OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

Urging the Senate to Pass the Equality Act

Floor Speech

Date: May 17, 2019
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Civil Liberties and Civil Rights Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

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Ms. DelBENE. Mr. Speaker, today, I am proud to join my colleagues in passing the Equality Act, which ensures that LGBTQ Americans are treated equally.

In more than half our Nation, LGBTQ Americans can still be fired, denied credit, and evicted from their home simply based on who they are and whom they love.

It happened to someone in my State. He was a volleyball coach at a college in Virginia. They had just finished their most successful season when he was fired without explanation.

Unfortunately, in Virginia, there are no employment protections for being LGBTQ, so he and his family moved to Washington State where there are protections for LGBTQ workers, and they are thriving.

Not everyone can just pack up and leave, and they shouldn't have to. That is why we need to guarantee that LGBTQ Americans have equal rights and protections in all 50 States, no exceptions.

I urge the Senate to take action and pass the Equality Act so all Americans are treated equally.

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