Dear [firstname],

The House of Representatives just passed the Equality Act, a groundbreaking bill to help ensure that LGBTQ Americans are finally granted the full protections guaranteed by federal civil rights law.

This is a big deal, and I am so proud to have voted yes on this important law. While Massachusetts has worked hard to prevent discrimination and protect the rights of all our citizens, the sad reality is that in most other states, anyone can be denied housing, education, credit, or the chance to serve on a jury because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

In 27 states, LGBTQ Americans do not have protections against being denied housing because of their sexual orientation; 31 states lack protections regarding access to education; and 38 states lack protections regarding jury service. In at least half of the states, a same-sex couple can get married one day and legally denied service at a restaurant or be evicted from their apartment the next.

That is just plain wrong. In the United States of America, nobody should be discriminated against because of who they are. And the Equality Act will help us make things right.

I spoke on the House Floor to urge all of my colleagues to vote yes. You can watch my remarks here:

The Equality Act enjoys the overwhelming support of the American people – 70 percent of whom favor the legislation’s vital protections – as well as robust support from the business community, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and hundreds of leading businesses that recognize that the strength of our economy and our society requires equal protection under the law.

As we take this important step forward, we reaffirm the fundamental truth: that all of us were created equal and are deserving of the same dignity, respect, and civil rights. That the words we pledge to the flag of the United States—with liberty and justice for all—really mean for all, and not just for some.

As this landmark legislation heads to the Democratic Senate, I am committed to working until the Equality Act is signed into law by President Biden as soon as possible.

Sincerely,

James P. McGovern

Member of Congress