VoterlyH.R. 5: Equality Act
116th Congress · Sponsored from Rhode Island · In committee
What this bill does
Equality Act This bill prohibits discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity in a wide variety of areas including public accommodations and facilities, education, federal funding, employment, housing, credit, and the jury system. Specifically, the bill defines and includes sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity among the prohibited categories of discrimination or segregation. The bill expands the definition of public accommodations to include places or establishments that provide (1) exhibitions, recreation, exercise, amusement, gatherings, or displays; (2) goods, services, or programs; and (3) transportation services. The bill allows the Department of Justice to intervene in equal protection actions in federal court on account of sexual orientation or gender identity. Protections against discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin shall include protections against discrimination based on (1) an association with another person who is a member of such a protected class; or (2) a perception or belief, even if inaccurate, that an individual is a member of such a protected class. The bill prohibits the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 from providing a claim, defense, or basis for challenging such protections. The bill prohibits an individual from being denied access to a shared facility, including a restroom, a locker room, and a dressing room, that is in accordance with the individual's gender identity.
Key facts
- Status In committee
- Introduced 2019-03-13
- Policy area Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues
- Cosponsors 240
- Latest action Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Sponsor
Who funds the sponsor?
Rep. Cicilline, David N. [D-RI-1] introduced H.R. 5. On Voterly you can see their top campaign donors from public Federal Election Commission records — individuals, PACs, and industry groups (follow the money) — and compare that with how they vote.
See Rep. Cicilline, David N. [D-RI-1]'s donors & voting record →
Campaign donations show who helps fund the sponsor's election; they are not the same as who drafted or lobbied for the bill text. Lobbying disclosures are separate public records.
Take a position & compare alignment
Agree or disagree with H.R. 5? Go to the homepage to record your view and compare your stance with how your representatives vote. See Rep. Cicilline, David N. [D-RI-1]'s profile to vote on their bills and check your alignment % with the sponsor.
Read the official text on Congress.gov →
Frequently asked questions
What does H.R. 5 do?
Equality Act This bill prohibits discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity in a wide variety of areas including public accommodations and facilities, education, federal funding, employment, housing, credit, and the jury system. Specifically, the bill de…
Who sponsored H.R. 5?
Rep. Cicilline, David N. [D-RI-1] (D) of Rhode Island is the lead sponsor.
How do I find out who funds or lobbies for H.R. 5?
Campaign-finance records (Federal Election Commission) show who funds the bill's sponsor. Separately, federal lobbying disclosures filed under the Lobbying Disclosure Act list the companies and lobbyists who reported lobbying on specific bills. Voterly links the sponsor's donors; lobbying records are public at the U.S. Senate and House lobbying databases.
Is H.R. 5 now law?
Not yet. The current status is "In committee." See the latest action above for details.