Velázquez on LGBTQ Pride Month

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) issued the following statement in honor of LGBTQ Pride Month 2018:

"Every June, our nation pays homage to the struggles and triumphs that have defined LGBTQ history in America. Our nation was founded on the promise of equal rights for all under the law. Thanks to the tireless and courageous efforts of activists and leaders, we have made numerous strides towards expanding fundamental protections to LGBTQ individuals.

"However, the Trump Administration's continued hostility towards the LGBTQ community threatens to reverse this progress and take us back to darker days. With the passage of so-called ‘Bathroom Bills' and Trump's ban on transgender servicemembers, it is clear that we all must redouble our commitment to all Americans' rights.

"In Congress, I will continue to champion the Equality Act, which would extend many provisions from the Civil Rights Act to LGBTQ people. New Yorkers maintain a proud history of acceptance and celebration of one another's differences. This Pride Month, let us not forget that we all have a role to play in ensuring that our society grants every person, regardless of who they are or whom they love, equality under the law."