Mark Takano: “I thank my true friend from the State of Rhode Island (Mr. Cicilline), who chairs the LGBTQ-plus Equality Caucus, for…”

“I thank my true friend from the State of Rhode Island (Mr. Cicilline), who chairs the LGBTQ-plus Equality Caucus, for his work. I want to say that Pride is always a very special time of year. It is a time of protest, a time of celebration, a time that we remember the struggles, honor the trailblazers, and appreciate the progress that we have made in the fight toward equality. Throughout our history, LGBTQ people have been denied their basic rights. To this day, LGBTQ Americans across the country still face discrimination in key areas of life, from housing to healthcare. While the Supreme Court has ruled to expand nondiscrimination protections in employment and made marriage equality the law of the land, in 29 states LGBTQ people aren't fully protected from discrimination. That is why we are working hard to get the Equality Act signed into law. Discrimination in this country has also been enshrined into policies at every level, including in the military. Despite this, thousands of brave LGBTQ Americans have still stepped up to serve our country in uniform. For decades, LGBTQ members of the U.S. military and veterans have faced discrimination stemming from official military policies, including Don't Ask, Don't Tell and the Trans Military Ban.…”