No Grounds for Discrimination Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5]
- Committees
- Judiciary Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Sep 14, 2026
Bottom line
The "No Grounds for Discrimination Act" aims to expand federal anti-discrimination protections to a specific category of informal dining establishments, ensuring equal access to goods and services for all persons.
What it actually does
This bill explicitly prohibits discrimination in coffee shops, cafes, tea houses, and other informal dining establishments based on religion, race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status. It extends the enforcement mechanisms of Title II of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to these establishments, ensuring equal access to goods and services for all persons.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that this bill closes a potential gap in existing civil rights law, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of protected characteristics, can access public accommodations like coffee shops without fear of discrimination. They contend that such establishments are increasingly central to community life and should be explicitly covered by federal anti-discrimination statutes, promoting equality and dignity for all patrons.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue that existing state and local laws, or Title II of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, already provide sufficient protections, making this bill redundant or an overreach of federal authority into local business operations. Some might also raise concerns about the scope of "informal dining establishments" or potential burdens on small businesses to comply with new federal regulations, though the bill leverages existing enforcement mechanisms.
The bill is exceptionally short and clear, allowing readers to fully grasp its content in less than a minute, which is ample time to evaluate its provisions.
Section 2(a)
Prohibition of Discrimination in Coffee Shops
This section establishes that all individuals are entitled to the full and equal enjoyment of goods and services offered by coffee shops, cafes, tea houses, and other informal dining establishments. It explicitly prohibits discrimination or segregation based on religion, race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that this provision ensures that a vital part of modern community life—informal dining establishments—is explicitly covered by federal civil rights protections, preventing discriminatory practices and fostering inclusive environments for all individuals.
Critics contend
Opponents might argue that this provision is unnecessary, as many of these protections are already covered by existing state or local laws, or by broader interpretations of Title II. They might also express concern about potential federal overreach into the operations of small businesses.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances the desire to ensure broad anti-discrimination protections with potential concerns about federal regulatory scope and the specific definition of covered establishments. It aims to provide clarity and consistency in civil rights enforcement for a specific category of public accommodations.
Section 2(b)
Enforcement Mechanism
This subsection specifies that the prohibition against discrimination in coffee shops can be enforced using the same methods and legal avenues as violations of Title II of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This means individuals can pursue civil actions to seek injunctive relief against discriminatory practices.
Section 2(c)
Definition of 'Coffee Shop'
This subsection defines "coffee shop" to include any coffee shop, cafe, tea house, or other informal dining establishment that serves the public, primarily offers coffee, tea, or light refreshments, and either affects interstate commerce or operates in a context where discrimination is supported by state action. This clarifies the scope of businesses covered by the anti-discrimination mandate.