Washington, D.C. — The Equality Act, which was introduced on Thursday, would provide comprehensive nondiscrimination protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender, or LGBT, Americans in all aspects of life, including housing, employment, public accommodations, and credit. Today, faith leaders issued statements of support for strong and comprehensive nondiscrimination protections for LGBT Americans.
The statements of support, which come from a group of 21 faith leaders representing diverse traditions, demonstrate that comprehensive nondiscrimination protections for the LGBT community is both a progressive value and moral imperative that is compatible with religious freedom.
“Faith leaders and communities have long stood up for dignity, justice, compassion, and equality for all people,” said Sally Steenland, Director of the Faith and Progressive Policy Initiative at the Center for American Progress. “At a time when the public debate too often portrays equality for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people as inherently opposed to religious freedom, faith leaders remind us that this is a false dichotomy and that extending legal protections to all of God’s children is one of the truest expressions of their faith.”
Read the statements from faith leaders here.
Related resources:
- REPORT: We the People, Why Congress and U.S. States Must Pass Comprehensive LGBT Nondiscrimination Protections by Sarah McBride, Laura E. Durso, Hannah Hussey, Sharita Gruberg, and Bishop Gene Robinson
- FACT SHEETS: Comprehensive Nondiscrimination Protections by Sarah McBride, Laura E. Durso, Sharita Gruberg, and Hannah Hussey
- VIDEO: Their Baby Was Denied Access to Care Because They Are Gay by Andrew Satter and Sarah McBride
- OPINION POLL: Small Business Owners Oppose Denying Services to LGBT Customers Based on Religious Beliefs by Center for American Progress, Small Business Majority, and the American Unity Fund
For more information or to speak to an expert, contact Chelsea Kiene at [email protected] or 202-478-5328.
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