[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 95 (Wednesday, June 15, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E917]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                        CELEBRATING PRIDE MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 9, 2016

  Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, each June, our nation celebrates the 
extraordinary achievements of the LGBT community and their allies.
  Thanks to the tireless activism of individuals and groups fighting 
for LGBT rights, we can all take pride in our nation's progress toward 
full LGBT equality. Just one year ago, the Supreme Court joined a 
growing number of Americans who recognize that love is love. Now 
millions have the security of knowing their rights and dignity are 
recognized and affirmed by our federal government.
  There has never been a better time to rejoice in these hard fought 
victories. However, there is still work to be done.
  Congress must pass the Equality Act to ensure that LGBT individuals 
are protected from discrimination. And we must take strong action to 
protect transgender Americans from an epidemic of violence, 
particularly transgender women of color.
  All people deserve to live without fear and with dignity. We must 
continue the march towards LGBT equality in the United States and 
across the world.
  I am honored to join with my colleagues in the Congressional LGBT 
Equality Caucus and all Americans in celebrating PRIDE month. I am 
confident that if we stand united, we will win the fight for equality 
and justice.

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