[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 108 (Thursday, June 27, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E677]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        COMMEMORATING THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE STONEWALL UPRISING

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DANNY K. DAVIS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 27, 2024

  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I wish to take the opportunity to 
commemorate the anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising on June 28, a key 
milestone in the march for equality for gay, lesbian, bisexual, 
transgender, queer, and intersex--or LGBTQI+--Americans. Fifty-five 
years ago, the courageous Marsha P. Johnson, Sylvia Rivera, and Storme 
DeLarverie of New York City resisted police brutality against lesbian, 
gay, and transgender minorities in what is known as the Stonewall 
Uprising. Their legacies continue today to inspire and energize many 
Americans to respect the differences we have and advocate for the 
expansion of equal rights for all people.
  The fight for equality is an ongoing battle, especially with right-
wing, extremist Republicans prioritizing hate and discrimination 
against the LGBTQI+ community people, in general, and transgender 
people, specifically, as a political bludgeon designed to divide our 
country. These extremist Republicans are determined to reverse any 
civil rights protections already won by the LGBTQI+ community, such as 
affirming medical care, the right to marriage, and housing access.
  I know first-hand the cruelty and injustice of discrimination. These 
efforts contradict the democratic values we hold dearly in this 
country. As a result, I have prioritized, advocated, and supported 
civil rights and social justice throughout my public service career 
because everyone deserves to live free of discrimination and injustice. 
As a member of the Equality Caucus, I am a proud original co-sponsor of 
the Stonewall Day Resolution that would recognize June 28th as 
Stonewall Day and the strides made to support equal rights for all. 
Further, as an original cosponsor of the Equality Act, I have voted to 
pass out of the House this essential legislation that would modify the 
Civil Rights Act of 1964 to reduce discrimination based on sexual 
orientation and gender identity. My home state of Illinois has laws 
that ensure robust nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQI+ 
individuals, and it is time that the federal government enact similar 
policies to protect Americans across the Nation.
  As a leader in improving child welfare law, I also lead the John 
Lewis Every Child Deserves a Family Act that would protect foster youth 
and foster parents from discrimination based on religion, marital 
status, and who they love. We must ensure that each and every child in 
foster care finds a loving, affirming family.
  I believe that, by recognizing the historic movements for LGBTQI+ 
people in American history, we celebrate how diverse our society is, a 
diversity that makes our nation richer and more vibrant. Let us 
celebrate those from Stonewall who risked their lives and all who work 
tirelessly to expand civil rights for all LGBTQI+ people.

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