U.S. Rep. Bob Dold, who hails from Illinois, has become the first Republican member of Congress to co-sponsor the Equality Act.
If passed, the Equality Act would add "sexual orientation" and "gender identity" to the protections that already exist based on race, color, religion, sex and national origin.
"Bob Dold is showing tremendous leadership by becoming the first Republican to sign on as a co-sponsor of the Equality Act and we're thrilled that he's standing up for our fundamental values of fairness and equality," said Human Rights Campaign President Chad Griffin in a statement. "In co-sponsoring the Equality Act, Congressman Dold showed how important it is that LGBT people be able to have a fair chance to earn a living, provide for their families, and live free from fear of discrimination."
In a statement sent to Windy City Times, Dold said, "Illinois has a long and proud history of fighting for equal rights, and I am proud to continue this tradition by supporting the Equality Act. Engraved on the front of the Supreme Court is the phrase 'equal justice under the law,' but as long as any Americans can be legally discriminated against, there is not equal justice in this country. Congress must act to ensure that all Americans, including the LGBT community, are protected equally from discrimination under federal law, just as they already are in my home state of Illinois."
However, Dold added that he would like the bill to make space for religious freedom: "While this bill is not perfect in its current form, it marks an important first step in the process of crafting a bipartisan bill that ensures equal rights for all Americans while also fully protecting the religious freedoms our Constitution guarantees. I am eager to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to strengthen this legislation to ensure it unequivocally prevents discrimination against all Americans while also firmly protecting religious freedom and liberty."
In 2010, Dold defeated Democratic Party nominee Dan Seals to replace Republican incumbent Mark Kirk in the U.S. House of Representatives. Democrat Brad Schneider beat Dold in 2012, but Dold returned the favor in 2014, defeating Schneider in a rematch.