A bill that would extend federal civil rights protections to LGBTQ people is a top priority of President Joe Biden and Democrats in CongressA sweeping bill that would extend federal civil rights protections to LGBTQ people is a top priority of President Joe Biden and Democrats in Congress. Another relatively moderate Republican, Sen. Mitt Romney of Utah, says he can’t support the bill because it would “inappropriately threaten fundamental religious liberties.”Utah enacted a law in 2015 establishing civil rights protections for LGBTQ people while also providing protections for religious freedom. “That bill is unacceptable because it creates two tiers of civil rights protections and sanctions discrimination against LGBTQ people in homeless shelters and foster care agencies,” David said. For many religious leaders, the Equality Act's codification of civil rights protections for transgender people is of particular concern. James Martin, a Jesuit priest who advocates for greater LGBTQ inclusion in the church, said he accepts the need for some religious exemptions.

Source: ABC News March 08, 2021 13:52 UTC