- The equality act rewritesthe 1964 Civil Rights Act

to include sexual orientationand gender identity,

but it also tramples on religious belief.

- The Equality Act isn'tjust neutral towards that.

It's actually quite hostiletowards religious freedom.

- [Heather] RepublicanCongressman Chris Stewart

is leading a bipartisan alternativecalled Fairness for All.

- Most of us are in aposition now where we want

to guarantee the civilliberties and freedoms

of all Americans,including LGBTQ Americans.

- [Heather] It would protectgay and transgender people

from employment andhousing discrimination,

while also protecting people of faith.

- There's room here to find an area

where both can be accommodated,

where both can be comfortable.

The Equality Act doesn't do that.

Fairness for All will.

- [Heather] But many inthe conservative movement,

like the Heritage Foundationand the Family Research Council

argue Fairness for Alldoesn't go far enough.

- What we need to do iswe need to allow people

to continue to live theirlives according to their faith,

and if someone isdeprived of their rights,

then we deal with that.

- [Heather] Southern Baptistscall the religious protections

insufficient and fear the bill will use

the federal government to imposea new orthodoxy on matters

of sexuality and genderacross the entire country

through the Civil Rights Act.

Pro-life advocates note itcould mandate taxpayer funding

of elective abortion

and violate healthcareprovider conscience rights.

The big question: willthe Senate truly debate

the Equality Act?

Moderate Republican SusanCollins, an early sponsor,

has pulled her support,

and Mitt Romney also opposes,citing religious liberty.

Still, there is much momentumfor the LGBTQ measure,

including powerful backingfrom President Biden.

It's why Fairness for Allbackers say conservatives

should work with their bill

or risk passage of the Equality Act.

Heather Sells, CBN News.