Equal and Uniform Treatment in the Military Act

HR 5054, the Equal and Uniform Treatment in the Military Act (EQUITY Act), prohibits discrimination in the U.S. military based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, gender identity, or sexual orientation. It amends Title 10 of the U.S. Code to require that military service, advancement, and evaluations be based solely on an individual’s merit, fitness, capability, and performance. The bill explicitly bans policies that consider protected characteristics in eligibility or treatment, replacing prior frameworks with this clear standard. It directly affects all active-duty service members, reservists, and military personnel across all branches.