FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 21, 2023
MEDIA CONTACT
Manisha Sunil, West End Strategy Team
msunil@westendstrategy.com; Phone: 202-417-0171
Religious Freedom Organization Praises Reintroduction of Equality Act
Interfaith Alliance heralded the legislation as a priority for religious freedom, LGBTQ+ equality, and democracy
WASHINGTON—Diverse religious voices are celebrating the reintroduction of the Equality Act in Congress today, including national religious freedom organization Interfaith Alliance, which has been a staunch advocate for the bill since it was first introduced in the 117th Congress.
Darcy Hirsh, senior director of policy & advocacy for Interfaith Alliance, reaffirmed the organization’s unwavering support for the legislation in a statement emphasizing the importance of nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ+ people as a matter of protecting religious freedom and democracy:
“The reintroduction of the Equality Act marks an opportunity for our elected leaders to ensure that regardless of who we are or who we love, every member of our society has the right to be free from discrimination. We are grateful to Representative Takano and Senators Merkley, Baldwin, and Booker for their leadership in reintroducing this necessary legislation.
“As a faith organization, it is critical to fight back against the notion that faith can be used as an excuse to discriminate. In fact, the vast majority of people of faith support protections for our LGBTQ+ siblings. Building our vision of an inclusive democracy means ensuring that people of all beliefs and backgrounds can exercise our constitutional rights without fear of discrimination.”
“In light of the wave of horrific anti-LGBTQ+ legislation passing in state legislatures across the country, it is now more important than ever to codify protections against discrimination in housing, medical care, and other services. We must speak our and urge our representatives to pass this legislation as soon as possible.”
As part of its annual Faith for Pride initiative, Interfaith Alliance is organizing a month-long effort to push back against anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and legislation, as well as marshal support for policies such as the Equality Act that work to strengthen and protect LGBTQ+ communities across the country.
If you are interested in speaking further with Interfaith Alliance on this issue, please contact Manisha Sunil at msunil@westendstrategy.com or (202) 417-0171.
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Interfaith Alliance is a network of people of diverse faiths and beliefs from across the country working together to build a resilient democracy and fulfill America’s promise of religious freedom and civil rights not just for some, but for all. We mobilize powerful coalitions to challenge Christian nationalism and religious extremism, while fostering a better understanding of the healthy boundaries between religion and government. We advocate at all levels of government for an equitable and just America where the freedoms of belief and religious practice are protected, and where all persons are treated with dignity and have the opportunity to thrive. For more information visit interfaithalliance.org.