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Civil Rights Expansion: Banning Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity.

This Act explicitly amends major federal civil rights laws to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity across the nation. This ensures consistent protection for all citizens in areas like employment, housing, public accommodations, education, and credit access. Crucially, the law limits the use of religious freedom claims as a defense against discrimination under these expanded protections.
Key points
Public Access Guaranteed: Stores, banks, healthcare facilities, and transportation services cannot deny service or discriminate based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
Work and Housing Equality: Discrimination is banned in employment, housing rentals/sales, and when applying for credit or loans.
Shared Facilities Rule: Individuals are guaranteed access to shared facilities (restrooms, locker rooms) consistent with their gender identity.
RFRA Limitation: The Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) cannot be used as a defense or claim to challenge the application of these new anti-discrimination rules.
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Status: Expired
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Additional Information
Print number: 118_S_5
Sponsor: Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR]
Process start date: 2023-06-21