The Equal and Uniform Treatment in the Military Act (EQUITY Act) would amend federal law to explicitly prohibit discrimination in the Armed Forces based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, gender identity, or sexual orientation. The bill applies to all members of the Department of Defense and military branches, ensuring that service members can be evaluated and advanced solely on individual merit, fitness, capability, and performance. Military qualifications and standards for specific occupational specialties would remain in place, but any eligibility requirements must be applied uniformly without regard to the protected characteristics listed in the legislation. The bill provides detailed definitions for key terms including gender identity, sex (which encompasses pregnancy and intersex traits), and sex stereotypes to clarify what discrimination is prohibited. No specific funding amounts or implementation timelines are included in the bill text.
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