Press Releases

Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA-03) voted in favor of H.R. 5, the Equality Act. The Equality Act bars discrimination against LGBTQ Individuals in public accommodations, federal financial assistance, education, employment, housing, credit, and jury service by amending the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other existing laws to ensure that LGBTQ individuals are afforded the same protections against discrimination as every other American.

“The promotion of fairness and justice is a hallmark of who we are as Americans, yet, LGBTQ people in a majority of states can be fired for having a picture of their spouse on their desk, or kicked out of their home just for being who they are. The fact is despite marriage equality, LGBTQ people are still at risk of discrimination across key areas of life in huge swaths of the country. We need to end this patchwork of protections once and for all, which is why I was so proud to support the Equality Act today. I urge the Senate to take up this historic civil rights legislation as soon as possible, and extend to LGBTQ Americans the protections they deserve,” said Rep. Trahan.

Earlier this week, Congresswoman Trahan spoke on the House Floor in support of passage. You can find that clip above, or download HERE:

Recent national surveys of LGBTQ people that show 42% of lesbian, gay, and bisexual people, and 78% of transgender people, have experienced discrimination or harassment on the job because of who they are. Only 21 states have explicit laws barring discrimination based on sexual orientation in employment, housing, and public accommodations, and only 20 states have such protections for gender identity. 

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