One Colorado, the state’s leading advocacy organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer Coloradans and their families, released the following statement from Executive Director Daniel Ramos on the re-introduction of the Equality Act in Congress today.

“We applaud Colorado Senator Michael Bennet, and Representatives Jared Polis, Diana DeGette, and Ed Perlmutter, for supporting the Equality Act, which will prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in areas of employment, education, housing, and public accommodations. Everyone — including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer Americans — should have a fair chance to earn a living and provide a home for their families without fear of harassment or discrimination.“

A majority of Americans support protecting LGBTQ people from discrimination and bills like the Equality Act have broad support on both sides of the aisle. In 2008, Colorado passed non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ people, but federal action is needed to achieving full equality across the country.“LGBTQ people should have the same opportunities as everyone else in our country to work hard, earn a living, and provide for themselves and their families. No person should ever be fired from their job, bullied in their school, evicted from their home, or turned away from a business simply because of who they are or who they love.

“In recent weeks, both Senator Cory Gardner and Representative Mike Coffman have addressed questions about their support for federal non-discrimination protections at their town halls. Both indicated they would have to wait to see a bill before taking a position. Now that the Equality Act has been introduced, we hope they will side with LGBTQ Americans, sign on as co-sponsors of the bill, and work to make sure it passes.”

‍Tell Senator Cory Gardner and Representative Mike Coffman to support the #EqualityAct!