First one must ask what is 'equality?'
How could anyone not be for "equality?" But as always, one must define the terms and ask questions. For example, is equality of outcome (or even opportunity) really fair to all people? And are all inequalities really injustices?
Enter the so-called Equality Act passed by the U.S. House. Sounds fair. Sounds neutral. Sounds equitable. So ... shouldn't we be for it?
Maybe we should ask what this Equality Act is actually advocating. It seems to boil down to two main -- let's call it as it is -- deceptions. First, it elevates "gender dysphoria/sexual orientation" to an unconstitutional protected class. Even gay journalist Brad Polumbo admits it would "elevate (LGBT) rights over those of religious Americans." Secondly, it would be "turning women into second-class citizens," to quote columnist Andrea Widburg.
Consider these examples. Small-business owners with a biblical worldview -- florists, bakers, photographers, etc. -- will be forced to express a message of sexuality outside their religious convictions or be closed down, or worse (already happening in some states). I believe churches will eventually have to hire those with a LGBQ/pro-trans lifestyle or lose tax-exempt status and, at some point, be unable to teach biblical truths (labeled "hate speech") from the pulpit.
And the 1964 Civil Rights Act already makes it illegal for discrimination to occur on the basis of "sex" -- the authors clearly meaning "male and female." But what is happening, and will be given more "legal" justification, is genetic males (identifying as girls or women) dominating women's sports -- both on the field and in college scholarships. Women's spaces -- changing rooms, locker rooms, bathrooms -- will also be abused.
This is a zero-sum-game. The Equality Act will only ensure reverse discrimination undermining America's freedom of religion guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and immeasurably hurting the freedom, dignity, and safety of women. How can this be declared "equality?"
Don Eckard
Bentonville