[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 111 (Friday, August 7, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1586]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




DEPARTMENTS OF COMMERCE, JUSTICE, AND STATE, AND JUDICIARY, AND RELATED 
                   AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 1999

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                               speech of

                           HON. PETER DEUTSCH

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, August 5, 1998

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 4276) making 
     appropriations for the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and 
     State, the Judiciary, and related agencies for the fiscal 
     year ending September 30, 1999, and for other purpose.

  Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Chairman, I rise to express my strong opposition to 
the Hefley amendment. I am pleased to see so many of my colleagues from 
both sides of the aisle firmly committed to nondiscrimination in the 
workplace.
  However, it is absolutely appalling that the House would even 
consider this outrageous amendment. President Clinton's executive order 
reaffirms every American's right to non-discrimination in the 
workplace. Yet the Hefley amendment would reverse this policy against 
discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.
  Non-discrimination is a fundamental American right, whether it be on 
the basis of sex, religion, or sexual orientation. Unfortunately, this 
amendment is yet another example of a concerted assault on human rights 
pushed by extremists who wish to divide Americans. It strikes a blow to 
the core of democracy and should be rejected by all Americans who value 
the principle of freedom in the workplace.
  Mr. Chairman, we must stand up in defense of all Americans and reject 
this amendment.

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