Post submitted by Stephen Peters,  former Senior National Press Secretary and Spokesperson   

HRC launched an Equality Act Month of Action with dozens of in-district grassroots events to build support for the Equality Act — critically important bipartisan legislation that will finally provide clear, comprehensive non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ people nationwide. While Congress is in recess, over the next several weeks HRC is joining with coalition partners and local advocates for in-district organizing events in support of the Equality Act, including phone banking, lobbying training, door-to-door canvassing, and in-district meetings with members of Congress.

“Voters across the country are energized and speaking out about the vital importance of passing the historic, bipartisan Equality Act,” said HRC Senior Vice President for Policy and Political Affairs JoDee Winterhof. “While members of Congress are back in their home districts, HRC is working with local coalition partners to ensure these members of Congress cannot ignore this growing, unprecedented support for nationwide LGBTQ non-discrimination protections. Backed by 70 percent of Americans, more than 190 of the nation’s leading companies, and more than 350 statewide and national organizations, now is the time for Congress to advance the Equality Act and ensure LGBTQ people are included in our nation’s civil rights laws.”

HRC and coalition partners will be holding the in-district, grassroots events in CA, FL, IL, IN, MI, MN, NY, OH, OR, PA, TX, UT, WA, and WI. Individuals interested in getting involved can find out more here.

Discrimination is a real and persistent problem for LGBTQ Americans. HRC polling has found that nearly two-thirds of self-identified LGBTQ Americans report experiencing discrimination. Currently, 50 percent of LGBTQ Americans live in the 30 states that still lack statewide legal non-discrimination protections, leaving their residents and visitors at risk of being fired, denied housing, or refused service because of who they are or whom they love. The Equality Act would guarantee existing civil rights laws apply to LGBTQ people by providing clear, consistent non-discrimination protections based on sexual orientation or gender identity across key areas of life, including employment, housing, credit, education, public spaces and services, federally-funded programs and jury service.

The Equality Act has growing, unprecedented support. More than 190 major corporations have joined HRC’s Business Coalition for the Equality Act. Recent polling finds that a growing majority of Americans — including Republicans, Democrats and Independents — support LGBTQ non-discrimination protections and LGBTQ equality. A recent survey by PRRI found that nearly seven in 10 Americans support laws like the Equality Act. More than 350 statewide and national organizations have endorsed the legislation, including social justice, religious, medical and child welfare organizations.

HRC recently launched a public awareness and advertising campaign called “Americans for the Equality Act.” Filmed by award-winning directors Dustin Lance Black and Paris Barclay, the series debut video featured Academy Award-winning actress Sally Field and her son Sam Greisman. The campaign will feature prominent figures in entertainment, sports and beyond speaking about the need for the legislation.