Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the National Day of Silence. Tomorrow is the 18th year we have recognized the National Day of Silence, a day when young people come together to raise awareness for the discrimination that LGBT students face. I am proud of students who stand up against bullying, students like Karen Jimenez of Aptos, California, who said: ``Identity extends further than our physical selves, so when expression of identity becomes restricted, it's similar to having chains placed on your home.'' I am a proud sponsor of the Student Non-Discrimination Act and will continue to fight for acceptance and tolerance for LGBT youth. California is a leader in promoting and protecting the rights of our LGBT community. This year, we celebrate the 15th anniversary of the passage of the Safety and Violence Prevention Act and recent passage of a bill to ensure that trans students are afforded necessary gender neutral facilities in their schools. We, in Congress, have a responsibility not to be silent. It is our job to speak for those who cannot. We must work harder towards becoming a wholly gender-inclusive society that welcomes and protects all our Members. ____________________”