I thank our chairman, and I thank Representative David Cicilline for his tireless leadership in leading us to this day. All Americans deserve to be treated equally regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation. I do have to wonder, Mr. Speaker, what are those on the other side who are arguing against this wise legislation afraid of? Equal treatment for their LGBTQ family and friends? Why would they make such arguments? We must continue to strive for the equality of the LGBTQ community. Voting ``yes'' on the Equality Act furthers this fight and helps us live up to the promise of this Nation. As Bayard Rustin, an openly gay Black civil rights leader, said: ``Let us be enraged about injustice, but let us not be destroyed by it.'' The Equality Act is a necessary step in addressing injustice by advancing the rights of Americans nationwide because we are all God's children. The passage of this legislation is an important step in forming a more perfect Union.
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