Equality Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. PAPPAS. Mr. Speaker, thank you to my colleague, Representative Hill from California, my fellow co-chair of the Equality Caucus, as she rightfully notes nothing--nothing--in the Equality Act infringes upon women's rights. If it did, we wouldn't be supporting it so vociferously today.

This MTR is an army of words marching in search of an issue that doesn't exist. For those of us who have been involved in the fight for equality, this tactic isn't new or surprising. We have seen it before. We have seen the deliberate distractions, the unfounded fears, the faulty arguments on our way toward progress.

This legislation simply gives LGBTQ individuals full equality-- nothing more and nothing less.

When we end legal discrimination in housing, employment, and public services, we will steer our Nation closer to the full realization of its founding principles and the notion that we are all created equal.

As a proud member of the LGBTQ community, I can attest that attitudes in this country have changed for the better, and it is time that our laws catch up. Congress can send a message to LGBTQ Americans everywhere that we see you, that we celebrate you for who you are.

This vote will change laws, and it will save lives.

In passing the Equality Act today, we can say, unequivocally, that everyone matters, that everyone can be themselves, that no one should live in fear or be treated as a second-class citizen in the United States of America, not today and not ever--full equality under the law, nothing less and nothing more.

I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this motion to recommit. I welcome you to become a part of history. Join us on the right side of history. Do the right thing today. Vote ``no'' on this MTR, and stand for full equality for the LGBTQ community.

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