[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 58 (Tuesday, April 21, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E540]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          H. RES. 208, THE EQUALITY FOR ALL RESOLUTION OF 2015

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 21, 2015

  Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 208, the 
Equality for All Resolution of 2015, which is being introduced by my 
good friend from Indiana Mr. Carson.
   As a founding member and Vice Chair of the LGBT Equality Caucus and 
representative of a diverse and vibrant LGBT community in California's 
13th Congressional district, I strongly support this legislation.
   It is a shame and a disgrace that in 2015, after the LGBT community 
has made such enormous strides towards equal protections under the law, 
that we continue to see discriminatory legislation advanced in states 
like Indiana and Arkansas.
   At a time when what we truly need is comprehensive legislation to 
ensure that LGBT individuals are treated and protected, intolerance is 
sadly being codified in law under the false flag of religious 
liberties.
   I am glad that the national reaction to discriminatory RFRA laws was 
swift and disapproving, from businesses and individuals, to governments 
and communities. I was proud that the City of Oakland located in my 
district, banned city-funded travel to Indiana in the wake of the 
state's discriminatory statute.
   Now, Congress must respond by sending a strong message that we will 
not stand for prejudice and small-mindedness.
   This resolution is a step in the right direction. It outlines the 
need for LGBT people to receive full protections under the law and 
urges comprehensive legislation to prohibit discrimination in areas 
where unequal treatment against LGBT people is still the law of the 
land.
   I thank the gentleman from Indiana as well as my fellow colleagues 
in the LGBT Equality Caucus for introducing this important resolution 
and urge my colleagues to lend it their support.

                          ____________________