The United States House of Representatives voted to pass the Equality Act, a bill that makes it illegal to discriminate against someone based on sexual orientation or gender identification.

President Joe Biden campaigned that signing this bill would be one of his top priorities in his first 100 days in office. The bill now goes to a senate vote and if it passes may end up on the president’s desk shortly. 

“I urge congress to swiftly pass this historic legislation,” Biden said. “Every person should be treated with dignity and respect, and this bill represents a critical step toward ensuring that America lives up to our foundational values of equality and freedom for all.”

The bill is also stirring up controversy as it has broad support among democrats. Many republicans oppose it fearing that it infringes upon religious objections. 

The Equality Act would amend the civil rights act passed back in 1964 to prevent discriminations based on gender and sexual orientation and gender identity.

A big part of this bill is providing legislative support for the 2019 Supreme Court Case Bostock V. Clayton County in which the Court ruled that the protections guaranteed in the 1964 civil rights act extend to discriminations against gay, lesbian and transgender Americans.