HR-5 : Still Just a Bill


Equality Act

This bill prohibits discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity in areas including public accommodations and facilities, education, federal funding, employment, housing, credit, and the jury system. Specifically, the bill defines and includes sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity among the prohibited categories of discrimination or segregation.

The bill expands the definition of public accommodations to include places or establishments that provide (1) exhibitions, recreation, exercise, amusement, gatherings, or displays; (2) goods, services, or programs; and (3) transportation services.

The bill allows the Department of Justice to intervene in equal protection actions in federal court on account of sexual orientation or gender identity.

The bill prohibits an individual from being denied access to a shared facility, including a restroom, a locker room, and a dressing room, that is in accordance with the individual's gender identity.

Action Timeline

Action DateTypeTextSource
2021-03-17CommitteeCommittee on the Judiciary. Hearings held.Senate
2021-03-02CalendarsRead the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 9.Senate
2021-03-02CalendarsRead the first time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under Read the First Time.Senate
2021-03-01IntroReferralReceived in the Senate.Senate
2021-02-25VoteTable the motion to reconsider Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 211 - 195 (Roll no. 40).House floor actions
2021-02-25ResolvingDifferencesMr. Cicilline moved to table the motion to reconsiderHouse floor actions
2021-02-25FloorMr. Kildee moved to reconsider.House floor actions
2021-02-25VoteOn passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 224 - 206 (Roll no. 39). (text: CR H634-637)House floor actions
2021-02-25FloorThe previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.House floor actions
2021-02-25FloorDEBATE - The House proceeded with 90 minutes of debate on H.R. 5.House floor actions
2021-02-25FloorRule provides for consideration of H.R. 803 and H.R. 5. Rule provides for 1 hour of general debate on H.R. 803 and one motion to recommit. Rule provides for 90 minutes of general debate on H.R. 5 and one motion to recommit.House floor actions
2021-02-25FloorConsidered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 147. (consideration: CR H633-661)House floor actions
2021-02-24FloorRule H. Res. 147 passed House.House floor actions
2021-02-23FloorRules Committee Resolution H. Res. 147 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 803 and H.R. 5. Rule provides for 1 hour of general debate on H.R. 803 and one motion to recommit. Rule provides for 90 minutes of general debate on H.R. 5 and one motion to recommit.House floor actions
2021-02-18IntroReferralReferred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Education and Labor, Financial Services, Oversight and Reform, and House Administration, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.House floor actions
2021-02-18IntroReferralReferred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Education and Labor, Financial Services, Oversight and Reform, and House Administration, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.House floor actions
2021-02-18IntroReferralReferred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Education and Labor, Financial Services, Oversight and Reform, and House Administration, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.House floor actions
2021-02-18IntroReferralReferred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Education and Labor, Financial Services, Oversight and Reform, and House Administration, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.House floor actions
2021-02-18IntroReferralReferred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Education and Labor, Financial Services, Oversight and Reform, and House Administration, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.House floor actions
2021-02-18IntroReferralIntroduced in HouseLibrary of Congress

Sponsor :

David N. Cicilline [D] (RI-1)
See Cosponsors

Policy Area :

Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues
Related Subjects
  • Civil actions and liability
  • Consumer credit
  • Due process and equal protection
  • Elementary and secondary education
  • Employment discrimination and employee rights
  • Government employee pay, benefits, personnel management
  • Higher education
  • Housing discrimination
  • Judicial procedure and administration
  • Museums, exhibitions, cultural centers
  • Religion
  • Retail and wholesale trades
  • Sex, gender, sexual orientation discrimination
  • Sports and recreation facilities
Related Geographic Entities
Related Organizations

Related Bills

See Related Bills