WATCH: John Oliver Explains the Equality Act

John Oliver targeted LGBT nondiscrimination laws Sunday night and explained to his audience why proposed federal legislation that would provide protections in multiple realms was necessary.

The Equality Act would ban discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, housing, credit, and public accommodations, among other areas.

Last Week Tonight With John Oliver has a record of tackling LGBT issues. Recent episodes have featured Oliver explaining the lack of transgender-specific rights and the problems faced by the community as well a segment on sex education that was LGBT-inclusive.

Oliver's team contacted all of the currently announced presidential candidates to gauge their support for the Equality Act. Only four candidates responded -- Democrats Lincoln Chaffee, Martin O'Malley, and Bernie Sanders, and Republican Rand Paul. Paul's spokesperson gave a telling response, saying "We'll pass. Thanks."

"Everyone else is presumably still thinking about it," Oliver says. "But why? We reached out on Thursday, and it should not take that long to work out the answer to 'Should gay people be discriminated against?' is just 'No.' That's it."

Watch below as Oliver breaks down LGBT discrimination for the masses.