Fight For EQUAL: Pass the EQUAL Act and End the Cocaine Sentencing Disparity
After decades of inequity, let's finally make things right. The EQUAL Act would end the crack and powder cocaine sentencing disparity, bring thousands home from federal prison, and restore equal justice under the law.
The Crack and Powder Cocaine Sentencing Disparity, Explained
In America, one form of cocaine can land you behind bars for years, while the other form could get you a slap on the wrist. Crack cocaine and powder cocaine are two forms of the same drug, yet under federal law they do not carry the same penalties. One gram of crack cocaine triggers the same sentence as 18 grams of powder cocaine.
This crack and powder cocaine sentencing disparity has disproportionately affected communities of color, resulting in unjust drug sentences that tear families apart. The EQUAL Act (Eliminating a Quantifiably Unjust Application of the Law) would create 1:1 penalties for crack and powder cocaine, ending the disparity in federal sentencing, bringing thousands home from prison and shortening future sentences.
Help end this unfair sentencing disparity and urge Congress to pass the EQUAL Act.
TAKE ACTIONHelp end this unfair sentencing disparity and urge Congress to pass the EQUAL Act.
End Racist Sentencing Disparities
Passing the EQUAL Act will bring thousands of people serving disparate sentences home from federal prison, reunite families and send a strong message that in America we believe in equal justice under the law.
Safer Communities
People who returned home on drug charges after implementation of the First Step Act recidivated at a rate of 12.8%, a rate much lower than the general BOP recidivism rate of 43%. The First Step Act made the reduction from 100:1 to 18:1 in the Fair Sentencing Act of 2010 retroactive.
Bipartisan Support
The EQUAL Act passed the House of Representative on 9/28/2021 on a vote of 361-66. In the Senate, the bill had 11 Republican co-sponsors but did not make it to a vote before the end of session.
Two Years Later, the EQUAL Act Still Needs You
Until Congress passes the EQUAL Act, thousands of people will remain behind bars serving unjust cocaine sentences.
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