A Republican compromise bill that seeks a middle ground on LGBTQ rights and religious freedom is set to emerge as the U.S. House is about to vote on the Equality Act — and for the first time with Democratic support — although critics say it would amount to a legalized right to discriminate against LGBTQ people.
Rep. Chris Stewart (R-Utah) is set Friday to reintroduce the Fairness for All Act, legislation he proposed last year as a solution to gridlock on LGBTQ rights at the federal level, with a group of 16 original Republican co-sponsors and support from major religious groups, like the Church of Latter-day Saints, the Council of Christian Colleges & Universities and the Seventh-Day Adventist Church.