House Passes Equality Act, Critics Claim It Tramples On Religious Freedom

House Democrats Have Passed The Controversial Equality Act That Would Amend The Civil Rights Law To Explicitly Include Gender Identification As A Protected Class.

The House Vote Was 224 To 206.

Supporters Of The Bill Say The Law Is Long Overdue And Would Ensure That Every Person Is Treated Equally Under The Law.

Republicans Broadly Oppose The Legislation Saying It Would Strip The Rights Away Religious Groups And SocialConservatives By Forcing People To Take Actions That Contradict Their Religious Beliefs.

Some Of The Provisions In The Bill Are:

It Would Legally Recognize Gender Identity, Rather Than The Traditional Male And Female Classifications.

It Would Allow An Individual To Use The Public Facility Of Their Choice Based On Gender Identity Saying
"An Individual Shall Not Be Denied Access To A Shared Facility, Including A Restroom, A Locker Room, And A Dressing Room That Is In Accordance With The Individual’s Gender Identity."

It Would Allow Men And Boys Who Identify As Female To Compete On Women’s And Girls’ Athletic Teams.

The Equality Act Would Allow Sexual Orientation And Gender Identity Views To Be Implemented In A School Curriculum.

And It Exempts Itself From The Religious Freedom Restoration Act, Meaning People Could No Longer Claim That They Are Acting In Accordance With Their Religious If Faced With A Charge Of Discrimination Against The Protected Class.

The House Previously Passed The Equality Act In The Last Congress However It Was Not Considered In The Senate Where 60 Votes Would Be Needed For It To Pass.

Biden Campaigned On Passing The Equality Act Saying It Would Be One Of His First Priorities.