Out & Equal celebrates the passage of the Equality Act by bipartisan vote of 224-206 in the House of Representatives. This landmark civil rights legislation would finally provide comprehensive federal protections for the LGBTQ community in employment, housing, public accommodations, public education, and more. This is only the second time a chamber of Congress has passed a comprehensive LGBTQ civil rights bill.

“Today’s historic vote is a powerful step towards full LGBTQ equality. It sends a profound message that LGBTQ people should no longer be treated as second-class citizens,” said Erin Uritus, CEO of Out & Equal Workplace Advocates. “Our rights should not depend on who we love, who we are, or vary by what state and city we live in.”

“Today, and finally, we are closer than ever to seeing this fundamental truth be recognized in the law across the entire nation. This victory would not have been possible without the unwavering support and public advocacy from the business community. Companies know that passing the Equality Act is not only the right thing to do for their employees, but that equality is good for their business.”

“Our work is not done. We are all looking to the Senate now to do the right thing, listen to the business community, act quickly, and pass the Equality Act.”

On Tuesday of this week, the Equality Act was introduced in the Senate. If the legislation passes in the Senate, President Biden has pledged to sign it into law.

Out & Equal is the premier organization working exclusively on LGBTQ workplace equality. Through our worldwide programs, Fortune 500 partnerships and our annual Workplace Summit conference, we help LGBTQ people thrive and support organizations creating a culture of belonging for all.