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Here we go again. Another bill in the House of Representatives with a fantastic yet cunning title. It’s H.R. 5, dubbed the “Equality Act.” Who would ever vote against something called the “Equality Act”, right?

But you see, it’s not until you read the actual legislation that you realize it’s an offensive attempt to advance the far-left, progressive agenda. This is what you need to know:

The Civil Right Act of 1964 outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. (Which was obviously the right thing to do.) One of the primary purposes of this new legislation is to amend the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to include “gender identify” as a protected classification.

Listen, NOBODY in Congress seeks to harm people in this category. But REASONABLE standards of appropriateness must be in place for everyone. This bill would shatter those standards in order to advance the liberal agenda.

First, let’s look at what this legislation would mean for “equality” as it pertains to women seeking shelter from domestic violence. This bill specifically classifies these shelters as “public accommodations” and would require them to admit biological men who identify as women or girls. In other words, shelters created EXPLICITELY to help protect and heal women & girls from physical or emotional abuse... by a man… would be FORCED to admit biological men into their private spaces, including in showers or sleeping quarters, if only they identify as female.

And it’s not just domestic violence shelters. This law would apply to ANY public places where gender-separation is necessary and appropriate. This includes public restrooms, gym locker rooms, changing rooms for swimming pools, etc.

Next, let’s talk about the workplace. Under the “Equality Act”, gender-sensitive roles at places of employment must be assigned based on what gender the employee has chosen for himself/herself. Consider hospitals with policies of only utilizing female nurses in their labor & delivery units. Those hospitals would not be allowed to differentiate between female nurses and male nurses who identify as women. Or think about a TSA agent who is a biological woman but identifies as a man. When that individual is assigned to perform pat-downs or private screenings, it would be on men pursuant to this law, not women. There so many problematic examples here.

Next is the impact on women in academic and athletic environments. One of the greatest outcomes of Title IX legislation in 1972 was the increase in scholarships and athletic opportunities for women at public schools and universities. Under this liberal “Equality Act”, however, biological males who identify as female would be allowed to compete against women, both on the field and also for coveted scholarships that are based on athletic performance. This is neither fair nor appropriate. It could erase women's sports.

Perhaps the most outrageous part of this bill is how it attacks religion. (All religions.) Take for example Miracle Hill Ministries, which is one of South Carolina's largest and oldest providers of foster care services. For years, Miracle Hill has placed children in need with Christian foster families. This bill would destroy Miracle Hill, and similar faith-based agencies, because it would elevate accommodations for transgenders above the liberties of anyone who objects on religious grounds. These faith-based organizations would either comply, or face litigation and, eventually, have their licenses to operate revoked.

Don’t let the title fool you – this bill is not about equality. It stands opposed to what we value in South Carolina, and I make no apologies for being a strong “NO” when it came up for a vote this morning.

Unfortunately, this bill did pass the Democrat-controlled House. Fortunately, however, it’s not going anywhere in the Republican-controlled Senate. And it’s certainly not something the President would sign into law.