Several advocates testified before the Senate Wed. to call for civil rights protections for LGBTQ+ Americans.

The Senate Judiciary Committee convened Wed.'s hearing ahead of Democrats' reintroduction of the Equality Act.

What is the Equality Act? The proposed law would amend the Civil Rights Act to prohibit anti-LGBTQ discrimination. (CNN)

If passed, the Equality Act would include "sexual orientation" and "gender identity" as protected classes under the CRA.

According to the Human Rights Campaign, as of 2023, only 23 states have laws prohibiting anti-LGBTQ discrimination.

What's more, as of 2023, only 10 states have laws addressing anti-LGBTQ hate crimes or bias. (HRC)

2023 is a record year for anti-LGBTQ legislation: 76 anti-LGBTQ bills have been signed into law so far, the most on record.

Anti-LGBTQ bills in 2023, by the numbers (HRC) •525 bills in 41 states •220 anti-trans bills •76 bills signed into law

16-year-old activist Harleigh Walker opened Wed.'s hearing with testimony on Alabama's ban on gender-affirming care.

Alabama was among the first in the nation to ban gender-affirming care for transgender youth.

Walker: "I am asking for you to help us stop certain people from using the transgender community as a political pawn."

Walker: "We are just like your kid, just like your neighbour, and you. We also deserve the ability to be happy."

Texas Dr. Ximena Lopez told the committee Wed. that anti-trans rhetoric was fueling violence against doctors like her.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott in June signed into law a bill banning gender-affirming care for transgender youth. (Texas Tribune)

HRC Pres. Kelley Robinson told the committee Wed. that LGBTQ+ Americans were living in a "state of emergency."

Robinson: "Our nation is greater than hate—and we must take action now to end this emergency."

Will Congress pass the Equality Act? With a GOP-controlled House, it's unlikely.