The bill essentially nullifies federal and state religious freedom protections by handing authority to the U.S. Department of Justice to interpret and investigate claims of discrimination. The bill would create a protected class based on belief alone while providing the federal government the power to punish disbelief.<ref>https://thefederalist.com/2019/04/01/called-equality-act-threatens-freedom-speech-religion-womens-rights/</ref> | The bill essentially nullifies federal and state religious freedom protections by handing authority to the U.S. Department of Justice to interpret and investigate claims of discrimination. The bill would create a protected class based on belief alone while providing the federal government the power to punish disbelief.<ref>https://thefederalist.com/2019/04/01/called-equality-act-threatens-freedom-speech-religion-womens-rights/</ref> |