PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Committee on the Judiciary. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 117-684.
Congressional Research Service
Version 53 · Passed House · Feb 25, 2021
Equality Act
This bill prohibits discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity in areas including public accommodations and facilities, education, federal funding, employment, housing, credit, and the jury system. Specifically, the bill defines and includes sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity among the prohibited categories of discrimination or segregation.
The bill expands the definition of public accommodations to include places or establishments that provide (1) exhibitions, recreation, exercise, amusement, gatherings, or displays; (2) goods, services, or programs; and (3) transportation services.
The bill allows the Department of Justice to intervene in equal protection actions in federal court on account of sexual orientation or gender identity.
The bill prohibits an individual from being denied access to a shared facility, including a restroom, a locker room, and a dressing room, that is in accordance with the individual's gender identity.
People & committees
Rep. Cicilline, David N. [D-RI-1] · D–RI
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Committee on the Judiciary. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 117-684.
Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 9.
Read the first time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under Read the First Time.
Received in the Senate.
Table the motion to reconsider Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 211 - 195 (Roll no. 40).
House roll call 40 · Individual votesMr. Cicilline moved to table the motion to reconsider
Mr. Kildee moved to reconsider.
On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 224 - 206 (Roll no. 39). (text: CR H634-637)
House roll call 39 · Individual votesPassed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 224 - 206 (Roll no. 39).(text: CR H634-637)
House roll call 39 · Individual votesThe previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with 90 minutes of debate on H.R. 5.
Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 803 and H.R. 5. Rule provides for 1 hour of general debate on H.R. 803 and one motion to recommit. Rule provides for 90 minutes of general debate on H.R. 5 and one motion to recommit.
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 147. (consideration: CR H633-661)
Rule H. Res. 147 passed House.
Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 147 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 803 and H.R. 5. Rule provides for 1 hour of general debate on H.R. 803 and one motion to recommit. Rule provides for 90 minutes of general debate on H.R. 5 and one motion to recommit.
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Education and Labor, Financial Services, Oversight and Reform, and House Administration, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Education and Labor, Financial Services, Oversight and Reform, and House Administration, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Education and Labor, Financial Services, Oversight and Reform, and House Administration, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Education and Labor, Financial Services, Oversight and Reform, and House Administration, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Education and Labor, Financial Services, Oversight and Reform, and House Administration, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Aug 10, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
AI Conversation Starters
Choose a perspective, copy a prompt, and paste it into your preferred AI. Each prompt includes the bill version and available official source links, and asks for counterarguments as well as supporting evidence.
Analyze H.R.5 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
Examine H.R.5 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.
Examine H.R.5 through a conservative lens, focusing on fiscal responsibility, institutional stability, federalism, and the scope of government. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and any provisions that challenge this perspective.
Examine H.R.5 through a civil-liberties and limited-government lens. Consider individual rights, privacy, voluntary choice, accountability, and government power. Explain tradeoffs, possible safeguards, and the strongest counterarguments without assuming the proposal is beneficial or harmful.