What is the Equality Act?: The Equality Act, a landmark nondiscrimination and civil rights bill, would update existing federal laws to protect all people from discrimination based on their sexual orientation and gender identity.

Why is it important?: Like all people, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Americans need to access legal services and go to the store, bank, hospital, and other public places. The Equality Act would strengthen existing protections for everyone, including women and people of color, by updating the public spaces and services covered in current law. It would also codify the recent Supreme Court decision in Bostock by explicitly stating that existing federal civil rights laws that prohibit sex discrimination also protect LGBTQ people. The Equality Act is a vital next step in ensuring the promise of equal opportunity and freedom is provided to all of us, regardless of what state, city, or town we call home.

What does it mean for Alaska?: Despite the majority of Alaskans living in cities with ordinances protecting LGBTQ residents, there are no current statewide protections for all Alaskans and many communities across the state. We applaud efforts of Anchorage, Ketchikan, Sitka, Juneua, and the Fairbanks City Assembly for passing non-discrimination ordinances. Now its time for all Alaskans to have a voice -- support the federal Equality Act.