Equality Act

Floor Speech

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Ms. GARCIA of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in full support of H.R. 5, the Equality Act. We have made much progress in recent years, but the reality is that many still face discrimination because of who they are and whom they love.

As has been well-documented during the legislative record for H.R. 5, there are currently no Federal protections for LGBTQ people in the United States. So let's refocus on what this bill is really about.

In 30 States, LGBTQ people can be fired, refused housing, or denied services simply because of who they are. The Equality Act would greatly extend civil rights for this community, providing protections across key areas of life, including employment, housing, credit, and jury duty.

In Texas, that means having explicit protections for LGBTQ people for the first time in our history. Updating Federal law will tear down barriers to prosperity and lead to better outcomes for our families, neighbors, and loved ones.

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Ms. GARCIA of Texas. Mr. Speaker, this legislation will benefit nearly 1 million LGBTQ Texans and countless other Americans.

Finally, in Texas, when we say y'all, we will mean all.

Mr. Speaker, I want to add that as a woman and as a Catholic, I know I am not forfeiting any of my rights, not my women's rights or my religious rights. We need to go back and make sure that we pass this bill because for once, when we say justice for all at the end of our pledge, it should mean justice for all.

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