A Virginia Republican has broken ranks to co-sponsor legislation that would finally protect LGBT Americans under existing civil rights laws.

While 242 members of Congress support the Equality Act, Representative Scott Taylor of Virginia is the only Republican to co-sponsor the bill. Representatives Ileana Ros-Lehtinen of Florida, another Republican, has offered her support, as well, but will not be seeking re-election in 2018.

"Discrimination anywhere is an injustice,” said Taylor. “I'm proud to support the Equality Act and will work to ensure that all are treated the same under the law.”

HRC's David Stacy said Taylor's support demonstrated that LGBT equality "is not a partisan issue,”

"All Americans should have a fair chance to earn a living, provide for their families, and live their lives without fear of discrimination," Stacy added. "We are grateful for Rep. Scott Taylor’s leadership and support for this crucially important legislation.”

If passed, the Equality Act would bar discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation in areas including housing, employment, and education in all 50 states. Currently, only a patchwork of laws offer any protections, and 50% of LGBT Americans live in states where they are at risk of being fired, evicted or refused service simply because of who they are or who they love.

A former Navy S.E.A.L. Taylor, 37, was just elected to the House of Representatives in November, but already has a record of supporting equality: As a member of the Virginia House of Delegates, he was a lead sponsor of legislation to protect LGBT people from housing discrimination.

In the House, he continued those efforts: The first bill he introduced was a measure to update the Fair Housing Act by adding sexual orientation and gender identity protections.

According to the Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI), 70% of Americans support the Equality Act, across political divides and in every state.