On March 13, 2019, the Equality Act was introduced to the 116th Congress for consideration. If passed, this federal bill would provide comprehensive and explicit nondiscrimination protections nationwide for the LGBTQ community, ensuring that nobody is discriminated against on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, housing, credit, education, public spaces and services, federally funded programs, and jury service.

GLMA was proud to be among the hundreds of organizations that endorsed the Equality Act, which include other health professional associations like the American Medical Association, American Psychological Association, and National Association of Social Workers.  

GLMA President Gal Mayer, MD, MS, sent out a letter sharing the news and to discuss how healthcare professionals could work to ensure the Equality Act gets passed. See the full letter below:

"I am excited to share that Congress has taken an important step forward in ensuring equal treatment for all LGBTQ people in this country. Today, the Equality Act is being introduced to the 116th Congress for consideration.

"If passed, this federal bill would provide comprehensive and explicit nondiscrimination protections nationwide for the LGBTQ community, ensuring that nobody is discriminated against on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, housing, credit, education, public spaces and services, federally funded programs, and jury service.

"As healthcare providers and professionals, we have a unique role to play to ensure that the Equality Act gets passed. We need to talk about the extensive body of research that shows discrimination, stigma, and bias significantly and adversely impacts the physical and mental well-being of LGBTQ people. We need to lift up the voices of our patients and share their stories of discrimination. We need to be advocates for our community and fight to ensure that no one has to live in fear of harassment and discrimination because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

"GLMA is proud to be among the hundreds of organizations that have endorsed the Equality Act, which include other health professional associations like the American Medical Association, American Psychological Association, and National Association of Social Workers. 

"As this legislation moves forward, we will call on you to take action as individual healthcare professionals. We will also continue to collaborate with our colleague associations and remain a strong and steadfast voice in support of the Equality Act.

"No individual should be discriminated against because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Yet, the harsh reality is almost two-thirds of LGBTQ Americans report having experienced discrimination in their everyday lives. The Equality Act, if passed, would add LGBTQ people to existing civil rights laws and strengthen federal protections for all people, including women, religious minorities, and people of color. 

I hope you will join us in this fight to ensure that our community is granted the same protections and equal rights afforded to ALL Americans.

Yours in Equality,

Gal Mayer, MD, MS
GLMA President"