The House passed a sweeping new bill for LGBTQ people on Thursday.
Known as the Equality Act, the bill expands protections for LGBTQ folks in employment, education and housing.
Three Republicans joined Democrats and voted “yes”, with the final vote coming in at 224-206.
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The House on Thursday passed the Equality Act, a sweeping civil rights bill that expands protections in education, housing, employment and more to LGBT people.
The bill would also prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in credit, jury service and public accommodations.
Rep. David Cicilline (D-R.I.) reintroduced the legislation, which passed the House in 2019 but never moved in the Senate. The bill, which passed the House on Thursday by a vote of 224-206, faces an uphill battle in the upper chamber, where GOP support is needed to reach the 60-vote threshold.
Biden said passing the Equality Act was one of his big priorities while campaigning for the 2020 election.
Biden said, “Every person should be treated with dignity and respect, and this bill represents a critical step toward ensuring that America lives up to our foundational values of equality and freedom for all.”
The bill will head to the upper chamber where it is expected to face a difficult battle.
There would need to be 60 votes for it to advance, with 10 Republican Senators joining Democrats for the vote.
Republicans are not happy with the bill, arguing it could infringe on religious liberties and lead to tax-payer funded abortion.
Those on the right have also expressed concern with the language about transgender women being allowed to compete in women’s sports.
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