On the recordMay 17, 2019
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in full support of H.R. 5, the Equality Act. We have made much progress in recent years, but the reality is that many still face discrimination because of who they are and whom they love. As has been well-documented during the legislative record for H.R. 5, there are currently no Federal protections for LGBTQ people in the United States. So let's refocus on what this bill is really about. In 30 States, LGBTQ people can be fired, refused housing, or denied services simply because of who they are. The Equality Act would greatly extend civil rights for this community, providing protections across key areas of life, including employment, housing, credit, and jury duty. In Texas, that means having explicit protections for LGBTQ people for the first time in our history. Updating Federal law will tear down barriers to prosperity and lead to better outcomes for our families, neighbors, and loved ones. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentlewoman has expired.
