Political Quotes

“Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5, the Equality Act. I rise on behalf of non-cisgender Americans, on behalf of QPOC Americans, on behalf of drag kings and drag queens, on behalf of all non-heteronormative Americans. I rise today to let you know that you are seen and you are heard, and I am proud to stand in solidarity with you. It is our mandate as legislators to protect all Americans, yet we are failing entire communities. In my home State, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, a leader in marriage equality, we have the second largest LGBTQ population of any State in the country. Even though our queer pride extends far and wide, 61 percent of transgender Bay Staters experienced housing discrimination in the greater Boston area, and 65 percent of LGBTQ Bay Staters experienced discrimination in public spaces, from public transportation to retail establishments, places of worship, restaurants, and healthcare settings. As we consider H.R. 5, we must remind ourselves of our values. My forever President Barack Obama once said: ``When all Americans are treated as equal, no matter who they are or whom they love, we are all more free.'' It is true. When we defeat hate with love, we all win. During a time filled with fear, bigotry, and public turmoil, it is unconscionable that we are still debating the liberties of people who ask only to be received as their full selves. It is our fundamental right as Americans to live happily, peacefully, and unapologetically.…”