Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in observance of the National Day of Silence. April 16 was the 14th year we've commemorated the National Day of Silence, a time when students across the country remain silent for the whole day to draw attention to discrimination toward their LGBT peers. Every day students who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered, as well as those who are perceived to be LGBT, are subjected to harassment, bullying, intimidation and violence. These actions are incredibly harmful to students, and they also damage our educational system. In addition to supporting the National Day of Silence, I'm also proud to be cosponsor of H.R. 4530, the Student Nondiscrimination Act. This act is necessary because bullying and discrimination are the norm for so many LGBT young people. These youth face unique challenges in their physical and mental health. Last weekend a group of constituents hosted a Queer Youth Health Summit in Santa Cruz, California. This group also works to identify mental and physical health needs and promote safe and healthy lifestyles for queer and questioning youth in the region. It's unfortunate a summit like this is necessary, but I commend these students for responding so compassionately. Though many lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender advocates and their straight allies were silent last Friday, we in Congress should never be. Our job is to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves. ____________________”