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Equality Act

Floor Speech

Date: Feb. 25, 2021
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Civil Liberties and Civil Rights

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Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, nearly half of all LGBTQ people in America lack protections from discrimination in employment, education, housing, public accommodations, and credit. This is an abject failure to recognize the humanity and dignity in all of us. And, as I have spoken on before as the chairwoman of the House Small Business Committee, discrimination is bad for business. That is why we need the Equality Act.

We also need to recognize the mental health impacts of failing to treat all people equally under the law. Discrimination is linked to increased levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Until all are equal in the eyes of the law, we are allowing bigotry to silence and shame.

So, today, I am voting ``yes'' for all those who have been made less by their government's failure to protect them. I am voting ``yes'' for the nearly 2 million LGBTQ youth who are counting on us. I see you, and I welcome you in my heart.

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