The Equality Act is a simple one. It extends anti-discrimination protections to LGBTQ people. That’s basically it. Most U.S. states have no laws protecting LGBTQ people in housing, employment, financial discrimination, and healthcare. While some readings of Supreme Court rulings could introduce those protections, the Equality Act would codify those protections into law, rather than waiting for different lawsuits to grant these rights. The Equality Act has been around since 2015, but it has repeatedly died on arrival. The Republican controlled Senate refused to hear arguments on it, let alone pass it. However, after the 2020 election, Democrats took control of the Senate. Now they want to grant equal protection under the law to LGBTQ+ people.
On the 18th, Democrats again introduced the bill. Now, with a slight Democratic majority in the Senate and a Democratic president who will not veto it, there’s a better chance of the bill passing. However, nearly all Republicans and a few Democrats are still not on board with LGBTQ rights, especially transgender rights. As a result, it faces an uphill battle.
Today, Tim Cook, CEO of the most valuable company in the world right now, Apple, tweeted his support for the bill. Tim Cook, who came out himself as a gay man in 2014, has come out strongly in favor of the bill. Apple has always been one of the best companies for LGBTQ+ representation and acceptance in Silicon Valley, and today’s support continues that tradition.
A History of Support
The Equality Act reflects in law the fact that every person deserves dignity & respect, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity—at work, at home and in the public square. We strongly support its passage, and we encourage Congress to come together and get it done.
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) February 23, 2021
This isn’t the first time the Equality Act was introduced to congress. In 2015, when it first made its way to representatives’ desks, Time Cook voiced his support. Apple has been on the side of passing this bill for nearly 6 years now. The bill would codify into law the guidelines that Apple already implements in their own hiring and internal practices. It would ban discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, housing, financial services, and healthcare. 29 out of the 50 states in the U.S. do not currently have protections like this. Most U.S. states would see a great increase in the civil rights of LGBTQ people if the bill passes. For Apple, nothing would change beyond the comfort of all Americans.
The Equality Act
The bill will extend the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as well as the Fair Housing Act to include gender identity and sexual orientation as protected classes. It joins sex, race, religion, and other protected classes. However, there are still those who do not want to give up the ability to discriminate against LGBTQ people. After all, 29 states do not currently protect sexual orientation and gender identity from discrimination. The Equality Act requires 10 Republicans in favor to pass, and while Mitt Romney has been a voice for moderate Republicans, he is staunchly against LGBTQ rights, and has announced he will vote against it. Others will likely follow suit.
It seems that even the voice of the most successful company in the world is not enough to sway politicians. Still, the Equality Act will be voted on next week by the House, and later the Senate. It is unlikely to pass, but there’s still hope.
Companies like Apple and other tech companies tend to exist in states where healthy liberalism has fostered a creative atmosphere. California and New York are still tech hubs, and both have laws on the books to protect LGBTQ rights. While some companies have made moves to discriminatory states, most have stayed firmly planted.
Over 600 companies have supported the Equality Act, which has over 80% approval among the public. Still, our politicians are not a good reflection of public view, especially in the Senate, and the bill will likely fail.
Maybe one day this won’t be a controversial thing. For now, it is.
Sources:
- Wesley Hilliard, AppleInsider
- Michael Potuck, 9to5Mac
- Samantha Schmidt, The Washington Post