LGBTQ RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS. PASS THE EQUALITY ACT.

Jump to today’s actions:

Call the Senate
Call the House

Background

LGBTQ rights are human rights. It’s time for the Senate to acknowledge that by passing the Equality Act, which amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to include LGBTQ Americans.

We need federal protection for human rights. The Human Rights Campaign noted that half of U.S. states do not have basic protections for LGBTQ people. In a recent study, 1 in 3 LGBTQ Americans reported experiencing discrimination last year.

This bill restores LGBTQ anti-discrimination protections stripped away by the previous administration and expands them to include:

Employment.
Housing.
Credit.
Jury service.
Federally funded programs like health and education.
Public places and spaces like hotels, restaurants and transportation.

It also expands legal protections for women, people of color, immigrants, and members of all religious groups against discrimination in public accommodation and federally funded programs.

The Republicans who oppose this act are ignoring the 80% of Americans who support legal protections for LGBTQ people against discrimination. More than 100 faith groups, 300 corporations, and 70% of small businesses have endorsed the Equality Act.

The Senate Judiciary Committee is currently holding hearings. Our representatives in Congress need to hear our support for the human rights of all people in our country.

1. Call the Senate.

Script Oregon Senators

SEN. MERKLEY: Portland office: 503-326-3386 | D.C. office: 202-224-3753

My name is [--] and I'm a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].

I want to thank the Senator for supporting LGBTQ Oregonians by co-authoring the Equality Act in the Senate, and encourage him in his efforts to ensure it’s passage. I am also asking him to protect Oregonians whose health and well-being are endangered because reconciliation to pass ARP triggered cuts to Medicare and other vital programs. I urge him to support a waiver.

SEN. WYDEN: Portland office: 503-326-7525 | D.C. office: 202-224-5244

My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].

I want to thank the Senator for his support of LGBTQ Oregonians by supporting the Equality Act in the Senate, and encourage him in his efforts to ensure it’s passage. I am also asking him to protect Oregonians whose health and well-being are endangered because reconciliation to pass ARP triggered cuts to Medicare and other vital programs. I urge him to support a waiver.

Script for Republican Senators

D.C switchboard: 202-224-3121

My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], [state], [zip code].

80% of Americans support legal protections for LGBTQ people against discrimination. More than 100 faith groups, 300 corporations and 70% of small businesses have endorsed the Equality Act. LGBTQ rights are human rights. As my Senator, I expect you to acknowledge that by voting for the Equality Act.

2. Call the House.

Look up your rep.

Script for Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01)

Oregon office: 503-469-6010 | DC office: 202-225-0855

My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].

I want to thank the Representative for voting to pass the Equality Act in the House. LGBTQ rights are human rights, and I want to encourage her in her continued efforts working for the rights of all Oregonians.

Script for Cliff Bentz (OR-02)

Medford office: 541-776-4646 | DC office: 202-225-6730

My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].

LGBTQ rights are human rights. I expected my Representative to acknowledge that by voting for the Equality Act. I am incredibly disappointed that instead he chose to vote in favor of discrimination against and dehumanization of my friends, family and neighbors who are LGBTQ. He needs to remember that we are his constituents.

Script for Earl Blumenauer (OR-03)

Oregon office: 503-231-2300 | DC office: 202-225-4811

My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].

I want to thank the Representative for voting to pass the Equality Act in the House. LGBTQ rights are human rights, and I want to encourage him in his continued efforts working for the rights of all Oregonians.

Script for Peter DeFazio (OR-04)

Eugene office: 541-465-6732 | DC office: 202-225-6416

My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].

I want to thank the Representative for voting to pass the Equality Act in the House. LGBTQ rights are human rights, and I want to encourage him in his continued efforts working for the rights of all Oregonians.

Script for Kurt Schrader (OR-05)

Salem office: 503-588-9100 | DC office: 202-225-5711

My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].

I want to thank the Representative for voting to pass the Equality Act in the House. LGBTQ rights are human rights, and I want to encourage him in his continued efforts working for the rights of all Oregonians.

Action 3 - Help Pass For the People Act in the Senate

Help us mobilize activists in other states to contact their MoCs Senators and urge them to support the For the People Act. We’ll have events at 4p on Friday, March 19th and at noon on Saturday, March 20th. Look for sign-up links on the Indivisible Oregon website and here in Action 3 later in the week.