Quigley Stands for LGBT Community in VAWA Reauthorization

U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05) makes an impassioned speech from the House floor during debate on the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act, criticizing H.R.4970's lack of inclusion of the LGBT community.

Chairman: The gentleman from Illinois recognized for one minute.

Rep. Mike Quigley: Thank you. I agree, it's not political, but the Senate had it right. And every year we reauthorize this, we expand who we're protecting. The scenery is moving behind us as well. We need to make sure we take those people into consideration. Strive as you might to avoid trying to protect LGBT victims, the Senate had it right, and we should do that here. According to a recent survey of service providers who work with LGBT victims, 85% work with victims who have been denied services because of his or her sexual orientation or gender identity. Gender neutral language is not sufficient. Gay men are not turned away from shelters because they are men; they're turned away because of discrimination based on their sexual orientation. Discrimination is real. Violence is violence. Personal stories matter. But they should matter to everyone. Every one of these people are citizens of our country and deserve equal protection. Discrimination is real; we can't pretend it exists or hope that we don't have to have a pro-

Chairman: 15 additional seconds to the gentleman.

MQ: I know there are folks who don't want to any way possibly have a pro-gay vote on it, but this is protecting human beings. It's the right thing to do. It should have been in this part of the bill and I suggest that everyone vote no.