TO THE MEMBERS OF THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce strongly supports H.R. 5, the Equality Act, which would update federal law to prohibit discrimination in the workplace and in commerce on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Equality under the law is essential to ensuring America’s free market system continues to thrive and to enabling our diverse workforce to reach its full potential without fear of discrimination.
Embracing equality has a profoundly positive impact on business performance. A recent report from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation found that LGBT-inclusive companies enjoy higher revenue margins, attract better talent, and have lower employee turnover.
Americans are protected from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Yet, existing federal civil rights law and the laws of many states fail to protect against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. Providing such protections is necessary to filling the promise of equal opportunity that is the bedrock of the United States.
The Chamber applauds the work of the many Democrats and Republicans who crafted this legislation, including the bipartisan leaders of this effort, Reps. David Cicilline and Brian Fitzpatrick, and Sens. Jeff Merkley and Susan Collins, who have offered similar legislation in the Senate. We urge members of the House of Representatives to vote in support of this legislation.
Sincerely,
Neil L. Bradley
