As we conclude a month full of celebration in the LGBTQ community, we also know that in 29 States, LGBTQ Americans are still not fully protected from discrimination and 2022 is on track to set a record for the number of anti-LGBTQ bills introduced in state legislatures.

The Equality and Fairness Coalition (EFC) believes that the time is now for Congress to pass legislation that advances LGBTQ rights while ensuring protections for religious freedom. Given the current political environment, this may be the last window to codify marriage equality and other rights for many years to come.

Today we are announcing a new poll, conducted this June by Moore Information Group, showing that:

• Over two-thirds of Americans support a bill that would prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity in matters of employment, education, housing, and in public places, such as restaurants and other businesses. The poll also found that 62% of Americans believe that this should be a priority for Congress.
• And Americans believe in a bipartisan approach – 65% of Americans believe that the bill should include religious freedom exemptions that would allow faith-based institutions to continue to practice their beliefs and religious traditions.

Over the last few months, the coalition has held 65 meetings with members of Congress or their offices representing 34 states — including engagement with offices representing Arizona, North Carolina, West Virginia, Georgia, Florida and Pennsylvania, among other states — bringing the perspectives of over 100 constituents from across the country to their elected officials. The coalition has additional meetings planned for the next few weeks with the intention of passing federal nondiscrimination legislation in this Congress. 

Many LGBTQ groups across the country, including ONE Community, Equality Arizona, Out Georgia Business Alliance, Fairness West Virginia, the Mid-America LGBT Chamber and others have joined the EFC coalition.

EFC co-chairs Michael Soto, the Chief Executive Officer of Equality Arizona, and Angela Hughey, the President of ONE Community, are available to speak to reporters about the poll and their work to advocate for the passage of federal bipartisan LGBTQ nondiscrimination legislation.

Additional representatives from across the country may also be available to speak to reporters about the poll’s findings and the coalition’s work. 

Press contact: Ari Isaacman 202-860-6780 [email protected] 

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