The Need for Full Federal LGBT Equality: Discrimination in Public Spaces and Credit

August 4, 2015 by Hayley Miller, Senior Digital Media Associate

Last month, HRC endorsed The Equality Act, a landmark federal non-discrimination bill that would ensure all LGBT Americans have the protections from discrimination in federal law they deserve.  
The legislation establishes explicit, permanent protections against discrimination based on an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity in matters of employment, housing, federal funding, education, jury service, as well as access to public places and credit.
Despite the incredible progress on marriage equality, LGBT Americans can be denied service at restaurants, shops and hotels since there are no federal protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Americans with Disabilities Act Discrimination prohibited discrimination in public accommodations on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or disability. Public accommodations protections would ensure that LGBT people do not face discrimination or harassment while having dinner, visiting the theater or renting a room at motel.
Additionally, LGBT Americans who are creditworthy still risk being denied home or school loans, car leases or access to credit cards based on sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination. The Equal Credit Opportunity Act currently prohibits credit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, age or because a person receives public assistance. Credit protections would ensure that LGBT people who are credit worthy could not be denied home or school loans, car leases, or access to credit cards.
To learn more about public accommodations laws and policies in your state, click here.
To learn more about The Equality Act, click here.