[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 176 (Tuesday, October 31, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1463]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING FORT LAUDERDALE, OAKLAND PARK, AND WILTON MANORS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. THEODORE E. DEUTCH

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 31, 2017

  Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the cities of Fort 
Lauderdale, Oakland Park, and Wilton Manors, Florida for being named by 
the Human Rights Campaign as top cities fostering LGBTQ equality and 
inclusivity.
  Each of these cities received an exceptional score on the Human 
Rights Campaign Foundation's sixth annual Municipal Equality Index. 
Fort Lauderdale received 87 out of 100 points, Oakland Park received 
99, and Wilton Manors received a perfect 100. These three cities are 
among just 86 nationwide with top scores from states without 
comprehensive nondiscrimination laws.
  These cities showcase South Florida's long and meaningful history of 
LGBTQ civic engagement and support for equality. Each year, more and 
more municipalities are recognized by the Human Rights Campaign for 
their growing efforts to ensure LGBTQ inclusion in municipal law, 
policy, and services. I encourage all cities in South Florida to follow 
the examples set by Fort Lauderdale, Oakland Park, and Wilton Manors in 
making theirs a city where LGBTQ individuals thrive.
  As a member of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus and as an 
original sponsor of the Equality Act, I am especially honored to 
represent these cities in the U.S. House of Representatives. Again, 
congratulations to Fort Lauderdale, Oakland Park, and Wilton Manors.

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