Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month

Floor Speech

Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, it is my great pleasure to rise today in celebration of LGBT Pride Month because this year my friends in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community have more to celebrate than ever.

America was founded on the principle that we are all created equal, but for decades the struggle for LGBT equality seemed like a distant dream. Just 45 years ago, in June of 1969, a series of police actions against the gay community sparked the stonewall riots, one of the most pivotal moments in the fight for LGBT equality.

What began as a moment is now a movement, bringing LGBT Americans together with allies to fight for the rights they deserve but are too often denied. Back then, the movement moved slowly but surely, making inroads neighborhood by neighborhood, city by city. Now I am proud to say the equality movement is moving State by State, picking up steam across the country with no signs of slowing down.

It seems like almost every other month a new State is reaffirming the rights of its gay and lesbian citizens to marry whom they love, regardless of gender. In fact, last November, my home State of Illinois became the 16th State to legalize same-sex marriage. I have to smile when I think that, just 2 months prior, I was officiating symbolic marriages at a festival in Chicago to draw awareness to the cause. What a difference a few months can make.

Currently, gay and lesbian Americans have achieved marriage equality in 18 States and the District of Columbia, and America is stronger for it. Even the Supreme Court has recognized the march toward equality is inevitable, striking down the antiquated Defense of Marriage Act last year.

For too long, DOMA denied same-sex couples the Federal benefits they earned and deserved. Thankfully, the Supreme Court saw this discriminatory law for what it was and tossed it into the ash heap of history. Now LGBT couples are able to file taxes jointly and take advantage of tax breaks that were once limited to heterosexual couples. Now the brave men and women who serve in our Armed Forces can use the veterans benefits they have earned for their same-sex partners. Now binational couples who once lived every day under a cloud of uncertainty are able to sponsor their partners for green cards and are treated equally under the immigration laws.

What once was one a dream is now our reality. As I said, Madam Speaker, there is more to celebrate this Pride Month than ever before. This weekend, thousands will celebrate how far we have come at the 45th annual Chicago Pride Parade. I will be proud to join the celebration, as I have every year since 1982, and recommit to the work that lies ahead to reach full LGBT equality.

I look forward to one day soon when the Supreme Court extends marriage rights to all citizens once and for all so that no American is denied equality because of the State they live in, a day in which Congress passes the employment nondiscrimination act here in the House so that no American can be fired simply because of whom they love, a day in which LGBT Americans are allowed to visit their loved ones in the hospital and have access to every Federal benefit that is available to all other Americans, a day in which we ensure LGBT youth are protected from harassment and bullying, and a day in which healthy gay and bisexual men are no longer barred from donating lifesaving blood to patients in need.

It is a day that is coming soon; there is no doubt about that. Until then, we must find the courage to keep marching, fighting, and believing that one day America will be a Nation that fulfills its promise of liberty and justice for all.

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