Equality Act & LGBTQ Civil Rights

As Congressional hearings begin for the Equality Act April 2nd, LGBTQ advocates joined by Congressional leaders talk about how this federal civil rights legislation will protect millions of LGBTQ Americans & their families from discrimination. Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-5) stated, “The Equality Act is a long time coming — the result of the courage of activists & advocates who have risked their lives, raised their voices & demanded that we tear down the barriers to the American Dream for the LGBTQ community. Every American should be able to live, work & attend school in an environment free from hate, free from discrimination & free from artificial limits imposed by prejudice. The Equality Act will ensure the full legal & social equality of the LGBTQ community & Congress must have the courage to codify these rights into law.” Mara Keisling, Executive Director of the National Center of Transgender Equality added, “Too many transgender people are denied peace, dignity & safety & we were reminded of the tragic consequences of that over this past weekend—on Sunday morning, we were heartbroken to learn of the death of Ashanti Carmon, a young Black transgender woman. To be sure, no single piece of legislation can hope to permanently end assault & murder against transgender people. But the Equality Act is a necessary step to point our nation in the right direction.” Winnie Stachelberg, Executive Vice President of External Affairs at the Center for American Progress concluded, “At its best, America is defined by an abiding faith in the values of love, compassion & respect for our common humanity. I am proud to join advocates in every corner of our nation in urging Congress to pass the bipartisan Equality Act of 2019 & I hope this week’s historic hearings on the bill will bring our nation closer to finally passing this vital piece of landmark legislation.” (Graphic by Richard Emmanuel)
For More Info…
LISTEN: Shawn Cotter Talks Boston's Wicked Queer Film Festival