Congresswoman Lee Supports Introduction of Comprehensive LGBT Rights Legislation Calling It: “An Important Next Step Toward Full Equality for All”
Washington D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee joined a bicameral coalition in introducing The Equality Act, historic legislation that would provide protections from discrimination for members of the LGBT community. Congresswoman Lee, a founding member and current vice chair of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus, released this statement:
“I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing the Equality Act.
This important legislation would provide broad protections for members of the LGBT community from discrimination.
Today’s legislation is an important next step toward full equality for all Americans, regardless of who they love or who they are.
All Americans deserve a fair chance to live the American dream without fear of constant harassment or discrimination.
Yet, LGBT Americans in 31 states currently lack protections from discrimination. They can be fired, evicted, denied loans and rejected from jury duty simply because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. That’s simply wrong.
With the introduction of the Equality Act, we must recommit ourselves to the unfinished work of ending discrimination, in all its forms, against LGBT individuals and against all Americans.”
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Congresswoman Lee is a member of the Appropriations and Budget Committees, the Steering and Policy Committee, is a Senior Democratic Whip, former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus and co-chair of the Progressive Caucus. She serves as chair of the Whip’s Task Force on Poverty and Opportunity.