Some Faith Leaders Call Equality Act Devastating; For Others, It's God's Will

A potential revision of federal civil rights law to extend protection to LGBTQ people could soon get a long-delayed vote in the U.S. Senate, but concerns about its implications for religious freedom cloud its prospects for final passage.

The Equality Act, which would ban discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, has twice passed the House. Republicans in the Senate have until now blocked its consideration, but Democratic control there should finally ensure at least a hearing.

Support for LGBTQ rights has increased dramatically since passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, when same-sex marriage was unheard of and homosexuality was widely seen as immoral.

"Public sentiment is with us," says Rep. David Cicilline, D-R.I., an openly gay legislator and the lead Equality Act sponsor in the House. "This is going to be a vote that's going to be remembered in the history books, and I think people are going to want to be on the right side of history."