On the recordMay 17, 2019
Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Colorado (Ms. DeGette). Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, it is a fundamental precept of our beautiful country that we have equality for all. But, sadly, in this Nation, we have not had equality for every person until now. Two-thirds of the LGBTQ community have faced discrimination, and this is simply wrong, and it is simply un-American. I thank Mr. Cicilline for bringing this important piece of legislation to the floor. How ironic that my LGBTQ constituents can get married to each other but still, in 29 States, can be discriminated against in their jobs, in public education, and even in their jury service. This is wrong; this is un-American; and today's bill, the Equality Act, rights this wrong that has been so long in coming. I congratulate everybody. I urge all of my colleagues to send a strong bipartisan statement: This is America; everybody has equal rights in all areas. {time} 1100
