“Today, I once again supported passage of the Equality Act, a bill that creates a uniform federal standard for preventing discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Katko said he feels that a “uniform federal standard” is a positive step in ensuring equal rights for all Americans. We will continue to support these efforts to ensure unlawful persecution or discrimination is prevented.”

“We have been assured by the author of the bill that the fundamental rights of the American people, such as religious freedoms, have been protected in the legislation as written. Throughout my tenure in Congress, we have fought to ensure all are treated fairly before the law, regardless of their gender or sexual orientation,” he said in a statement. “We stand firmly against discrimination in any form. While GOP critics argued the bill could infringe on religious liberties, Reed said he’s confident it will provide protections while keeping in line with Americans’ constitutional rights. The bill looks to amend the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, and the Jury Selection and Services Act, by expanding protections to include sexual orientation and gender identity. The Equality Act aims to extend protections for education, housing and employment for the LGBT community. Susan Brooks (Ind.), Will Hurd (Texas) and Greg Walden (Ore.), who also voted for the previous legislation, retired at the end of the last Congress. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) and Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.) voted for the 2019 version, but did not join Democrats in Thursday’s vote. John Katko (R-N.Y.), Tom Reed (R-N.Y.) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) were the only Republicans to vote in favor of the bill a second time. While eight GOP lawmakers voted for a similar version of the legislation in 2019, Reps. The sweeping civil rights bill passed the House in a 224-206 vote, with every Democrat supporting the measure. Three Republicans opted to buck party lines and join Democrats in voting for the Equality Act on Thursday.

Equal credit opportunity act