[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 83 (Friday, May 17, 2019)]
[House]
[Page H3930]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           VOTE FOR EQUALITY

  (Ms. VELAZQUEZ asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute.)
  Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Madam Speaker, a mile from my district sits The 
Stonewall Inn, the site where, five decades ago, Americans took to the 
streets to fight back against hate and launch the modern movement for 
LGBT rights.
  In a few hours, this House will pay homage to that struggle as we 
vote on historic legislation to protect the fundamental rights of 
millions of Americans.
  The Equality Act will extend antidiscrimination protections to LGBTQ 
Americans. Sadly, from education to housing to credit, in so many 
areas, discrimination based on sexual orientation or identity remains 
legal. That is wrong, and this bill will, at long last, change that.
  Madam Speaker, this is an issue of moral character. It speaks to who 
we are as a Nation.
  For us individually, this vote speaks to who we are not just as 
legislators but as human beings. I implore all my colleagues to do what 
you know is right in your heart.
  Vote for equality. Vote for respect, kindness, and love. Vote to end 
bigotry and discrimination.
  Vote ``yes'' on the Equality Act.

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