Akron Reporter

WASHINGTON, D.C.— On June 21, U.S. Representative Emilia Strong Sykes (OH-13) announced she is an original co-sponsor of the Equality Act, legislation that would ensure explicit nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ+ people. 

“I am proud to be an original co-sponsor of the Equality Act because every American deserves the freedom to be their authentic self, free from discrimination and harassment,” said Rep. Sykes. “As state legislatures in Ohio and across the country continue to attack the LGBTQ+ community,the Equality Act is a key step to ensure Ohio’s 13th Congressional District is the best place to live, work, and raise a family for everyone, no matter who you are, who you love, or how you identify. I will always stand up and fight for the rights of LGBTQ+ people in our district and the nation, this Pride Month and beyond.”

The Equality Act would amend existing civil rights laws to explicitly prohibit discrimination against LGBTQ+ people in employment, housing, public accommodations, education, federally funded programs, credit, and jury service. The Equality Act would also prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in public accommodations and federally funded programs.

The Equality Act expands the definition of public accommodations in the Civil Rights Act, strengthening protections not just on the basis of sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics), but also on the basis of race, color, national origin, and religion.

The Ohio state legislature has introduced several anti-LGBTQ+ bills in 2023, including legislation to ban transgender children from playing sports and a “Don’t Say Gay” bill which would prohibit discussions about sexual orientation and gender identity in schools.

Rep. Sykes is an original co-sponsor of the Equality Act and a member of the Equality Caucus, which works toward the extension of equal rights, the repeal of discriminatory laws, the elimination of hate-motivated violence, and the improved health and well-being for all regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or sex characteristics.

Read the full bill text here.

Original source can be found here.