Sen. Jeff Merkley Reintroduces Equality Act Amid Rising LGBTQ+ Challenges

WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley held a press conference on April 29, 2025, to announce the reintroduction of the Equality Act. The bill aims to expand federal protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, amid a surge in anti-LGBTQ+ legislation across the country.

Merkley was joined by prominent Democratic leaders, including House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and former Representative Nancy Pelosi. He emphasized the importance of equality for all Americans during his speech.

“We’re here today to fight for equality, to fight for opportunity, to fight for freedom,” Merkley said. He urged lawmakers and advocates to support the act, citing the urgency of the moment as more than 850 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been introduced in state legislatures just this year.

According to Merkley, the Equality Act seeks to amend the Civil Rights Act of 1964, explicitly prohibiting discrimination in employment, housing, education, public accommodations, and more. He condemned the Trump administration’s role in fostering a climate of discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals.

Support for the Equality Act included testimony from Rep. Mark Takano, the first openly gay person of color elected to Congress, who described the act as a declaration of dignity. “We demand the same rights as any other American to live freely in this country without being forced to justify our existence or prove our worth,” Takano stated.

Schumer shared personal insights on the discrimination still faced in many states, saying, “In 2025…it’s hard to believe that many LGBTQ+ Americans still face legal discrimination in 29 states.” He affirmed his commitment to this cause on moral and political grounds.

Senator Cory Booker framed the Equality Act as a fundamental fight for American values, urging all citizens to participate against the targeted injustice faced by the LGBTQ+ community. “There are no bystanders in history,” he concluded.

The Equality Act was first introduced in 1974 and has evolved significantly, now aiming to close gaps in protections that remain after the 2020 Supreme Court ruling in Bostock v. Clayton County, which confirmed workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity violates Title VII. However, further protections in areas like housing and public spaces are still needed.

Despite previous versions of the act passing in the House, it has faced obstacles in the Senate. With the political landscape shifting, advocates stress the necessity of reintroducing the bill during these contentious times. “The time for full equality under the law is long overdue,” Equality PAC representatives remarked.