Equality Act

Floor Speech

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Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Equality Act, important legislation that will secure the civil rights of our LGBTQ community.

Our LGBTQ friends, neighbors, colleagues, and community members should not miss an educational opportunity, or be denied housing or credit, because of who they are or who they love.

I was proud to help pass the Oregon Equality Act when I was in the State legislature. The same arguments were being made back then, in 2007, that some of our colleagues are making today. Do you know what came to pass? Those concerns did not come to pass. What happened? The law brought dignity, security, and peace of mind to the LGBTQ community.

It is long past time that LGBTQ Americans across the country have the same protections. As the chair of the Civil Rights and Human Services Subcommittee, I have heard from students and workers who were discriminated against, people who were deeply harmed by antigay and transphobic attacks.

Today, I am thinking about the trans people in Oregon and around the country who are bravely standing up for equality. We stand with you. We will keep working to create a world where you are safe, free, and supported.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Cicilline for his leadership.

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