Natural State News

Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas recently voiced his concerns over the Equality Act during an interview in which he called the measure "a radical proposal."

The Equality Act, which was narrowly passed by the House last month, is an amendment to the Civil Rights Act that would add sex, gender identity and sexual orientation to the list of protected classes. Cotton, however, claims the act would only alienate religious citizens and groups in the country under the guise of equality.

"The 'Equality Act' isn't about treating all Americans with dignity and respect, it's about regulating our religious institutions and forcing radical ideas," Cotton said.

Despite Cotton's objections, a new poll conducted by the Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) found that more than three-fourths of the country supports legislative protections for LGBTQ+ Americans.

The bill is supported by President Joe Biden, who has asked Congress to pass the legislation quickly. Support for the bill had mostly been partisan with only three Republican representatives joining Democrats in signing the bill.

While Democrats and Independents are more likely to support the act, the PRRI survey found two-thirds of Republicans supported LGBTQ+ discrimination protections. The survey also found more than half of Republicans support allowing gay and lesbian couples to legally marry.