Equality doesn't mean all humans are exactly the same, it means we have equal value despite our differences.
I've studied ethics, theology, and philosophy most of my life. I am also a prolific writer. I strive to reduce suffering and ignorance. The goal of society is to reduce suffering. Those that seek to increase suffering should never be given power over anyone, yet it happens constantly because society has a difficult time protecting itself from monsters. As a consequence, there has been a gross devaluing of humans over the millennia. Gender, ethnicity, and income potential do not define our souls. Consciousness doesn't have a gender or a skin color or a dollar value. Do not let small-minded cult-following bigots degrade your value with trivial things. Equality doesn't mean all humans are exactly the same, it means we have equal value despite our differences.
Always ask, who benefits from certain actions and beliefs? In every circumstance, if a law doesn't equally benefit people, it's not a good law. Look at the end results of laws and beliefs to discover their true intentions. Who do they harm? Who do they benefit?