[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 77 (Monday, May 16, 2016)]
[House]
[Page H2417]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING INTERNATIONAL DAY AGAINST HOMOPHOBIA AND TRANSPHOBIA

  (Ms. LEE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the International Day 
Against Homophobia and Transphobia. Every year on May 17, LGBT 
individuals and their allies use this day to bring awareness to LGBT 
discrimination.
  Since 2004, this day has expanded to every corner of the world. It is 
celebrated in more than 130 countries, including 37 countries where 
homosexuality is illegal, where courageous individuals and 
organizations are standing up for basic human rights.
  Sadly, homophobia, transphobia, and LGBT discrimination still exist 
around the world. Despite last year's victory for marriage equality, 
many still want to turn the clock back on equality. North Carolina, 
Mississippi, and Tennessee's recent anti-LGBT laws cast light on this 
discrimination. Sadly, these hateful bills are nothing more than State-
sanctioned hate.
  I am proud to have introduced H. Res. 263, supporting the goals and 
ideals of the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia. I 
would like to thank the 70 cosponsors and encourage all of my 
colleagues to sign on as cosponsors.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me tomorrow and every day 
in speaking out against LGBT hatred.

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