Sponsors (11)
The bill strengthens equal civic access and fairness in federal juries by prohibiting exclusion based on sexual orientation or gender identity, at the cost of modest administrative burdens for courts and potential privacy concerns for some prospective jurors.
Potential jurors, litigants, and residents (including U.S. territories): expands the eligible federal juror pool by barring categorical exclusions based on sexual orientation or gender identity, improving representativeness of juries and public confidence in federal trial outcomes.
LGBTQ+ individuals: prevents exclusion from federal jury service on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity, increasing equal civic participation and reducing the risk of biased juries in cases involving LGBTQ+ parties.
LGBTQ+ individuals and other potential jurors: may face privacy concerns or worry about disclosure of sexual orientation or gender identity during jury selection, creating confidentiality and comfort issues.
Federal court staff and the judiciary: will likely need to update jury questionnaires, train personnel, and adjust procedures, producing short-term administrative costs and increased workload for court administrators.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Makes it unlawful under federal law to exclude or excuse people from federal jury service because of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Prohibits excluding or excusing people from federal jury service on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. The change amends the federal statute governing exemptions and excuses so that sexual orientation and gender identity may not be used as reasons to bar someone from serving on a federal jury.
Introduced June 18, 2025 by Jeanne Shaheen · Last progress June 18, 2025