Velazquez on LGBT Pride Month 2017

Washington, DC –Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) released the following statement regarding 2017 Pride Month:

"Throughout decades of struggle and oppression, LGBT leaders have overcome enormous barriers to pave the way for groundbreaking victories for equality. As we mark the beginning of Pride Month, it is our collective duty to ensure that our society treats every human being with respect, equality and dignity.

"Sadly, the current Administration has taken steps to openly discriminate against LGBT individuals. With the passage of so-called ‘bathroom bills', protections from discrimination being rolled back and refusal to count LGBT individuals in the census, it is clear there is still work ahead of us. I strongly support the Equality Act, which extends many provisions from the Civil Rights Act to LGBT people.

"New Yorkers maintain a proud history of tolerance and celebration of one another's differences. We must make it our collective goal to ensure that no one is treated as a second-class citizen due to their gender identity or sexual orientation. We all have a role to play ensuring that our society grants every person equality under the law."

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