[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 63 (Wednesday, April 30, 2003)]
[House]
[Pages H3456-H3457]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CALLING ON SENATOR RICK SANTORUM TO APOLOGIZE FOR REMARKS OFFENSIVE TO 
               GAY AND LESBIAN COMMUNITY OR TO STEP DOWN

  (Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas asked and was given permission to address 
the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I waited patiently as the 
words of a Member of the other body permeated throughout our society 
with respect to negative comments on the gay and lesbian community.
  As a Member of this great body and the Committee on the Judiciary, I 
have a great deal of respect and honor for the Bill of Rights and the 
first amendment, and the right for individuals to express their 
beliefs. I honor that.
  But as an African American, I stand squarely and solidly against any 
form of discrimination. I think America loses its promise and its 
values and its beliefs in equal opportunity and equality for all and 
justice if there is a second-class discrimination.
  I believe it is imperative for Senator Rick Santorum to apologize 
fully to the gay and lesbian community of this Nation and around the 
world or step down from leadership. We cannot tolerate this kind of 
reckless speech.

[[Page H3457]]



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