

Antisemitism Awareness Act of 2025

US HB1543

EQUITY Act Equal and Uniform Treatment in the Military Act

US SB4516

Dismantle DEI Act of 2024