On the recordMay 17, 2019
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in a jubilant manner, because every American deserves to be treated equally under the law. I rise today in support of the basic and common principles enshrined in our Constitution, of liberty and justice for all, that no person shall be denied or be discriminated by their sexual orientation. I rise today in support of the Equality Act that we must proudly pass today led by my friend, David Cicilline. For in this country, in this year, 2019, we must choose acceptance to grow our economy and to promote the general welfare. I rise because it is time to pass the Equality Act for full civil rights protections for all LGBTQ Americans. So many sacrificed so I could stand here today and speak these words. Passing this bill will send a powerful, bipartisan message to members of the LGBTQ community that they are not second-class citizens. Today we must vote to pass the Equality Act.
