Pelosi Statement on One Year Anniversary of House Passage of the Equality Act

"One year ago, as we joined the world to mark International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, House Democrats took a momentous step toward finally and fully ending discrimination against LGBTQ Americans by passing H.R. 5, the Equality Act. This transformative legislation brought our nation closer to its founding promise of liberty and justice for all by ensuring all Americans, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, are treated equally under the law – not just in the workplace, but in every place. Yet, for 365 days, Leader Mitch McConnell has refused to allow a vote on this critical legislation.

"This year, the ongoing challenge posed by the unprecedented coronavirus pandemic reaffirms our urgent responsibility to reject the violence, bigotry and hate that weaken and divide our communities. For LGBTQ individuals at home and around the world who are persecuted because of who they are or whom they love, we must speak out and demand action. We cannot stay silent while the Trump Administration's callous, anti-LGBTQ agenda continues to dismantle decades of hard-won progress by stripping LGBTQ Americans of their rights and their dignity. And we cannot stand by while the Administration abandons our global leadership in the fight against anti-LGBTQ violence and discrimination.

"Today, on this momentous anniversary and International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, we once again call on the Senate to end its outrageous, partisan obstruction and take up the Equality Act to give LGBTQ Americans the protections they deserve. House Democrats remain committed to confronting the forces of hatred wherever and whenever they occur and will continue to support LGBTQ people around the world as we work together to build a brighter, more just and equal future for all."