Rep. Dean Phillips today announced that he is an original co-sponsor of the Equality Act, a bill aimed at ending discrimination against LGBTQ Americans in public accommodations, education, federal financial assistance, employment, housing, credit and federal jury service.

“It’s time to end the era of uncertainty and discrimination against our LGBTQ friends, neighbors and family members,” said Phillips. “Our nation was built on the promise of equality and opportunity, and the Equality Act extends that promise to our extraordinary LGBTQ community. I’m proud to help introduce this long overdue legislation in the House today and will continue working hard to make sure the Equality Act is signed into law.”

Only 21 states have explicit laws barring discrimination based on sexual orientation in employment, housing and public accommodations, and only 20 states have such protections for gender identity. The Equality Act adds sex, sexual orientation and gender identity to existing civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination in public places. All existing obligations and exemptions will apply in exactly the same way to LGBTQ Americans as they do to everyone else.

Amending existing civil rights law provides clarity and consistency for individuals who experience discrimination as well as for businesses and organizations trying to comply with the law. More than 160 corporations have endorsed the legislation.

Rep. Phillips is a member of the LGBT Equality Caucus for the 116th Congress.

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