Protecting the LGBT Community from Discrimination -- April 16, 2015

Protecting the LGBT Community from Discrimination

Mr. Speaker, today am pleased to introduce the Equality for All resolution –which declares that gay, lesbian, and transgender people should be protected from discrimination under the law.
Earlier this month, I watched as Indiana – my home state—enacted the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, giving businesses the right to refuse service based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Over the last few weeks, I’ve heard from businesses, religious organizations, community leaders, and countless concerned Americans.
It’s clear that the vast majority of Americans oppose this kind of discrimination.
Yet, in 2015, it is still legal in over 30 states to discriminate in the workplace, to refuse to sell or rent a home, or to turn someone away from your business—just because they are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.
As elected representatives, we have a responsibility to show that America is better than this. I would like to thank the 126 colleagues who join me today as original cosponsors of this resolution.
I encourage every Member of the House to join me in supporting the Equality for All resolution.