1. United States
2. Del.
3. Letter

Although progress has been made, LGBTQIA+ individuals in the U.S. still face discrimination due to inconsistent state protections and the absence of comprehensive federal safeguards. Current civil rights laws protect against discrimination based on race, sex, disability, and religion, but do not explicitly cover sexual orientation or gender identity. Studies show that nearly two-thirds of LGBTQIA+ Americans have experienced discrimination, highlighting the urgent need for stronger protections. The Equality Act seeks to establish consistent, explicit non-discrimination protections in crucial areas such as employment, housing, education, public spaces, and federally funded programs. It would amend existing civil rights laws—including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and others—to include sexual orientation and gender identity as protected characteristics. Additionally, the act would modernize laws governing public spaces and services by expanding protections to retail stores, banks, legal services, and transportation. While the Supreme Court’s Bostock v. Clayton County decision confirmed that workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity is a form of sex discrimination, broader protections remain necessary. President Biden’s executive order extended these protections to areas like education and healthcare, but future administrations could weaken these interpretations. Passing the Equality Act would ensure that these protections remain intact, closing gaps in federal civil rights laws and guaranteeing equal treatment for LGBTQ+ individuals. I would love to see you support this legislation that would help protect so many people in Delaware and across the country.