At National Council of Jewish Women, we are guided by the Torah’s teaching that we are all created b’tzelem Elohim, in the Divine image, and so we are committed to building a just and equitable future for all. Unfortunately, we are far from achieving that vision as our LGBTQ+ siblings continue to regularly face discrimination. While an overwhelming majority of Americans support LGBTQ+ equality, a majority of states do not protect LGBTQ+ people from discrimination in housing, education, finance, or public spaces.

As extremists continue to escalate their attacks on fundamental rights for the LGBTQ+ community, Congress must pass the Equality Act. This necessary bill would update the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to include discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity as well as extend protections for women, people of color, and people of all faiths. The Equality Act would ensure that LGBTQ+ people cannot be evicted from their homes, kicked out of a public business, or denied government services simply because of who they are.

It is well past time for Congress to enshrine civil rights protections for LGBTQ+ people into law. Join us in urging Congress to pass the Equality Act. Together we can make the vision of an equitable future a reality.

*For DC residents, we continue working towards full voting representation in the US Congress. Click here to tell Congress to make DC a state!