Recognizing the Injustices of the Discriminatory Chinese Exclusion Laws

Recognizing Past Injustices
To have moral authority around the world, we must speak out against prejudice at home. On Monday, the House passed a resolution to recognize and apologize for the Chinese Exclusion Act and other discriminatory laws passed between 1882 and 1904 that violated the civil rights of Chinese-American settlers. I was proud to co-sponsor H. Res. 683 since it confronts the truth of the Chinese Exclusion laws and reaffirms our commitment to preserving civil rights for all Americans. By passing the resolution, Congress has rightfully expressed regret for the far-reaching injustices of the discriminatory laws. Representing San Francisco, I know that diversity is a strength of our nation’s history. Though the legislation cannot erase the deeds of the past, it reiterates our commitment to equal rights for all Americans, regardless of race, now and in the future.

Celebrating San Francisco Pride
San Francisco Pride is the largest gathering of LGBT people and allies in the nation – a tribute to our proud history of advocacy for equal rights and the LGBT community’s contributions to our city, our state, and our nation.

We have made great progress towards ending discrimination in our laws. Under President Obama’s leadership, Democrats passed a fully-inclusive hate crimes law and discarded the discriminatory “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy in the dustbin of history. With the leadership of President Obama, we have acted to protect vulnerable LGBT refugees, ensured foreign aid promotes LGBT rights, and enlisted international organizations in the fight against discrimination. The President made it his policy to no longer defend the shameful Defense of Marriage Act in court – and, a few weeks ago, for the first time, a Circuit Court of Appeals struck down this discriminatory law.

Despite these steps forward, we know that more must be done. As we work toward a tomorrow of respect and progress for LGBT Americans, we must keep fighting in Congress to end bullying in schools, inequality in marriage and in the workplace, and discrimination in our laws.

Congresswoman Pelosi meets with Brandon Torrance of Mission High School in San Francisco and other high school students, United Way representatives, and Team NFL to encourage volunteering in communities across the country.

Expanding Access to the American Dream
In the American tradition, undocumented young people who have pursued education and military service are eager to participate in our nation’s future; they seek to help build something better for the next generation. Like previous generations of immigrants who have come to our shores, these young people simply strive to take part in the American dream. Recently, President Obama announced a Department of Homeland Security directive protecting DREAM-eligible youth from deportation. The announcement offers a measure of relief for young people raised and educated here, but left in legal limbo through no fault of their own. This action will strengthen our economy and reflects the best values of our nation.

It was with great pride that the Democratic-led House passed the DREAM Act with a bipartisan vote in 2010, and it was great disappointment that we watched Republicans in the Senate obstruct the legislation from becoming law. We will continue to push to pass the DREAM Act and to enact bipartisan comprehensive immigration reform that secures our borders, upholds the rule of law, protects our workers, unites families, and provides a pathway to legalization.

Marking the 40th anniversary of Title IX
This Saturday marks the 40th anniversary of Title IX of the Higher Education Act, which assured a woman's right to educational equality. Passed by a Democratic-led Congress in 1972, the landmark legislation has not only promoted equal opportunity for women in athletics, it has bolstered equal access to educational opportunities in a full range of academic subjects, including science, technology, engineering, and math. My colleagues and I will continue to work to promote equality and opportunity for all women. By supporting the Paycheck Fairness Act, we reaffirm an American value: equal pay for equal work. Unfortunately, the legislation continues to be blocked by Republicans in Congress. More information about the bill can be found online.

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