Quigley Statement on Passage of Equality Act
Calls for immediate vote by Senate and signature into law
Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05), Vice-Chair of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus and founding member of the Transgender Equality Task Force, released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed H.R. 5, the Equality Act, which extends anti-discrimination protections to employment, education, access to credit, jury service, federal funding, housing, and public accommodations.
"For over fifty years, LGBTQ+ activists have fought to be protected by the same federal civil rights laws that protect straight and cisgender Americans. Through their efforts, we have seen the end of Don't Ask, Don't Tell, the advent of marriage equality, and the momentous Bostock v. Clayton County Supreme Court Case.
"Now, it's time for Congress to step up and do our part. I am proud to have voted twice now to pass the Equality Act to ensure that every American receives equal treatment under the law regardless of who they love or how they identify.
"This week, Congressional Republicans exposed the truth about their opposition to the Equality Act. It's not about protecting women or defending freedom of religion. It's the same tired, bigoted homophobia and transphobia that Americans grew tired of long ago.
"After Senate Republicans allowed this bill to languish in their chamber for nearly two years, I sincerely hope that Senate Democrats will immediately bring the Equality Act to the floor for a vote and that President Joe Biden will quickly sign it into law."
Earlier today, Quigley spoke from the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives in support of the Equality Act. Video of his speech is available HERE.