February 25, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H633 Donalds Johnson (LA) Pfluger McEachin Pressley Speier designed to keep us as safe as possible, Duncan Johnson (OH) Posey McGovern Price (NC) Stanton our staffs as safe as possible, so we get Dunn Johnson (SD) Reed McNerney Quigley Stevens Emmer Jordan Reschenthaler Meeks Raskin Strickland off the floor, and they have to be on Estes Joyce (OH) Rodgers (WA) Meng Rice (NY) Suozzi the floor. Fallon Joyce (PA) Rogers (AL) Mfume Rice (SC) Swalwell This vote that we just had was about Feenstra Katko Rogers (KY) Moore (WI) Ross Takano 1 hour and 5 minutes. Obviously, if you Ferguson Keller Rose Morelle Roybal-Allard Thompson (CA) Fischbach Kelly (MS) Rosendale Moulton Ruiz Thompson (MS) take seven segments at 5 minutes a Fitzgerald Kelly (PA) Rouzer Mrvan Ruppersberger Titus segment, that is 35 minutes. We have Murphy (FL) Rush Fitzpatrick Kim (CA) Roy Tlaib added another 5 minutes for people who Nadler Rutherford Fleischmann Kustoff Salazar Tonko Fortenberry LaHood Napolitano Ryan missed their segment, which would be Scalise Torres (CA) Foxx Lamborn Neal Sa´ nchez 40 minutes. We are starting to average Schweikert Torres (NY) Franklin, C. Latta Neguse Sarbanes Scott, Austin Trahan 20, 25, 30, 35 minutes beyond that 40 Scott LaTurner Sessions Newman Scanlon Norcross Schakowsky Trone minutes. Fulcher Lesko Simpson Gallagher Long O’Halleran Schiff Underwood Therefore, I wanted to announce to Smith (MO) Garbarino Loudermilk Ocasio-Cortez Schneider Vargas Smith (NE) every Member that I will be recom- Garcia (CA) Lucas Omar Schrader Veasey Smith (NJ) mending that we close votes 45 minutes Gimenez Luetkemeyer Pallone Schrier Vela´ zquez Smucker Gohmert Mace Panetta Scott (VA) Wasserman after they start. Bang. Spartz Gonzales, Tony Malliotakis Pappas Scott, David Schultz Now, I will tell my side—which prob- Gonzalez (OH) Mann Stauber Pascrell Sewell Waters ably has this responsibility more than Steel Good (VA) Massie Payne Sherman Watson Coleman the other side because we use proxies Gooden (TX) Mast Stefanik Perlmutter Sherrill Welch Gosar McCarthy Steil Peters Sires Wexton more than you do—that if you hold a Granger McCaul Steube Phillips Slotkin Wild proxy, not only do you have a responsi- Graves (LA) McClain Stewart Pingree Smith (WA) Williams (GA) Stivers bility to yourself to vote in a timely Graves (MO) McClintock Pocan Soto Wilson (FL) fashion, but if you miss the vote, act- Green (TN) McHenry Taylor Porter Spanberger Yarmuth Greene (GA) McKinley Tenney ing in a fiduciary capacity for another Griffith Meijer Thompson (PA) NOT VOTING—13 Member who can’t be here because of Grothman Meuser Tiffany Boebert Fudge LaMalfa health-related issues, and you do not Guest Miller (IL) Timmons Brady Gaetz Vela Turner vote, that will not be a happy situa- Guthrie Miller (WV) Buck Gibbs Young Hagedorn Miller-Meeks Upton Calvert Huffman tion. Harris Moolenaar Valadao Diaz-Balart Kinzinger So I want you to know, I am going to Harshbarger Mooney Van Drew be talking to the Speaker—I have al- Hartzler Moore (AL) Van Duyne b 1325 ready talked to her—that 45 minutes Hern Moore (UT) Wagner ´ Herrell Mullin Walberg Mr. MCNERNEY, Ms. VELAZQUEZ, after that first bell rings I want the Herrera Beutler Murphy (NC) Walorski Messrs. HOYER, GALLEGO, LARSON gavel to come down. And, hopefully, we Hice (GA) Nehls Waltz of Connecticut, VEASEY, JOHNSON of will all recognize when the bell rings Higgins (LA) Newhouse Weber (TX) Georgia, and CARBAJAL changed their Hill Norman Webster (FL) that we will have to vote in the next 45 Hinson Nunes Wenstrup vote from ‘‘yea’’ to ‘‘nay.’’ minutes. Now, that cannot be a real Hollingsworth Obernolte Westerman Messrs. FITZGERALD, WALTZ, burden on anybody. Cannot. Hudson Owens Williams (TX) WESTERMAN and MOONEY changed Huizenga Palazzo Wilson (SC) It is simply that we look to see how Issa Palmer Wittman their vote from ‘‘nay’’ to ‘‘yea.’’ many people have voted—oh, well, Jackson Pence Womack So the motion to adjourn was re- there are 20 people out, so I don’t have Jacobs (NY) Perry Zeldin jected. to worry, and that is after we have The result of the vote was announced NAYS—219 gone by the 40 minutes. as above recorded. Madam Speaker, I am going to send Adams Crist Hoyer MEMBERS RECORDED PURSUANT TO HOUSE Aguilar Crow Jackson Lee out a notice on this as well, and I want Allred Cuellar Jacobs (CA) RESOLUTION 8, 117TH CONGRESS to confirm with the Speaker, but I Auchincloss Davids (KS) Jayapal Allred (Davids Gosar (Wagner) Moulton know, having talked to the Speaker Axne Davis, Danny K. Jeffries (KS)) Grijalva (Garcı´a (Trahan) numerous times about this issue, that Barraga´ n Dean Johnson (GA) ´ Barragan (Beyer) (IL)) Napolitano she shares my view that if we are going Bass DeFazio Johnson (TX) Bowman (Clark Hastings (Correa) Beatty DeGette Jones (MA)) (Wasserman Nunes (Garcia to run this institution with respect to Bera DeLauro Kahele Buchanan Schultz) (CA)) one another— DON YOUNG didn’t come Beyer DelBene Kaptur (Donalds) Himes Payne ON OUNG Bishop (GA) Delgado Keating on this vote. D Y is the fa- Budd (McHenry) (Courtney) (Wasserman Blumenauer Demings Kelly (IL) Ca´ rdenas mous—call it on time. Kirkpatrick Schultz) Blunt Rochester DeSaulnier Khanna (Gomez) I want every Member to understand, (Stanton) Pingree (Kuster) Bonamici Deutch Kildee Carter (TX) Langevin Porter (Wexton) this is not to penalize anybody. It is, Bourdeaux Dingell Kilmer (Nehls) (Lynch) however, to try to run this institution Bowman Doggett Kim (NJ) Cawthorn Roybal-Allard Boyle, Brendan Doyle, Michael Kind (McHenry) Lawson (FL) (Bass) in a way that Members’ time, which is F. F. Kirkpatrick DeSaulnier (Evans) Ruiz (Aguilar) valuable, is respected, and we simply Lieu (Beyer) Brown Escobar Krishnamoorthi (Matsui) Rush don’t waste it waiting around for one Brownley Eshoo Kuster Deutch (Rice Lofgren (Jeffries) (Underwood) Bush Espaillat Lamb (NY)) Lowenthal Vargas (Correa) or two or five or six other people to Bustos Evans Langevin Frankel, Lois (Beyer) Watson Coleman come. I do not cast aspersions. Some- Butterfield Fletcher Larsen (WA) (Clark (MA)) Meng (Clark (Pallone) times it is hard to get here on time, Carbajal Foster Larson (CT) Gonzalez, (MA)) Wilson (FL) particularly if you have done some- Ca´ rdenas Frankel, Lois Lawrence Vincente Moore (WI) (Hayes) Carson Gallego Lawson (FL) (Gomez) (Beyer) thing and you are in some other place. Cartwright Garamendi Lee (CA) Madam Speaker, I appreciate the f Case Garcı´a (IL) Lee (NV) time. I will be talking to the Speaker. Casten Garcia (TX) Leger Fernandez LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM Castor (FL) Golden Levin (CA) I will notify everybody when that is Castro (TX) Gomez Levin (MI) (Mr. HOYER asked and was given going to be implemented. It may be im- Chu Gonzalez, Lieu permission to address the House for 1 plemented as soon as today, and we Cicilline Vicente Lofgren will be sending out a notice. And, by Clark (MA) Gottheimer Lowenthal minute.) Clarke (NY) Green, Al (TX) Luria Mr. HOYER. Madam Speaker, as you the way, everybody I talked to agrees Cleaver Grijalva Lynch know, as a result of COVID–19 and our with this. Clyburn Haaland Malinowski f Cohen Harder (CA) Maloney, discussions with the Capitol physician, Connolly Hastings Carolyn B. we have organized voting in a way that b 1330 Cooper Hayes Maloney, Sean we have seven different segments at 5- Correa Higgins (NY) Manning minute intervals so that a limited EQUALITY ACT Costa Himes Matsui Courtney Horsford McBath number of Members will vote in every Mr. NADLER. Madam Speaker, pur- Craig Houlahan McCollum 5-minute segment. That is obviously suant to House Resolution 147, I call up

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:39 Feb 26, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A25FE7.002 H25FEPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE H634 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 25, 2021 the bill (H.R. 5) to prohibit discrimina- individuals’ sense of self worth, increasing benefits), healthcare, housing, education, tion on the basis of sex, gender iden- suicide ideation and substance abuse, exacer- credit, and jury service also prohibit sexual tity, and sexual orientation, and for bating family conflict, and contributing to orientation and gender identity discrimina- other purposes, and ask for its imme- second-class status. tion. (8) Both LGBTQ people and women face (15) LGBTQ people often face discrimina- diate consideration. widespread discrimination in employment tion when seeking to rent or purchase hous- The Clerk read the title of the bill. and various services, including by entities ing, as well as in every other aspect of ob- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- that receive Federal financial assistance. taining and maintaining housing. LGBTQ ant to House Resolution 147, the bill is Such discrimination— people in same-sex relationships are often considered read. (A) is particularly troubling and inappro- discriminated against when two names asso- The text of the bill is as follows: priate for programs and services funded ciated with one gender appear on a housing wholly or in part by the Federal Govern- H.R. 5 application, and transgender people often en- ment; counter discrimination when credit checks Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- (B) undermines national progress toward or inquiries reveal a former name. resentatives of the United States of America in equal treatment regardless of sex, sexual ori- (16) National surveys, including a study Congress assembled, entation, or gender identity; and commissioned by the Department of Housing SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. (C) is inconsistent with the constitutional and Urban Development, show that housing This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Equality principle of equal protection under the Four- discrimination against LGBTQ people is very teenth Amendment to the Constitution of Act’’. prevalent. For instance, when same-sex cou- the United States. SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE. ples inquire about housing that is available (9) Federal courts have widely recognized (a) FINDINGS.—Congress finds the fol- for rent, they are less likely to receive posi- that, in enacting the Civil Rights Act of 1964, lowing: tive responses from landlords. A national Congress validly invoked its powers under (1) Discrimination can occur on the basis matched-pair testing investigation found the Fourteenth Amendment to provide a full of the sex, sexual orientation, gender iden- that nearly one-half of same-sex couples had range of remedies in response to persistent, tity, pregnancy, childbirth, or a related med- widespread, and pervasive discrimination by encountered adverse, differential treatment ical condition of an individual, as well as be- both private and government actors. when seeking elder housing. According to cause of sex-based stereotypes. Each of these (10) Discrimination by State and local gov- other studies, transgender people have half factors alone can serve as the basis for dis- ernments on the basis of sexual orientation the homeownership rate of non-transgender crimination, and each is a form of sex dis- or gender identity in employment, housing, people and about 1 in 5 transgender people crimination. and public accommodations, and in programs experience homelessness. Another survey (2) A single instance of discrimination may and activities receiving Federal financial as- found that 82 percent of gender nonbinary have more than one basis. For example, dis- sistance, violates the Equal Protection people experiencing homelessness lacked ac- crimination against a married same-sex cou- Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the cess to shelter. ple could be based on the sex stereotype that Constitution of the United States. In many (17) As a result of the absence of explicit marriage should only be between hetero- circumstances, such discrimination also vio- prohibitions against discrimination on the sexual couples, the sexual orientation of the lates other constitutional rights such as basis of sexual orientation and gender iden- two individuals in the couple, or both. In ad- those of liberty and privacy under the due tity, credit applicants who are LGBTQ, or dition, some persons are subjected to dis- process clause of the Fourteenth Amend- are perceived to be LGBTQ, have unequal op- crimination based on a combination or the ment. portunities to establish credit. LGBTQ peo- intersection of multiple protected character- (11) Individuals who are LGBTQ, or are per- ple can experience being denied a mortgage, istics. Discrimination against a pregnant les- ceived to be LGBTQ, have been subjected to credit card, student loan, or many other bian could be based on her sex, her sexual a history and pattern of persistent, wide- types of credit simply because of their sexual orientation, her pregnancy, or on the basis of spread, and pervasive discrimination on the orientation or gender identity. multiple factors. bases of sexual orientation and gender iden- (18) Numerous studies demonstrate that (3) Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and tity by both private sector and Federal, LGBTQ people, especially transgender people queer (referred to as ‘‘LGBTQ’’) people com- State, and local government actors, includ- and women, are economically disadvantaged monly experience discrimination in securing ing in employment, housing, and public ac- and at a higher risk for poverty compared access to public accommodations—including commodations, and in programs and activi- with other groups of people. For example, restaurants, senior centers, stores, places of ties receiving Federal financial assistance. the poverty rate for older women in same-sex or establishments that provide entertain- This discrimination inflicts a range of tan- couples is twice that of older different-sex ment, health care facilities, shelters, govern- gible and intangible harms, sometimes even couples. ment offices, youth service providers includ- including serious physical injury or death. (19) The right to an impartial jury of one’s ing adoption and foster care providers, and An explicit and comprehensive national solu- peers and the reciprocal right to jury service transportation. Forms of discrimination in- tion is needed to address this discrimination, are fundamental to the free and democratic clude the exclusion and denial of entry, un- including the full range of remedies avail- system of justice in the United States and equal or unfair treatment, harassment, and able under the Civil Rights Act of 1964. are based in the Bill of Rights. There is, how- violence. This discrimination prevents the (12) Discrimination based on sexual ori- ever, an unfortunate and long-documented full participation of LGBTQ people in soci- entation includes discrimination based on an history in the United States of attorneys dis- ety and disrupts the free flow of commerce. individual’s actual or perceived romantic, criminating against LGBTQ individuals, or (4) Women also have faced discrimination emotional, physical, or sexual attraction to those perceived to be LGBTQ, in jury selec- in many establishments such as stores and other persons, or lack thereof, on the basis of tion. Failure to bar peremptory challenges restaurants, and places or establishments gender. LGBTQ people, including gender non- based on the actual or perceived sexual ori- that provide other goods or services, such as binary people, also commonly experience dis- entation or gender identity of an individual entertainment or transportation, including crimination because of sex-based stereo- not only erodes a fundamental right, duty, sexual harassment, differential pricing for types. Many people are subjected to dis- and obligation of being a citizen of the substantially similar products and services, crimination because of others’ perceptions or United States, but also unfairly creates a and denial of services because they are preg- beliefs regarding their sexual orientation. second class of citizenship for LGBTQ vic- nant or breastfeeding. Even if these perceptions are incorrect, the tims, witnesses, plaintiffs, and defendants. (5) Many employers already and continue identity imputed by others forms the basis of (20) Numerous studies document the short- to take proactive steps, beyond those re- discrimination. age of qualified and available homes for the quired by some States and localities, to en- (13) Numerous provisions of Federal law ex- approximately 424,000 youth in the child wel- sure they are fostering positive and respect- pressly prohibit discrimination on the basis fare system and the negative outcomes for ful cultures for all employees. Many places of sex, and Federal courts and agencies have the many youth who live in group care as op- of public accommodation also recognize the correctly interpreted these prohibitions on posed to a loving home or who age out of economic imperative to offer goods and serv- sex discrimination to include discrimination care without a permanent family placement. ices to as many consumers as possible. based on sexual orientation, gender identity, Although same-sex couples are 7 times more (6) Regular and ongoing discrimination and sex stereotypes. In particular, the Su- likely to foster or adopt than their different- against LGBTQ people, as well as women, in preme Court of the United States correctly sex counterparts, many child-placing agen- accessing public accommodations contrib- held in Bostock v. Clayton County, 140 S. Ct. cies refuse to serve same-sex couples and utes to negative social and economic out- 1731 (2020) that the prohibition on employ- LGBTQ individuals. This has resulted in a comes, and in the case of public accommoda- ment discrimination because of sex under reduction of the pool of qualified and avail- tions operated by State and local govern- title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 inher- able homes for youth in the child welfare ments, abridges individuals’ constitutional ently includes discrimination because of sex- system who need placement on a temporary rights. ual orientation or transgender status. or permanent basis. It also sends a negative (7) The discredited practice known as ‘‘con- (14) This Act makes explicit that existing message about LGBTQ people to children version therapy’’ is a form of discrimination Federal statutes prohibiting sex discrimina- and youth in the child welfare system about that harms LGBTQ people by undermining tion in employment (including in access to who is, and who is not, considered fit to be a

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While the priority should be on pro- exercise, amusement, public gathering, or (3) in subsection (e)(1), by striking ‘‘enter- viding the supports necessary to keep chil- public display;’’; prise,’’ and inserting ‘‘enterprise, if, in a sit- dren with their families, when removal is re- (B) by redesignating paragraph (4) as para- uation in which sex is a bona fide occupa- quired, barring discrimination in foster care graph (6); and tional qualification, individuals are recog- and adoption will increase the number of (C) by inserting after paragraph (3) the fol- nized as qualified in accordance with their homes available to foster children waiting lowing: gender identity,’’; and for foster and adoptive families. ‘‘(4) any establishment that provides a (4) in subsection (h), by striking ‘‘sex’’ the (21) LGBTQ youth are overrepresented in good, service, or program, including a store, second place it appears and inserting ‘‘sex the foster care system by at least a factor of shopping center, online retailer or service (including sexual orientation and gender two and report twice the rate of poor treat- provider, salon, bank, gas station, food bank, identity),’’. ment while in care compared to their non- service or care center, shelter, travel agency, (c) OTHER UNLAWFUL EMPLOYMENT PRAC- LGBTQ counterparts. LGBTQ youth in foster or funeral parlor, or establishment that pro- TICES.—Section 704(b) of the Civil Rights Act care have a higher average number of place- vides health care, accounting, or legal serv- of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000e–3(b)) is amended— ments, higher likelihood of living in a group ices; (1) by striking ‘‘sex,’’ the first place it ap- home, and higher rates of hospitalization for ‘‘(5) any train service, bus service, car serv- pears and inserting ‘‘sex (including sexual emotional reasons and of juvenile justice in- ice, taxi service, airline service, station, orientation and gender identity),’’; and volvement than their non-LGBTQ peers be- depot, or other place of or establishment (2) by striking ‘‘employment.’’ and insert- cause of the high level of bias and discrimi- that provides transportation service; and’’. ing ‘‘employment, if, in a situation in which nation that they face and the difficulty of (b) PROHIBITION ON DISCRIMINATION OR SEG- sex is a bona fide occupational qualification, finding affirming foster placements. Further, REGATION UNDER LAW.—Section 202 of such individuals are recognized as qualified in ac- due to their physical distance from friends Act (42 U.S.C. 2000a–1) is amended by insert- cordance with their gender identity.’’. and family, traumatic experiences, and po- ing ‘‘sex (including sexual orientation and (d) CLAIMS.—Section 706(g)(2)(A) of the tentially unstable living situations, all gender identity),’’ before ‘‘or national ori- Civil Rights Act of 1964 (2000e–5(g)(2)(A)) is youth involved with child welfare services gin’’. amended by striking ‘‘sex,’’ and inserting are at risk for being targeted by traffickers (c) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—Title II of such ‘‘sex (including sexual orientation and gen- seeking to exploit children. Barring dis- Act (42 U.S.C. 2000a et seq.) is amended by der identity),’’. crimination in child welfare services will en- adding at the end the following: (e) EMPLOYMENT BY FEDERAL GOVERN- sure improved treatment and outcomes for ‘‘SEC. 208. RULE OF CONSTRUCTION. MENT.—Section 717 of the Civil Rights Act of LGBTQ foster children. ‘‘A reference in this title to an establish- 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000e–16) is amended— (22) Courts consistently have found that ment— (1) in subsection (a), by striking ‘‘sex,’’ and the government has a compelling interest in ‘‘(1) shall be construed to include an indi- inserting ‘‘sex (including sexual orientation preventing and remedying discrimination. vidual whose operations affect commerce and gender identity),’’; and For example, the Supreme Court of the and who is a provider of a good, service, or (2) in subsection (c), by striking ‘‘sex’’ and United States found there to be a compelling program; and inserting ‘‘sex (including sexual orientation government interest in eliminating sex dis- ‘‘(2) shall not be construed to be limited to and gender identity),’’. crimination in Board of Directors of Rotary a physical facility or place.’’. (f) GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEE RIGHTS ACT OF International v. Rotary Club of Duarte, 481 SEC. 4. DESEGREGATION OF PUBLIC FACILITIES. 1991.—The Government Employee Rights Act U.S. 537, 549 (1987). Because discrimination Section 301(a) of the Civil Rights Act of of 1991 (42 U.S.C. 2000e–16a et seq.) is amend- based on sexual orientation or gender iden- 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000b(a)) is amended by insert- ed— tity inherently is a form of sex discrimina- ing ‘‘sex (including sexual orientation and (1) in section 301(b), by striking ‘‘sex,’’ and tion, as held in Bostock v. Clayton County, gender identity),’’ before ‘‘or national ori- inserting ‘‘sex (including sexual orientation 140 S. Ct. 1731 (2020), this Act furthers the gin’’. and gender identity),’’; compelling government interest in providing (2) in section 302(a)(1), by striking ‘‘sex,’’ redress for the serious harms to mental and SEC. 5. DESEGREGATION OF PUBLIC EDUCATION. and inserting ‘‘sex (including sexual orienta- physical health, financial security and (a) DEFINITIONS.—Section 401(b) of the Civil tion and gender identity),’’; and wellbeing, civic participation, freedom of Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000c(b)) is (3) by adding at the end the following: movement and opportunity, personal dig- amended by inserting ‘‘(including sexual ori- entation and gender identity),’’ before ‘‘or ‘‘SEC. 305. RULES OF CONSTRUCTION AND nity, and physical safety that result from CLAIMS. national origin’’. discrimination. Consistent with the role non- ‘‘Sections 1101(b), 1106, and 1107 of the Civil (b) CIVIL ACTIONS BY THE ATTORNEY GEN- discrimination laws play in protecting lives Rights Act of 1964 shall apply to this title ex- ERAL.—Section 407 of such Act (42 U.S.C. and livelihoods, alleviating suffering, and cept that for purposes of that application, a 2000c–6) is amended, in subsection (a)(2), by improving individual and public health, the reference in that section 1106 to ‘race, color, inserting ‘‘(including sexual orientation and Supreme Court of the United States has long religion, sex (including sexual orientation gender identity),’’ before ‘‘or national ori- recognized, under the decision in Heart of and gender identity), or national origin’ gin’’. Atlanta Motel, Inc. v. United States, 379 U.S. shall be considered to be a reference to ‘race, (c) CLASSIFICATION AND ASSIGNMENT.—Sec- 241 (1964), that these laws also benefit society color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gen- tion 410 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 2000c–9) is as a whole by ending the ‘‘disruptive effect’’ der identity, national origin, age, or dis- amended by inserting ‘‘(including sexual ori- discrimination has on travel and commerce, ability’.’’. entation and gender identity),’’ before ‘‘or and by creating a level field for all partici- (g) CONGRESSIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF national origin’’. pants in a given sector. 1995.—The Congressional Accountability Act (23) As with all prohibitions on invidious SEC. 6. FEDERAL FUNDING. of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1301 et seq.) is amended— discrimination, this Act furthers the govern- Section 601 of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (1) in section 201(a)(1) (2 U.S.C. 1311(a)(1)) ment’s compelling interest in the least re- (42 U.S.C. 2000d) is amended by inserting ‘‘sex by inserting ‘‘(including sexual orientation strictive way because only by forbidding dis- (including sexual orientation and gender and gender identity),’’ before ‘‘or national crimination is it possible to avert or redress identity),’’ before ‘‘or national origin,’’. origin,’’; and the harms described in this subsection. SEC. 7. EMPLOYMENT. (2) by adding at the end of title II (42 (b) PURPOSE.—It is the purpose of this Act (a) RULES OF CONSTRUCTION.—Title VII of U.S.C. 1311 et seq.) the following: to expand as well as clarify, confirm and cre- the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is amended by in- ‘‘SEC. 209. RULES OF CONSTRUCTION AND ate greater consistency in the protections serting after section 701 (42 U.S.C. 2000e) the CLAIMS. and remedies against discrimination on the following: ‘‘Sections 1101(b), 1106, and 1107 of the Civil basis of all covered characteristics and to ‘‘SEC. 701A. RULES OF CONSTRUCTION. Rights Act of 1964 shall apply to section 201 provide guidance and notice to individuals, ‘‘Section 1106 shall apply to this title ex- (and remedial provisions of this Act related organizations, corporations, and agencies re- cept that for purposes of that application, a to section 201) except that for purposes of garding their obligations under the law. reference in that section to an ‘unlawful that application, a reference in that section SEC. 3. PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONS. practice’ shall be considered to be a ref- 1106 to ‘race, color, religion, sex (including (a) PROHIBITION ON DISCRIMINATION OR SEG- erence to an ‘unlawful employment prac- sexual orientation and gender identity), or REGATION IN PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONS.—Sec- tice’.’’. national origin’ shall be considered to be a tion 201 of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 (b) UNLAWFUL EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES.— reference to ‘race, color, religion, sex (in- U.S.C. 2000a) is amended— Section 703 of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 cluding sexual orientation and gender iden- (1) in subsection (a), by inserting ‘‘sex (in- U.S.C. 2000e–2) is amended— tity), national origin, age, or disability’.’’. cluding sexual orientation and gender iden- (1) in the section header, by striking (h) CIVIL SERVICE REFORM ACT OF 1978.— tity),’’ before ‘‘or national origin’’; and ‘‘SEX,’’ and inserting ‘‘SEX (INCLUDING SEXUAL Chapter 23 of title 5, United States Code, is (2) in subsection (b)— ORIENTATION AND GENDER IDENTITY),’’; amended— (A) in paragraph (3), by striking ‘‘stadium’’ (2) except in subsection (e), by striking (1) in section 2301(b)(2), by striking ‘‘sex,’’ and all that follows and inserting ‘‘stadium ‘‘sex,’’ each place it appears and inserting and inserting ‘‘sex (including sexual orienta- or other place of or establishment that pro- ‘‘sex (including sexual orientation and gen- tion and gender identity),’’; vides exhibition, entertainment, recreation, der identity),’’; (2) in section 2302—

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:39 Feb 26, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A25FE7.007 H25FEPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE H636 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 25, 2021 (A) in subsection (b)(1)(A), by inserting er room, and a dressing room, that is in ac- and section 901, except that for purposes of ‘‘(including sexual orientation and gender cordance with the individual’s gender iden- that application, a reference in that section identity),’’ before ‘‘or national origin,’’; and tity.’’; and 1101(b) or 1106 to a ‘covered title’ shall be (B) in subsection (d)(1), by inserting ‘‘(in- (3) by inserting after section 1105 the fol- considered a reference to ‘this title and sec- cluding sexual orientation and gender iden- lowing: tion 901’. tity),’’ before ‘‘or national origin;’’; and ‘‘SEC. 1106. RULES OF CONSTRUCTION. ‘‘SEC. 822. CLAIMS. (3) by adding at the end the following: ‘‘(a) SEX.—Nothing in section 1101 or the ‘‘Section 1107 of the Civil Rights Act of ‘‘SEC. 2307. RULES OF CONSTRUCTION AND provisions of a covered title incorporating a 1964 shall apply to this title and section 901, CLAIMS. term defined or a rule specified in that sec- except that for purposes of that application, ‘‘Sections 1101(b), 1106, and 1107 of the Civil tion shall be construed— a reference in that section 1107 to a ‘covered Rights Act of 1964 shall apply to this chapter ‘‘(1) to limit the protection against an un- title’ shall be considered a reference to ‘this (and remedial provisions of this title related lawful practice on the basis of pregnancy, title and section 901’.’’. to this chapter) except that for purposes of childbirth, or a related medical condition (b) PREVENTION OF INTIMIDATION IN FAIR that application, a reference in that section provided by section 701(k); or HOUSING CASES.—Section 901 of the Civil 1106 to ‘race, color, religion, sex (including ‘‘(2) to limit the protection against an un- Rights Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3631) is amended sexual orientation and gender identity), or lawful practice on the basis of sex available by inserting ‘‘(including sexual orientation national origin’ shall be considered to be a under any provision of Federal law other (as such term is defined in section 802 of this reference to ‘race, color, religion, sex (in- than that covered title, prohibiting a prac- Act) and gender identity (as such term is de- cluding sexual orientation and gender iden- tice on the basis of sex. fined in section 802 of this Act)),’’ after tity), national origin, age, a handicapping ‘‘(b) CLAIMS AND REMEDIES NOT PRE- ‘‘sex,’’ each place that term appears. condition, marital status, or political affili- CLUDED.—Nothing in section 1101 or a cov- SEC. 11. EQUAL CREDIT OPPORTUNITY. ation’.’’. ered title shall be construed to limit the (a) PROHIBITED DISCRIMINATION.—Section SEC. 8. INTERVENTION. claims or remedies available to any indi- 701(a)(1) of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act Section 902 of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 vidual for an unlawful practice on the basis (15 U.S.C. 1691(a)(1)) is amended by inserting (42 U.S.C. 2000h–2) is amended by inserting of race, color, religion, sex (including sexual ‘‘(including sexual orientation and gender ‘‘(including sexual orientation and gender orientation and gender identity), or national identity),’’ after ‘‘sex’’. identity),’’ before ‘‘or national origin,’’. origin including claims brought pursuant to (b) DEFINITIONS.—Section 702 of the Equal section 1979 or 1980 of the Revised Statutes SEC. 9. MISCELLANEOUS. Credit Opportunity Act (15 U.S.C. 1691a) is (42 U.S.C. 1983, 1985) or any other law, includ- Title XI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is amended— ing a Federal law amended by the Equality amended— (1) by redesignating subsections (f) and (g) Act, regulation, or policy. (1) by redesignating sections 1101 through as subsections (h) and (i), respectively; ‘‘(c) NO NEGATIVE INFERENCE.—Nothing in (2) by inserting after subsection (e) the fol- 1104 (42 U.S.C. 2000h et seq.) and sections 1105 section 1101 or a covered title shall be con- and 1106 (42 U.S.C. 2000h–5, 2000h–6) as sec- lowing: strued to support any inference that any ‘‘(f) The terms ‘gender identity’, ‘sex’, and tions 1102 through 1105 and sections 1108 and Federal law prohibiting a practice on the ‘sexual orientation’ have the meanings given 1109, respectively; basis of sex does not prohibit discrimination those terms in section 1101(a) of the Civil (2) by inserting after the title heading the on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, or a re- Rights Act of 1964. following: lated medical condition, sexual orientation, ‘‘(g) The term ‘race’, ‘color’, ‘religion’, ‘na- ‘‘SEC. 1101. DEFINITIONS AND RULES. gender identity, or a sex stereotype. tional origin’, ‘sex’ (including ‘sexual ori- ‘‘(a) DEFINITIONS.—In titles II, III, IV, VI, ‘‘SEC. 1107. CLAIMS. entation’ and ‘gender identity’), ‘marital sta- VII, and IX (referred to individually in sec- ‘‘The Religious Freedom Restoration Act tus’, or ‘age’, used with respect to an indi- tions 1106 and 1107 as a ‘covered title’): of 1993 (42 U.S.C. 2000bb et seq.) shall not pro- vidual, includes— ‘‘(1) RACE; COLOR; RELIGION; SEX; SEXUAL vide a claim concerning, or a defense to a ‘‘(1) the race, color, religion, national ori- ORIENTATION; GENDER IDENTITY; NATIONAL ORI- claim under, a covered title, or provide a gin, sex (including sexual orientation and GIN.—The term ‘race’, ‘color’, ‘religion’, ‘sex’ basis for challenging the application or en- gender identity), marital status, or age, re- (including ‘sexual orientation’ and ‘gender forcement of a covered title.’’. spectively, of another person with whom the identity’), or ‘national origin’, used with re- SEC. 10. HOUSING. individual is associated or has been associ- spect to an individual, includes— (a) FAIR HOUSING ACT.—The Fair Housing ated; and ‘‘(A) the race, color, religion, sex (includ- Act (42 U.S.C. 3601 et seq.) is amended— ‘‘(2) a perception or belief, even if inac- ing sexual orientation and gender identity), (1) in section 802 (42 U.S.C. 3602), by adding curate, concerning the race, color, religion, or national origin, respectively, of another at the end the following: national origin, sex (including sexual ori- person with whom the individual is associ- ‘‘(p) ‘Gender identity’, ‘sex’, and ‘sexual entation and gender identity), marital sta- ated or has been associated; and orientation’ have the meanings given those tus, or age, respectively, of the individual.’’; ‘‘(B) a perception or belief, even if inac- terms in section 1101(a) of the Civil Rights and curate, concerning the race, color, religion, Act of 1964. (3) by adding at the end the following: sex (including sexual orientation and gender ‘‘(q) ‘Race’, ‘color’, ‘religion’, ‘sex’ (includ- ‘‘(j) Sections 1101(b) and 1106 of the Civil identity), or national origin, respectively, of ing ‘sexual orientation’ and ‘gender iden- Rights Act of 1964 shall apply to this title, the individual. tity’), ‘handicap’, ‘familial status’, or ‘na- except that for purposes of that applica- ‘‘(2) GENDER IDENTITY.—The term ‘gender tional origin’, used with respect to an indi- tion— identity’ means the gender-related identity, vidual, includes— ‘‘(1) a reference in those sections to a ‘cov- appearance, mannerisms, or other gender-re- ‘‘(1) the race, color, religion, sex (including ered title’ shall be considered a reference to lated characteristics of an individual, re- sexual orientation and gender identity), ‘this title’; and gardless of the individual’s designated sex at handicap, familial status, or national origin, ‘‘(2) paragraph (1) of such section 1101(b) birth. respectively, of another person with whom shall apply with respect to all aspects of a ‘‘(3) INCLUDING.—The term ‘including’ the individual is associated or has been asso- credit transaction.’’. means including, but not limited to, con- ciated; and (c) RELATION TO STATE LAWS.—Section sistent with the term’s standard meaning in ‘‘(2) a perception or belief, even if inac- 705(a) of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act Federal law. curate, concerning the race, color, religion, (15 U.S.C. 1691d(a)) is amended by inserting ‘‘(4) SEX.—The term ‘sex’ includes— sex (including sexual orientation and gender ‘‘(including sexual orientation and gender ‘‘(A) a sex stereotype; identity), handicap, familial status, or na- identity),’’ after ‘‘sex’’. ‘‘(B) pregnancy, childbirth, or a related tional origin, respectively, of the indi- (d) CIVIL LIABILITY.—Section 706 of the medical condition; vidual.’’; Equal Credit Opportunity Act (15 U.S.C. ‘‘(C) sexual orientation or gender identity; (2) in section 804, by inserting ‘‘(including 1691e) is amended by adding at the end the and sexual orientation and gender identity),’’ following: ‘‘(D) sex characteristics, including intersex after ‘‘sex,’’ each place that term appears; ‘‘(l) Section 1107 of the Civil Rights Act of traits. (3) in section 805, by inserting ‘‘(including 1964 shall apply to this title, except that for ‘‘(5) SEXUAL ORIENTATION.—The term ‘sex- sexual orientation and gender identity),’’ purposes of that application, a reference in ual orientation’ means homosexuality, het- after ‘‘sex,’’ each place that term appears; that section to a ‘covered title’ shall be con- erosexuality, or bisexuality. (4) in section 806, by inserting ‘‘(including sidered a reference to ‘this title’.’’. ‘‘(b) RULES.—In a covered title referred to sexual orientation and gender identity),’’ SEC. 12. JURIES. in subsection (a)— after ‘‘sex,’’; (a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 121 of title 28, ‘‘(1) (with respect to sex) pregnancy, child- (5) in section 808(e)(6), by inserting ‘‘(in- United States Code, is amended— birth, or a related medical condition shall cluding sexual orientation and gender iden- (1) in section 1862, by inserting ‘‘(including not receive less favorable treatment than tity),’’ after ‘‘sex,’’; and sexual orientation and gender identity),’’ other physical conditions; and (6) by adding at the end the following: after ‘‘sex,’’; ‘‘(2) (with respect to gender identity) an in- ‘‘SEC. 821. RULES OF CONSTRUCTION. (2) in section 1867(e), in the second sen- dividual shall not be denied access to a ‘‘Sections 1101(b) and 1106 of the Civil tence, by inserting ‘‘(including sexual ori- shared facility, including a restroom, a lock- Rights Act of 1964 shall apply to this title entation and gender identity),’’ after ‘‘sex,’’;

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:39 Feb 26, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A25FE7.007 H25FEPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE February 25, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H637 (3) in section 1869— equal.’’ When these words were first also strengthen non-discrimination protections (A) in subsection (j), by striking ‘‘and’’ at written, that phrase did not include for women and others. the end; Black and Latino men; it did not in- In short, this long overdue legislation will (B) in subsection (k), by striking the period clude Native Americans; it did not in- provide millions of LGBTQ Americans explicit at the end and inserting a semicolon; and (C) by adding at the end the following: clude women; and it did not include protections from being denied medical care, ‘‘(l) ‘gender identity’, ‘sex’, and ‘sexual ori- LGBTQ individuals. fired from their jobs, or thrown out of their entation’ have the meanings given such Once again, we have an opportunity homes simply because of who they are. terms under section 1101(a) of the Civil to continue our march toward justice Much of the history of the United States has Rights Act of 1964; and and to enshrine in our Nation’s laws been about expanding the definition of who is ‘‘(m) ‘race’, ‘color’, ‘religion’, ‘sex’ (includ- protections for marginalized commu- understood to be included when the Declara- ing ‘sexual orientation’ and ‘gender iden- nities to ensure that everyone can fully tion of Independence says, ‘‘all men are cre- tity’), ‘economic status’, or ‘national origin’, participate in key areas of life and to ated equal.’’ When these words were first writ- used with respect to an individual, includes— ‘‘(1) the race, color, religion, sex (including provide them resources in the face of ten, that phrase did not include black and sexual orientation and gender identity), eco- discrimination. Latino men; it did not include Native Ameri- nomic status, or national origin, respec- Today, I expect we will hear argu- cans; it did not include women; and it did not tively, of another person with whom the in- ments asking us to pick and choose include LGBTQ individuals. dividual is associated or has been associated; which of our Nation’s children deserve Once again, we have an opportunity before and our support, to pick which of our chil- us to continue our march toward justice—to ‘‘(2) a perception or belief, even if inac- dren are valuable enough to have a enshrine in our nation’s laws protections for curate, concerning the race, color, religion, right to live their lives to the fullest. marginalized communities to ensure that ev- sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), economic status, or national ori- But that is a false choice and one de- eryone can fully participate in key areas of life, gin, respectively, of the individual.’’; and signed to pit rights for some against and to provide them recourse in the face of (4) by adding at the end the following: rights for all. There is no question that discrimination. ‘‘§ 1879. Rules of construction and claims all our children, including those who Today, I expect we will hear arguments that ‘‘Sections 1101(b), 1106, and 1107 of the Civil are transgender, deserve the freedom to will ask us to pick and choose which of our Rights Act of 1964 shall apply to this chap- choose their own path. nation’s children deserve our support—to pick ter, except that for purposes of that applica- Many of the protections codified by which of our children are valuable enough to tion, a reference in those sections to a ‘cov- this bill already exist throughout the have a right to live their lives to the fullest. ered title’ shall be considered a reference to country, whether through court deci- Despite what we will hear, that is a false ‘this chapter’.’’. sions or in State laws. In those places, choice—one designed to pit rights for some (b) TECHNICAL AND CONFORMING AMEND- women still have rights, religious free- against rights for all. There is no question that MENT.—The table of sections for chapter 121 dom is still protected, parents are still all our children—including those that are of title 28, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: involved in their children’s healthcare, transgender—deserve to have the freedom to and doctors are still free to exercise choose their own path. ‘‘1879. Rules of construction and claims.’’. their professional medical judgment. The Equality Act seeks to make our civil The SPEAKER pro tempore. The bill And trans athletes from high schools rights laws inclusive of all people who have shall be debatable for 90 minutes, to the Olympic trials sometimes win historically faced discrimination. Not only does equally divided and controlled by the and sometimes lose, just like everyone it provide explicit protections for the LGBTQ chair and ranking minority member of else. community, it also expands protections for the Commitment on the Judiciary. But the ability to have a job, to re- women and people of color. The gentleman from New York (Mr. ceive medical care, or to rent a home Under the Equality Act, women will finally be NADLER) and the gentleman from Ohio should not depend on who someone is, protected from discrimination in public accom- (Mr. JORDAN) each will control 45 min- where they happen to live, or who rep- modations and federally funded programs. By utes. resents them. LGBTQ people should expanding the existing definition of public ac- The Chair recognizes the gentleman not have to worry that a future Su- commodations under the Civil Rights Act, the from New York. preme Court could rip away their exist- Equality Act also increases protections for GENERAL LEAVE ing protections. They deserve the same people on the basis of race, color, religion, Mr. NADLER. Madam Speaker, I ask protections as other communities that and national origin. unanimous consent that all Members have historically faced discrimination, People of color should not need to fear may have 5 legislative days in which to and that requires action from Con- being targeted and discriminated against while revise and extend their remarks and in- gress. shopping, just because of the color of their sert extraneous material on H.R. 5. For decades, the LGBTQ community skin. Muslim people should not need to fear The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there has been telling us their stories of out- being targeted while flying, just because of objection to the request of the gen- rageous discrimination. Madam Speak- their religion. And LGBTQ people and women tleman from New York? er, to my colleagues, I say that it is far should not need to fear being denied services There was no objection. past time we stop asking them to come in public spaces and services simply because Mr. NADLER. Madam Speaker, I to the Capitol just to defend their ex- of who they are. At long last, this legislation yield myself 3 minutes. istence. provides them with legal recourse if they face Madam Speaker, I rise today in To the LGBTQ community and, in such discrimination. strong support of H.R. 5, the Equality particular, the trans youth and ath- Many of the protections being codified by Act, which amends the Civil Rights Act letes who I expect will hear themselves this bill already exist across all 50 states fol- of 1964 and other core civil rights stat- demonized on the floor today: We see lowing the Supreme Court’s ruling in Bostock utes to explicitly prohibit discrimina- you, we appreciate you, we value you, v. Clayton County in 2020, and we know that tion on the basis of sexual orientation and we will continue to fight for you. more than 20 states have had some version of and gender identity. The bill would I thank the gentleman from Rhode the protections before us today even before also strengthen nondiscrimination pro- Island (Mr. CICILLINE), for his tireless the Supreme Court’s ruling. In those places tections for women and others. leadership in introducing this bill and women still have rights, religious freedom is In short, this long overdue legisla- helping to shepherd it through the leg- still protected, parents are still involved in their tion will provide millions of LGBTQ islative process. children’s healthcare, and doctors are still free Americans explicit protections from Madam Speaker, I urge my col- to exercise their professional medical judg- being denied medical care, fired from leagues to support this landmark legis- ment. And trans athletes, from high schools to their jobs, or thrown out of their lation. the Olympic trials, sometimes win and some- homes simply because of who they are. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong sup- times lose, just like everyone else. Much of the history of the United port of H.R. 5, the ‘‘Equality Act,’’ which Opponents of the Equality Act argue that it States is about expanding the defini- amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and undermines women’s rights. That assertion is tion of who is understood to be in- other core civil rights statutes, to explicitly pro- false. The Equality Act simply ensures that all cluded when the Declaration of Inde- hibit discrimination on the basis of sexual ori- women, including trans women, are included pendence says ‘‘all men are created entation and gender identity. The bill would in female institutions and programs.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:39 Feb 26, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A25FE7.007 H25FEPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE H638 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 25, 2021 When it comes to athletics, the Equality Act have a job, to receive medical care, or to rent President Biden has said that getting ensures that LGBTQ students—including a home should not depend on who someone this bill signed into law is one of his women and girls who are lesbian, bisexual, or is, where they happen to live, or who rep- top priorities for his first 100 days in transgender—will have the same opportunity resents then politically. LGBTQ people should office. to participate in sports as their peers. Trans not have to worry that a future Supreme Court I want to thank him and a few other women and girls have been participating in could rip away their existing protections, and people for making this bill a priority: sports consistent with their gender at all levels they deserve the same protections as other Speaker PELOSI, Majority Leader for years, and we have not seen any domi- communities that have historically faced dis- HOYER, Whip CLYBURN, and the co- nance by trans athletes. crimination. And that requires action from Con- chairs of the LGBTQ Equality Caucus: Young people who are trans are competing gress. MARK TAKANO, MARK POCAN, SEAN PAT- in sports for the same reasons as their peers For decades, the LGBTQ community has RICK MALONEY, ANGIE CRAIG, SHARICE who are not transgender—including to be part been coming here over and over to tell us DAVIDS, CHRIS PAPPAS, MONDAIRE of a team and to challenge themselves—and their stories of outrageous discrimination. To JONES, and RITCHIE TORRES. they deserve the same opportunities as their my colleagues, I say, it is far past time we I thank them all for being true cham- cisgender peers. stop asking them to come to the Capitol just pions for our community. That is why the Women’s Sports Founda- to defend their existence. Madam Speaker, every American de- tion, National Women’s Law Center, and hun- To the LGBTQ community—and in particular serves to be treated with respect and dreds of athletes in women’s sports and other the trans youth and athletes who I expect will dignity. That is what the Equality Act women’s rights groups have consistently hear themselves demonized on the floor will achieve for the LGBTQ community voiced their strong support for inclusion of today—we see you, we appreciate you, we by providing protection against dis- transgender women and girls in women’s value you, and we will continue to fight for crimination in employment, education, sports and have opposed efforts to exclude you. housing, credit, jury service, public ac- them. Women’s sports can play a critical role I thank the gentleman from Rhode Island, commodations, and Federal funding. in women’s development and equality and in- Representative DAVID CICILLINE, for his tireless I am proud to say this bill has broad cluding all women and girls in women’s sports leadership in introducing this bill and helping support from across the political spec- strengthens women’s sports. to shepherd it through the legislative process. trum, including groups from the U.S. Similarly, single-sex institutions like wom- I urge my colleagues to support this landmark Chamber of Commerce to the ACLU en’s and men’s colleges have played an im- legislation. and everyone in between. portant and historic role in making our nation’s Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- Madam Speaker, 83 percent of Ameri- higher education system the strongest and ance of my time. cans support this bill, including 68 per- most diverse in the world. To be clear, nothing Mr. JORDAN. Madam Speaker, I cent—more than two out of three—Re- in the Equality Act should be construed to pro- yield 30 seconds to the gentleman from publican voters. hibit or otherwise limit or affect the ability of South Carolina (Mr. NORMAN). To my friends on the other side of single-sex colleges to maintain their single-sex Mr. NORMAN. Madam Speaker, I the aisle: As you consider this bill, I status. Moreover, it is not Congress’s intention have a unanimous consent request at hope you will bear in mind how your to alter in any way Title IX or the scope or the desk. vote will be remembered years from My request is to allow a 30-second availability of its exemptions as they currently now. moment of silence for the passing of stand. Will you be remembered in the same Rush Limbaugh, one of the greatest In addition, the Equality Act will not under- breath as all those who fought for radio hosts ever, and I make that as a mine services like single-sex homeless shel- equal rights in the past: Freedom Rid- formal request. ers, suffragettes, the anti-apartheid ac- ters or single sex-facilities. It will simply en- Mr. NADLER. Madam Speaker, I ob- tivists? Or will you be remembered sure that these facilities do not discriminate on ject. the basis of sexual orientation or gender iden- Mr. NORMAN. Madam Speaker, may along with those who stood in the way tity. Arguments that providing transgender I request a point of personal privilege. of progress? people access to facilities consistent with their The SPEAKER pro tempore (Ms. This bill is personal for me and per- gender identity will undermine women’s safety HAALAND). The gentleman has been rec- sonal for millions of LGBTQ people and have no basis in reality. Laws protecting ognized for debate. our loved ones. Madam Speaker, you LGBTQ people from discrimination do not au- Mr. JORDAN. Madam Speaker, I re- all have family members, friends, and thorize anyone to engage in abusive or serve the balance of my time. coworkers who identify as LGBTQ. harassing behavior. Mr. NADLER. Madam Speaker, I I want you to ask yourself: What does That is why over 300 domestic violence and yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from this vote mean for them and how you sexual assault organizations, including the Na- Rhode Island (Mr. CICILLINE), who is a will look them in the eye if you vote to tional Alliance to End Sexual Violence, the Na- distinguished sponsor of this legisla- uphold the current system that allows tional Center on Domestic and Sexual Vio- tion. them to be discriminated against? lence, and the National Center for Victims of Mr. CICILLINE. Madam Speaker, dis- The LGBTQ community has waited Crime, have signed onto a National Con- crimination is wrong. We all know long enough. The time has come to ex- sensus Statement of Anti-Sexual Assault and that. As children, we learn the golden tend the blessings of liberty and equal- Domestic Violence Organizations in Support of rule: Treat others the way you yourself ity to all Americans, regardless of who Full and Equal Access for the Transgender want to be treated. they are or whom they love. Community. But, right now, discrimination is a Vote ‘‘yes’’ and pass the Equality Act Transgender people experience shockingly fact of life for millions of LGBTQ today. high rates of sexual and physical violence, Americans. Mr. JORDAN. Madam Speaker, I and the real risk of violence occurs when The fact is that, in most States, an yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman transgender people are barred from using the LGBTQ person is at risk of being de- from Indiana (Mrs. SPARTZ). appropriate facilities. nied housing, education, or the right to Mrs. SPARTZ. Madam Speaker, I rise The idea that transgender people need ex- serve on a jury because of who they today in opposition to H.R. 5, the so- plicit protections from discrimination is not are. That is why we are here today to called Equality Act. new. Dozens of states provide nondiscrimina- consider H.R. 5, the Equality Act. Unfortunately, this is another bill tion protections in public accommodations on The Equality Act does no more and which did not go through the com- the basis of gender identity, and in those no less than say LGBTQ people deserve mittee process or real debate. states we have not seen the parade of the same rights and responsibilities as The Judiciary Committee should horribles that Equality Act opponents raise. all other Americans, most fundamen- have had an opportunity to consider The request to pit people’s rights against tally the right to live lives free of dis- H.R. 5 in a legislative hearing. Sadly, each other is not based on the real-world out- crimination. It builds on the Civil this is the first time we are debating, comes—for which ample evidence exists to Rights Act and other existing laws to just hours before it is set to receive a the contrary—but a continued resistance to extend anti-discrimination protections vote, with no ability to propose any advancing rights for those different from so to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and amendments. I am not sure why we many of us here in Congress. The ability to transgender Americans. even bother to have committees if we

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:39 Feb 26, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A25FE7.003 H25FEPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE February 25, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H639 are passing significant legislation A vote ‘‘yes’’ on this bill is a vote some of the petitioners in these cases dem- without them. against our daughters. onstrate, marriage embodies a love that may I would just like to highlight three endure even past death. It would misunder- major concerns. b 1345 stand these men and women to say they dis- Concern number one: Broad scope. Mr. NADLER. Madam Speaker, I respect the idea of marriage. Their plea is that they do respect it, respect it so deeply And I agree with the gentleman from yield 1 minute to the distinguished that they seek to find its fulfillment for New York, there are some protections gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. JACKSON themselves. Their hope is not to be con- that already exist. Last year, the issue LEE). demned to live in loneliness, excluded from of possible employment discrimination Ms. JACKSON LEE. Madam Speaker, one of civilization’s oldest institutions. They of gay and transgender individuals was does anybody know what it means to ask for equal dignity in the eyes of the law. addressed by the Supreme Court in an be called names; to be thrown out of The Constitution grants them that right. opinion written by Justice Gorsuch. your apartment; to be thrown off of a Despite significant legal advances over the But this bill has very sweeping changes job; and most sadly, to not be allowed past several years, including marriage equal- with potential major adverse implica- to love the person that you love? ity, LGBTQ Americans remain vulnerable to tions for religious freedoms and wom- In the Hodges case, that was settled discrimination daily and too often have little re- en’s rights and safety. when they determined that no union is course. Concern number two: Broad and am- more profound than marriage, for it In the 116th Congress, the Equality Act had biguous definition of gender identity. embodies the highest ideals of love, fi- the bipartisan support of Members of Con- This language can have unintended delity, devotion, sacrifice and family. gress, with nearly 240 co-sponsors, as well as consequences and be taken advantage And then they ruled. They asked for the strong support of the business community, of by criminals or sexual predators. equal dignity in the eyes of law; the and most important, the overwhelming support Also, the safety of women in prisons, Constitution grants them that right. of the American people. juvenile detention facilities, and do- I rise in support of the Equality Act In the 117th Congress, the Equality Act was mestic violence shelters could be put because I know what it means to be reintroduced with 223 original cosponsors. at risk, which would force them to thrown out, to be looked at, and to be More than 70 percent of American support share traditionally women-only spaces undermined. Our friends in the LGBTQ the Equality Act. with biological men, even if a biologi- community every single day experience This has been a long journey; the first cal male fraudulently gains access. that. Trans women who are African Equality Act was introduced nearly 46 years Concern number three: Opportunities American have been murdered. ago. It is long past time to secure the civil rights and safety for female athletes. The This gives us equal dignity under the of LGBTQ people across the country and ac- science is clear, men are biologically law. We could keep a job. If you are in cord them full membership in the American stronger than women. that community, you can be married According to a 2019 Duke University family. already, obviously, but you can keep a With the Trump Administration rolling back study that involved dozens of special- job. You can get healthcare; you can protections at the federal level and anti-equal- ists in sports science and medicine: ensure that you can keep an apart- ity opponents continuing to push discrimina- ‘‘Biological males and biological fe- ment. You can walk in dignity. tory bills at the state level, LGBTQ people males are materially different with re- We need the Equality Act as we have cannot wait another year for affirmation that spect to main physical attributes that needed civil rights laws throughout they are worthy of the dignity of their peers contribute to elite athletic perform- this Nation. and deserving of equal protection of the laws. ance.’’ If we are the place of ‘‘We the Peo- Today, too many LGBTQ Americans in too The Women’s Sports Policy Working ple,’’ if this Nation is based upon, we many places remain too vulnerable to discrimi- Group—a group of champion female the people, then we will pass the Equal- nation daily with too little legal recourse. athletes and academics—has stated ity Act today. We will pass it now. Fifty percent of the national LGBTQ commu- that even when height, size, and weight I thank the gentleman from Rhode nity live in states where, though they may are equal, males are incrementally Island for his leadership and the gen- have the right to marry, they have no explicit stronger and generate more explosive tleman from New York. non-discrimination protections in other areas force so that if males and females are Madam Speaker, as a senior member of the of daily life. forced to compete against each other, Committee on the Judiciary and an original co- The Equality Act extends the full anti-dis- the physical safety of females is dif- sponsor, I rise in strong support of H.R. 5, the crimination protections of the landmark Civil ferently at risk. ‘‘Equality Act of 2021.’’ Rights Act of 1964 and other key pillars of fair- The reality has already shown itself Let me thank my colleague on the Judiciary ness and justice in our country to LGBTQ to be harmful to the opportunities and Committee, Congressman DAVID CICILLINE of Americans. safety of female athletes. For example, Rhode Island, for introducing this landmark Sexual orientation and gender identity de- a female track athlete in Connecticut legislation and his tireless efforts in making serve full civil rights protections, not just in the lost potential scholarships after being this day a reality. workplace, but in every place: in education, pushed out of qualifying for regional Madam Speaker, our nation’s long but inex- housing, credit, jury service, public facilities, track meet spots by two transgender orable march towards equality reaches an- and public accommodations. athletes. A transgender MMA fighter other milestone today. Today, there are only 21 states have explicit caused significant damage to a female For as long as our national charters have laws barring discrimination based on sexual athlete’s skull. been in existence, we have endeavored to ask orientation in employment, housing, and public These examples demonstrate the far- ourselves: what do we mean when we say accommodations, and only 20 states have reaching consequences this bill can ‘‘We the People?’’ such protections for gender identity. have on women and girls, should it be- How expansive do we hold our pledge that In most states, a same-sex couple can get come law. all are entitled to the blessings of life, liberty, married on Saturday, then be legally denied American women have worked very and the pursuit of happiness. service at a restaurant on Sunday, and be hard to secure our rights for many To be certain our nation has come a long fired from their jobs on Monday, and evicted years, and just last year we celebrated way, but as we debate this critical bill, I am re- from their apartment on Tuesday. 100 years of women’s suffrage. But this minded of the Supreme Court’s decision in Madam Speaker, let me take a moment to is a giant step back. Perhaps if this Obergefell v. Hodges, 576 U.S. 644, 135 S.Ct. discuss in more detail several of the important body had actually deliberated over this 2584 (2015), and its powerful conclusion ex- elements of the Equality Act. bill and engaged the proper legislative plaining the profound power of love and mar- The Equality Act amends existing federal process, these concerns could have been riage, and the desire to be seen as equal in civil rights laws to explicitly prohibit discrimina- addressed. the eyes of the law: tion based on sexual orientation and gender A vote for the Equality Act in its No union is more profound than marriage, identity in education, employment, housing, current form is a vote against religious for it embodies the highest ideals of love, fi- credit, Federal jury service, public accom- freedom, against women, against fe- delity, devotion, sacrifice, and family. In modations, and the use of Federal funds. male athletes, against incarcerated forming a marital union, two people become It does so by adding sex in some places women, and against science and safety. something greater than once they were. As where it had not previously been protected,

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:39 Feb 26, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K25FE7.029 H25FEPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE H640 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 25, 2021 and clarifying that sex includes sexual orienta- This does not include religious services. and urge all members to stand on the right of tion and gender identity. Nothing in this bill alters the ability of history and vote for its passage. Specifically, H.R. 5, the ‘‘Equality Act of houses of worship or religious leaders to prac- Mr. JORDAN. Madam Speaker, I 2021’’ amends: tice or carry out their faith. yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Title II of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to pro- No member of the clergy will ever be com- Louisiana (Mr. JOHNSON), the ranking vide basic protections against discrimination in pelled to perform a religious ceremony that member on the Subcommittee of the public accommodations by adding sex, includ- conflicts with their beliefs, including marrying Constitution and Civil Justice. ing sexual orientation and gender identity; same-sex couples. Mr. JOHNSON of Louisiana. Madam Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to The DOJ Title VI Manual and relevant and Speaker, I rise today in opposition to provide basic protections against discrimina- relevant case law clearly provide that a reli- H.R. 5, which many have already la- tion by recipients of federal financial assist- gious organization that is not ‘‘principally en- beled the inequality act because of the ance by adding sex, including sexual orienta- gaged’’ in providing social services is only deep flaws contained in this bill. tion, and gender identity; bound by nondiscrimination requirements re- H.R. 5 will undermine women’s Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the lated to the program for which they receive rights. It will strip parental rights. It Civil Service Reform Act of 1978, the Govern- funding if that funding is targeted in order to will gut religious freedom, and it will ment Employee Rights Act of 1991, and the provide a specific program or service, i.e. dis- open a Pandora’s box of a universal Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 to aster relief, rather than to the entity ‘‘as a right to abortion. And that is just to make explicit protections against workplace whole.’’ name a few of the legislation’s out- discrimination on the basis of sexual orienta- Nothing in the Equality Act changes that rageous provisions. tion or gender identity; rule. In addition to the well-founded, sub- The Fair Housing Act of 1968 to make pro- There is a longstanding ministerial exemp- stantive concerns that you will hear a tections against 1 housing discrimination tion in federal civil rights law that exempts reli- lot about in the next 45 minutes, the based on sexual orientation or gender identity gious organizations from complying with em- majority has decided to throw process explicit; ployment nondiscrimination provisions for min- out the window. They brought this bill The Equal Credit Opportunity Act to make isters, rabbis and any other person who is directly to the floor. protections against 7 credit discrimination ‘‘carrying out the faith’’. We sit on the Judiciary Committee. based on sexual orientation and gender iden- The Equality Act does not alter that exemp- We should have had a robust discussion tity explicit; and tion in any way. on the impacts of the legislation. We The Jury Selections and Services Act to The Equality Act does not repeal the Reli- didn’t. There has been no committee make protections against discrimination in fed- gious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA). action. There has been no hearing, no eral jury service based on sexual orientation The Equality Act clarifies that RFRA cannot deliberation at all by the committee of or gender identity explicit. be used to defend discrimination in public set- appropriate jurisdiction. And I think, The march towards equality has been long tings or with federal funds. many of us think, that the reason for and has awoken passions passion from many The Equality Act does not alter or amend that is because the proponents didn’t quarters for various reasons. the RFRA standard for any other kinds of want the bill to be exposed. Well-intentioned people from all walks of life claims. Listen, let’s make one thing clear. Federal civil rights laws and the United have had difficulty as progress washes over There are people on both sides of the States Constitution provide many exemptions the debate surrounding protections for same aisle—all of us, everybody in this for religious organizations. sex individuals. Chamber believes that all people are It bears stating again that the statutory ex- At times, the debate has seen input from entitled to dignity and respect. emptions that are , already in place in the Civil members of the faith community, who strive to We believe that every single person is Rights Act and the Fair Housing Act will re- reconcile their love for all of God’s sons and made in the image of God and, because main in place and the United States Constitu- daughters, with the script of their sacred text. of that, every single person has ines- tion remains untouched. timable dignity and value. We believe, I understand this tension, but I have care- Courts have long-rejected religious claims as our founding document said, that fully studied the text and am confident that as a reason to deny civil rights protections, in- God is the one that endows us with the passage of the Equality Act will not adversely cluding those based on race and sex, and the inalienable rights that we have. They affect any person’s freedom of worship of the same analysis applies to all other protected free exercise of their faith. ought to be protected and respected. characteristics. But unfortunately, the Democrats’ The Equality Act adds sexual orientation Specifically, religious belief did not exempt misguided effort here tramples all over and gender identity to federal civil rights law restaurants or hotels from complying with the many of those fundamental rights that and sex where it is missing. civil rights laws passed in the 1960s and can- God gives us, the right to life, the right But the same statutory exemptions that are not do so today. already in place in the Civil Rights Act and the RFRA explicitly contemplates that Congress to religious freedom. While it is true that H.R. 5 does not Fair Housing Act will remain in place after en- would exempt certain laws from its application. actment and the guarantees of the United The clarifying language in the Equality Act is include the word ‘‘abortion’’—our col- States Constitution remain untouched. necessary to ensure that courts do not mis- leagues keep reminding us of that—it The U.S. Constitution provides ample pro- interpret the intended interaction between does reference pregnancy and ‘‘related tections for religious freedom and nothing in RFRA and our civil rights laws. medical conditions’’ as areas of protec- this bill would, or could, infringe upon the pro- RFRA will still be available to address bur- tion against discrimination. Everybody tections afforded by the Constitution, as the dens on religious beliefs and practices in other knows that this historically has led to principal sponsor of the bill, Congressman contexts. the inclusion of abortion. We are open- Cicilline, confirmed during a colloquy we held And any individual or organization that is ing a door here for the rampant tax- when the bill was marked up in the Judiciary concerned that their religious beliefs or prac- payer funding of abortions on demand; Committee in the 116th Congress. tices are being unjustly burdened retains the in addition to the myriad number of Specifically, the provisions relating to Title ability to bring a claim under the First Amend- conscience protections that exist for VI of the Civil Rights Act (federal funding) in- ment. businesses and medical professionals. clude the original exemptions for discrimina- The time has come to extend the full bless- You will hear a lot about that today as tion based on religion. ings of equality and the majesty of the law’s well. Religious organizations (not just houses of protection to all our brothers and sisters, in- It is telling that the text of the bill worship) are free to limit participation in wide cluding those in the LGBTQ community. also directly undermines the Religious array of activities and services to only mem- Madam Speaker, it been said that ‘‘the Freedom Restoration Act. Let’s re- bers of their faith. moral arc of the universe is long but bends to- member, RFRA was widely supported This same exemption applies to public ac- ward justice.’’ on both sides of the aisle and signed commodations. Today, with passage by this House of H.R. into law by President Clinton in 1993. Houses of worship could be considered a 5, the Equality Act of 2021, we bend that arc RFRA’s lead Democrat sponsor was our place of public accommodation only if they even more in the direction of justice. colleague, Representative NADLER. It offer their space or services for commercial I am proud to be an original cosponsor of passed the House by unanimous con- public use. this life-changing and life-affirming legislation sent and the Senate by a vote of 97–3.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:39 Feb 26, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A25FE7.006 H25FEPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE February 25, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H641 But now, the Equality Act, or the in- vacy and protection, especially while greatly to extend civil rights and civil equality act, explicitly undercuts seeking refuge in a domestic violence liberties for the LGBTQ community, to RFRA by negating its application to shelter. We have already seen similar live out the true meaning of our Na- the underlying legislation. In other policies in Alaska and California put tion’s creed, free from the fear of har- words, those protections won’t apply vulnerable women in danger. assment or discrimination. anymore. H.R. 5 also discriminates against par- Updating Federal law will provide This is unprecedented. It is dan- ents. Parents who dare to oppose doc- protections across key areas of life, in- gerous. It is an attack on our first free- tors performing life-changing surgeries cluding employment, housing, and ac- dom, the first freedom listed in the Bill or using hormone-altering drugs on cess to public spaces and services. This of Rights, religious liberty. This is their children will be considered abu- bill has nothing to do with abortion, something that our faith communities sive and neglectful. This has already nothing to do with some of the things are deeply concerned about and all of happened in Ohio as a couple lost cus- my colleagues across the aisle have us are as individuals. tody of their daughter after advocating said. Look, I have to save time for my col- against male testosterone supplements. And in my home State of Texas, we leagues, and I will just conclude by This abhorrent destruction of paren- will finally have protections for the saying this bill is a severe blow to tal rights is why I introduced an LGBTQ Texans. women’s rights, to people of faith, to amendment that would ensure parents MR. JORDAN. Madam Speaker, I every parent, every student, every retain their right to make important yield myself such time as I may con- medical professional and so many choices for their children, especially sume. The Democrats just said that this more. Because we believe in the dig- concerning mental and medical care. bill doesn’t harm Title IX. They have nity and value of every person, we have Predictably, Democrats did not even said it will not hinder women’s ability to oppose this dangerous, un-American consider my amendment, highlighting to participate in sports. That is just legislation. I pray that we will. their desire to silence the voices of not true. Mr. NADLER. Madam Speaker, I families across the country. They say it is not going to make it Faith-minded individuals and organi- yield 1 minute to the gentleman from harder for women to participate in OHEN zations would also face discrimination Tennessee (Mr. C ). sports. It may not make it harder, but Mr. COHEN. Madam Speaker, I stand under the inequality act, including it is sure going to make it more dif- in support of this legislation. I have adoption agencies and charities. Again, ficult to win. We know that. That is stood in support of this right for over similar policies already exist in New the problem. And if that doesn’t under- 25 years. York, Illinois, and Pennsylvania, forc- mine the spirit of Title IX, I don’t When I was a Tennessee State Sen- ing faith-based adoption agencies to know what does. ator, I was the only member of the shut down rather than violate their Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to State Senate to vote against a con- sincerely held religious beliefs. These the gentleman from Texas (Mr. ROY). stitutional ban on gay marriage. It was policies only harm would-be parents Mr. ROY. Madam Speaker, the gen- a legal pejorative; all people should and children in need of a forever home. tleman from Ohio is absolutely correct. have a civil right to be treated equally Shockingly, it doesn’t stop there. The assertion that it doesn’t impact and to be given due process of the law. The inequality act clearly stipulates Title IX is completely false. It directly And they should have that today, and that religious beliefs and faith no amends Title IV in the Civil Rights that is what this bill stands for. longer matter in the Democrats’ new Act. It will have a direct impact on This is a continuing battle that my world order. Living by your faith will educational institutions and would, friend, Julian Bond said was a fight for be viewed as evil instead of good. therefore, absolutely impact women’s fairness, justice, and equality against Sadly, this bill contains no language athletics. We all know that. Everybody injustice and bigotry. to protect businesses or healthcare pro- gets the joke. We need to pass this bill and con- viders from being forced to pay for But as one of my colleagues said, it is tinue our move to a more perfect abortions. It also may require 100 percent clear that the majority union. healthcare providers to facilitate abor- doesn’t want to have the American Mr. JORDAN. Madam Speaker, I tion services. people see what is in this bill. They yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman The biggest impact? Hundreds of don’t want to have it go through com- from Missouri (Mrs. HARTZLER). thousands more innocent, unborn chil- mittee. They don’t want to spend time Mrs. HARTZLER. Madam Speaker, I dren will tragically perish from abor- on it. They want to jam it through rise today in opposition to H.R. 5, the tion, with Americans footing the bill. under the name of equality. so-called Equality Act. This grossly misnamed bill punishes See, you put fancy names on bills in This bill should be called the inequal- everyday citizens, silences free speech, this building and suddenly people think ity act as there is nothing equalizing and instills discrimination. I urge my it is about something that it isn’t. And about it. In fact, this bill hijacks the colleagues to vote ‘‘no.’’ we know exactly what this bill is Civil Rights Act, codifying inequality Mr. NADLER. Madam Speaker, this about. It is about power. This bill is into Federal law. Simply put, this bill does not affect Title IX and, con- about power and control. piece of legislation blatantly discrimi- sequently, religious freedom at all. This is about this institution being nates against women, girls, parents, I yield 1 minute to the distinguished run by Democrats who want to tell the people of faith, and many more. gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. GARCIA). American people how to live their To start, H.R. 5 dismantles Title IX, Ms. GARCIA of Texas. Madam Speak- lives. ending equal opportunity for females in er, as a woman, as a feminist, as some- They want to tell people who dis- education and sports. Similar policies one who lettered in basketball and agree on these issues that they need to are already wreaking havoc at the truly believes in women’s sports, this go to the corner and they need to hide; local level. In Connecticut, the State’s is the Equality Act. Any misrepresen- that they need to give up their closely Interscholastic Athletic Conference ac- tation by some speakers today is just held beliefs and their values and they cepts boys who identify as females in totally unfounded. need to bow down to the altar of the their competitions. Two of these male While we have made much progress people here and the cultural elites in athletes have gone on to claim 15 wom- in recent years, the reality is that Washington, D.C., and do what they en’s track championship titles since many still face discrimination simply tell us to do. 2017. because of who they are and who they It is an absolute abomination and As someone who enjoyed playing love. That means that LGBTQ Ameri- flies in the face of the very principles sports and coaching high school track cans can be fired, refused housing, or upon which this Nation was founded. for many years, imagining the damage denied services simply because of who We know that. We see that. We can go these policies will cause to women and they are. through the list. We are all going girls is heartbreaking. I am a proud original cosponsor, and through it. The inequality act further discrimi- I am also a woman of faith. I know The definition of sex in H.R. 5 inserts nates against a woman’s right to pri- that this Equality Act would help the right to abortion into the Civil

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:39 Feb 26, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K25FE7.031 H25FEPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE H642 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 25, 2021 Rights Act. The Equality Act can be fulfilling our nation’s commitment to civil received unprecedented support from busi- used to force a universal right to abor- rights for all people. Unfortunately, dis- nesses and more than 500 national and state- tion until birth. It forces medical pro- crimination is a persistent problem for mil- wide organizations. In 2018, the ABA adopted a resolution spe- fessionals to conduct or assist in per- lions of people in the LGBTQ+ community, particularly for those who also identify as cifically supporting enactment of the Equal- forming abortions; forces medical pro- people of color. Everyone in America, re- ity Act. Let me elaborate on our reasons for fessionals to perform certain surgeries gardless of who they are, is entitled to equal supporting this important legislation: and administer hormone blockers, even rights and should be free to pursue career 1. The Equality Act will protect LGBTQ+ if it is against their medical advice; and educational opportunities and live their people from workplace discrimination be- forces employers to cover sex reassign- daily lives free from discrimination. cause of their sexual orientation, gender Black Americans and other people of color identity, or gender expression. ment surgeries; forces schools, church- The Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits dis- es, hospitals, and businesses to recog- continue to face persistent discrimination while engaging in commonplace trans- crimination based on race, color, religion, or nize a chosen gender. national origin. The Government Employee I could go down the list. But this is actions, errands, and tasks, such as shopping and accessing transportation like taxis and Rights Act of 1991 prohibits discrimination about power and control. It is the same car services. The Equality Act would finally based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability. They will both be thing about having a fence with razor make this discrimination illegal, as it amended to include, ‘‘sex, (including sexual wire around the people’s Congress, strengthens the public accommodations pro- orientation, and gender identity).’’ around this Capitol building. It is an vision in the 1964 Civil Rights Act. Congress Every day LGBTQ+ employees, co-workers, absolute affront to who we are. must act now to pass the Equality Act to and job applicants are subjected to discrimi- In the Declaration of Independence, clarify and strengthen federal civil rights nation in the workplace. Other social groups where we are talking about rights, gov- protections so everyone across the country have been protected by legislation, yet the ernment is instituted among men to se- can engage in public life without the fear of LGBTQ+ community has not been included cure those rights. harassment or discrimination because of who even though their livelihood, careers, and they are. quality of life are equally affected. And the House of Representatives, As Congress considers this important bill, supposedly the people’s House, is using The Equal Employment Opportunity Com- we are committed to ensuring the Equality mission (EEOC) enforces federal laws that the power of this body to step on the Act does solely what it was intended to do: protect job applicants or employees from dis- rights of the American people. And it is clarify and strengthen existing federal civil crimination based on race, color, religion, our obligation to defend those rights. rights protections for everyone in America. sex, national origin, age, disability, or ge- And I can tell you this: We are going to We strongly oppose any effort to weaken any netic information. In EEOC v. R.G. & G.R. stand up in defense of the Constitution, existing federal civil rights law the Equality Harris Funeral Homes, the EEOC filed a law- our liberties and the Bill of Rights, and Act would amend. suit against Harris Family Funeral Homes We urge you to vote for final passage of the on behalf of Aimee Stephens, a transgender the consent of the governed matters. Equality Act because no one in our country You do not have the consent of the woman who was fired shortly after telling should be discriminated against for who they her employer she was transgender. The Sixth governed, my colleagues on the other are. It is time for Congress to clarify and Circuit Court of Appeals concluded that side of the aisle. You don’t. And you strengthen federal civil rights protections Title VII prohibits discrimination based on are pretending that you have got power for all Americans. gender identity, thus applying to businesses that you do not have, and it will not Respectfully submitted, claiming exemption based on anti-LGBTQ+ end well if you pull this republic apart, DAMON T. HEWITT, religious beliefs. In 2020, the Supreme Court thread by thread, and you have to look Acting President & Executive Director, Ex- of the United States heard Harris consoli- in the mirror and tell your kids and ecutive Vice President, Lawyers’ Com- dated with Bostock v. Clayton County, and mittee for Civil Rights Under Law. in a landmark ruling, upheld the Sixth Cir- grandkids that this republic died on Erinn D. Martin, cuit decision affirming that LGBTQ+ em- your watch. Policy Counsel, Lawyers’ Committee for ployees are entitled to legal protections It is not going to because we are Civil Rights Under Law. against discrimination on the basis of gender going to stand on the wall, the same identity and sexual orientation under Title wall that our Founders stood on, the AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION, VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. same wall that those men at the Alamo Chicago, IL, February 23, 2021. The Equality Act will codify this case law stood on, and we are going to defend RE: ABA Support for H.R. 5, The Equality making discrimination against LGBTQ+ peo- this Constitution in the name of the Act of 2021. ple in the workplace unlawful by explicitly stating that sexual orientation and gender Hon. NANCY PELOSI, Declaration of Independence and the identity are protected traits. Speaker, House of Representatives, Lord that gives us the rights that we 2. The Equality Act will prevent LGBTQ+ Washington, DC. protect. people from being denied services and public The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Hon. KEVIN MCCARTHY, accommodations because of their sexual ori- Minority Leader, House of Representatives, entation, gender identity, or gender expres- Chair will remind the Members that re- Washington, DC. marks in debate must be addressed to sion. DEAR SPEAKER PELOSI AND MINORITY LEAD- Title II of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 pro- the Chair and not to others in the sec- ER MCCARTHY: On behalf of the American hibits discrimination in public accommoda- ond person. Bar Association and its over 400.000 mem- tions based on race, color, religion, or na- bers. I am writing to voice our support for b 1400 tional origin. However, it is currently legal H.R. 5. The Equality Act of 2021. which ad- in almost 30 states to deny LGBTQ+ people Mr. NADLER. Madam Speaker, I in- dresses the need to protect every American services without cause and bar them from clude in the RECORD a number of docu- regardless of their sexual orientation or gen- public accommodations such as hotels, res- ments. der identity. We offer the following com- taurants, and libraries. LAWYERS’ COMMITTEE FOR CIVIL ments in support of the legislation and re- In Grimm v. Gloucester County School RIGHTS quest that this letter be made part of the Board, school board policy prohibited plain- Washington, DC, February 25, 2021. hearing record. tiff from using the restrooms that aligned HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, The Equality Act will include LGBTQ+ with his gender identity. In 2015, Grimm filed Washington, DC. people in the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Over 50 a lawsuit challenging the policy, on the DEAR REPRESENTATIVE: On behalf of the years ago, when this landmark civil rights grounds that it violates his rights under Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under legislation was enacted, a minority group Title IX and the Fourteenth Amendment. Law (hereinafter ‘‘Lawyers’’ Committee’’), a was omitted; this needs to be rectified. Cur- The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals held nonpartisan civil rights organization formed rently, the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals de- that the school board’s restroom policy con- at the request of President John F. Kennedy pend on the state where they reside, and in stitutes sex-based discrimination, and that to enlist the private bar in providing legal close to 30 states, LGBTQ+ people are at risk transgender individuals constitute a quasi- services to address racial discrimination, we of being denied housing, credit. services, suspect class. Applying heightened scrutiny, urge you to vote for the Equality Act (H.R. public accommodations, education, employ- the court held that the school board’s policy 5). The Equality Act would clarify that ment, access to their children, access to fed- is not substantially related to its important LGBTQ+ people are protected against dis- erally funded programs, or jury service sim- interest in protecting students’ privacy and crimination in access to credit. housing, edu- ply because of their sexual orientation or that, in regard to the Title IX claims, the cation, and employment under federal law, gender identity. restroom policy discriminated against plain- as well as to strengthen public accommoda- There is bipartisan support for the Equal- tiff on the basis of sex, and that he suffered tion antidiscrimination for all people. ity Act, and 70 percent of Americans support legally cognizable harm based on the unlaw- The Lawyers’ Committee strongly believes equal rights for LGBTQ+. When the Equality ful discrimination. The Equality Act is nec- that the Equality Act is an essential step in Act was introduced in the last Congress, it essary to codify this ruling for the entire

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:39 Feb 26, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K25FE7.033 H25FEPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE February 25, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H643 country. Denying public accommodations to nation prohibited by the Civil Rights Act of Choice Hotels International Inc., Rockville, LGBTQ+ individuals is harmful to their 1964, among other federal statutes, and to in- MD; Cisco Systems Inc., San Jose, CA; health and dignity, and precludes them from clude sex, sexual orientation, and gender Citigroup Inc., New York, NY; Citrix Sys- fully participating in public life. identity or expression protections in those tems Inc., Fort Lauderdale, FL; CME Group In addition to places of public accommoda- statutes. Inc., Chicago, IL; CNA Financial Corpora- tion already included in the 1964 Civil Rights Thank you for this opportunity to convey tion, Chicago, IL; Coca-Cola Co., The, At- Act, the Equality Act will revise the law to the ABA’s position on this important legisla- lanta, GA; Compass, New York, NY; Compass ensure that other providers of products, serv- tion. Bancshares Inc. (BBVA Compass), Bir- ices, and public accommodations, such as Sincerely, mingham, AL; Converse Inc., Boston, MA; stores, accountant firms, transportation, and PATRICIA LEE REFO. Corning, Corning, NY; Corteva Agriscience, banks, may not discriminate against a pro- Wilmington, DE; Coty Inc., New York, NY; tected social group. THE BUSINESS COALITION FOR THE EQUALITY Cox Enterprises Inc., Atlanta, GA; CSAA In- 3. The Equality Act will prevent LGBTQ+ ACT surance Group, Walnut Creek, CA; Cummins people from being denied or evicted from The Business Coalition for the Equality Act Inc., Columbus, IN; CVS Health Corp., housing based on their sexual orientation, is a group of leading U.S. employers that Woonsocket, RI. gender identity, or gender expression. support the Equality Act, which would fi- Daniel J. Edelman Holdings, Inc. New The Fair Housing Act, Title VIII of the nally guarantee explicit, permanent pro- York, NY; Danone North America, White Civil Rights Act of 1968, prohibits discrimi- tections for lesbian, gay, bisexual and Plains, NY; Day Pitney LLP, Parsippany, nation in the sale, rental, or financing of transgender people under our existing civil NJ; Darden Restaurants Inc., Orlando, FL; housing by landlords, real estate agents, mu- rights laws. Debevoise & Plimpton LLP, New York, NY; nicipalities, banks, other lending institu- Deloitte LLP, New York, NY; Dell Tech- Launched in March 2016, the 337 member nologies Inc., Round Rock, TX; Delta Air tions, and homeowner’s insurance companies companies of HRC’s Business Coalition for based on race, color, national origin, reli- Lines Inc., Atlanta, GA; Depository Trust & the Equality Act have operations in all 50 Clearing Corp., The, New York, NY; Deut- gion, sex, family status, or disability. states, headquarters spanning 33 states and LGBTQ+ individuals may be rejected when sche Bank, New York, NY; Diageo North a combined $5.9 trillion in revenue, and trying to purchase or rent a home. LGBTQ+ America, Norwalk, CT; Domino’s Pizza, Ann employ over 12.9 million people in the people can face eviction, which may have fi- Arbor, MI; Dow Chemical Co., The, Midland, United States. nancial and legal consequences. A partner’s MI; Dropbox Inc., San Francisco, CA. request to be added to the insurance of a 3M Company, Saint Paul, MN; A.T. E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Co. (DuPont), homeowner may be rejected which could af- Kearney Inc., Chicago, IL; ABB Inc., Carey, Wilmington, DE; Eastern Bank Corp., Bos- fect the property title. NC; Abercrombie & Fitch Co., New Albany, ton, MA; Eaton Corp., Cleveland, OH; eBay In Smith v. Avanti, a landlord in Colorado OH; Accenture, New York, NY; Adobe Sys- Inc., San Jose, CA; Ecolab Inc., St. Paul, refused to rent to a same-sex couple, one of tems Inc., San Jose, CA; Advance Auto Parts MN; Edison International, Rosemead, CA; whom was also transgender. The United (Advance Holding), Raleigh, NC; ADP, Rose- EMD Serono, MilliporeSigma, & EMD Per- States District Court stated that the prop- land, NJ; Advanced Micro Devices Inc., formance Materials, Burlington, MA; Emer- erty owner violated the Colorado Anti-Dis- Sunnyvale, CA; Airbnb Inc., San Francisco, son Electric Co., St. Louis, MO; Empower crimination Act. This was the first time a CA; Airbus, Herndon, VA; Alaska Airlines, Retirement, Greenwood Village, CO; federal court, placing sexual orientation and Seattle, WA; Albertsons Companies, Boise, Ericsson Inc, Plano, TX; Ernst & Young ´ gender identity under the umbrella of sex ID; Alcoa Corp., Pittsburgh, PA; LLP, New York, NY; Estee Lauder Compa- discrimination, has ruled that anti-LGBTQ+ AlixPartners LLP, New York, NY; Alliance nies Inc., The, New York, NY; E*TRADE Fi- discrimination violated the Fair Housing Data Systems Corporation, Columbus, OH; nancial Corp., New York, NY; Evolent Health Act. Ally Financial Inc., Detroit, MI; Altice USA Inc., Arlington, VA; Exelon Corp., Chicago, Since homelessness is more prevalent in Inc., Long Island City, NY; Altria Group Inc., IL; Expedia Group, Bellevue, WA. Facebook Inc., Menlo Park, CA; FactSet the LGBTQ+ community than in the general Richmond, VA; Amalgamated Bank, New Research Systems Inc., Norwalk, CT; First population, enactment of the Equality Act York, NY; Amazon.com Inc., Seattle, WA; Data Corp., Atlanta, GA; Food Lion, Salis- can help lower rates of housing insecurity. American Airlines, Fort Worth, TX; Amer- 4. The Equality Act will ensure that ican Eagle Outfitters Inc., Pittsburgh, PA; bury, NC; Fossil Group Inc., Richardson, TX; Fiserv Inc., Brookfield, WI. LGBTQ+ individuals are not denied credit American Express Company, New York, NY; Gap Inc., San Francisco, CA; General Elec- based on their sexual orientation, gender American Express Global Business Travel, Jersey City, NJ; American Honda Motor Co., tric Co., Boston, MA; General Mills Inc., identity, or gender expression. Minneapolis, MN; General Motors Co., De- The Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) Inc., Torrance, CA; Ameriprise Financial, troit, MI; GIANT Food Stores LLC, Carlisle, prohibits discrimination based on race, Inc., Minneapolis, MN; AMN Healthcare, San PA; Giant of Maryland LLC, Landover, MD; color, religion, national origin, sex, marital Diego, CA; Apple Inc., Cupertino, CA; Ap- Gilead Sciences Inc., Foster City, CA; status, or age with respect to credit trans- plied Materials Inc., Santa Clara, CA; Arconic, New York, NY; Asana, San Fran- Glassdoor Inc., Mill Valley, CA; actions. The Equality Act will amend ECOA GlaxoSmithKline, Research Triangle Park, cisco, CA; Ascena Retail Group Inc., to include ‘‘sexual orientation’’ and ‘‘gender NC; GoDaddy Inc., Scottsdale, AZ; Google Mahwah, NJ; Aspen Skiing Company LLC, identity’’ as protected classes. Inc., Mountain View, CA; Great River En- LGBTQ+ individuals are often denied cred- Aspen, CO; Asurion LLC, Nashville, TN; ergy, Maple Grove, MN; Guardian Life Insur- AT&T Inc., Dallas, TX; Atlassian, San Fran- it and mortgages. The negative financial im- ance Co. of America, The, New York, NY; cisco, CA; Avnet, Inc., Phoenix, AZ; AXA Eq- pact can mean that they are often unable to Guidehouse Inc., Chicago, IL; Gusto, San uitable Life Insurance Company, New York, become homeowners, pursue higher edu- Francisco, CA. cation or vocational training, build assets, NY. Halstead Real Estate, New York, NY; Han- or purchase a car. By amending ECOA, the Bain & Co. Inc./Bridgespan Group, Boston, naford Supermarkets, Scarborough, ME; Equality Act will allow for equal access to MA; Bank of America Corp., Charlotte, NC; HERE North America LLC, Chicago, IL; Her- credit, financial improvements, education, Bayer U.S. LLC, Whippany, NJ; BASF Corp., shey Co., The, Hershey, PA; Hess Corp., New and affordable housing. Florham Park, NJ; BD, Franklin Lakes, NJ; York, NY; Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co., 5. The Equality Act will protect LGBTQ+ Best Buy Co. Inc., Richfield, MN; Biogen, Palo Alto, CA; Hilton Inc., McLean, VA; people from discrimination in jury service. Cambridge, MA; BioMarin Pharmaceutical Hiscox USA, New York, NY; Hogan Lovells The Equal Protection Clause of the Four- Inc., San Rafael, CA; Bird Rides Inc., Santa US LLP, Washington, DC; Holland & Knight teenth Amendment protects the right of a Monica, CA; BNP Paribas, New York, NY; LLP, Miami, FL; Host Hotels & Resorts Inc., criminal defendant to a jury selection proc- Boehringer lngelheim USA Corp., Ridgefield, Bethesda, MD; HP Inc., Palo Alto, CA; HSF ess free from racial, ethnic, or gender dis- CT; Booz Allen Hamilton Inc., McLean, VA; Affiliates LLC, Irvine, CA; HSN Inc., St. Pe- crimination. When LGBTQ+ people are un- Boston Scientific Corp., Marlborough, MA; tersburg, FL; Hughes Hubbard & Reed LLP, fairly dismissed from jury service, there is Box Inc., Redwood City, CA; Bridgestone New York, NY; Hyatt Hotels Corp., Chicago, no recourse in the justice system. Americas Holding Inc., Nashville, TN; Bright IL. The Equality Act will protect the integrity Horizons, Watertown, MA; Bristol-Myers IBM Corp., Armonk, NY; IDEX Corp., Lake of the jury selection process for the defend- Squibb Co., New York, NY; Broadridge Fi- Forest, IL; IHS Markit Ltd., New York, NY; ant, as well as the rights of the LGBTQ+ ju- nancial Solutions Inc., Lake Success, NY; IKEA Holding US Inc., Conshohocken, PA; rors. Brown-Forman Corp., Louisville, KY; Brown Information Resources Inc., Chicago, IL; In- The American Bar Association believes Rudnick LLP, Boston, MA; Buckley LLP, gersoll-Rand Company, Davidson, NC; that everyone deserves equal protection Washington, DC. Ingram Micro, Irvine, CA; Insight Enter- under the law. Nearly two-thirds of LGBTQ+ Caesars Entertainment Corp., Las Vegas, prises Inc., Tempe, AZ; Intel Corp., Santa Americans reported that they have experi- NV; California Water Service Group, San Clara, CA; InterContinental Hotels Group enced discrimination in their everyday lives. Jose, CA; Capital One Financial Corp., Americas, Atlanta, GA; International Fla- We urge Congress to pass legislation explic- McLean, VA; Cardinal Health Inc., Dublin, vors & Fragrances, Inc., New York NY; Iron itly affirming that discrimination due to OH; Cargill Inc., Wayzata, MN; Cengage Mountain Inc., Boston, MA. sexual orientation, gender identity or ex- Learning Inc., Boston, MA; Chevron Corp., Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc., Dallas, pression, or sex stereotyping, is sex discrimi- San Ramon, CA; Chobani, Norwich, NY; TX; Jenner & Block LLP, Chicago, IL; John

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:39 Feb 26, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A25FE7.008 H25FEPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE H644 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 25, 2021 Hancock Financial Services Inc., Boston, Inc., Newtown Square, PA; Seagate Tech- Technology Association, Council for Respon- MA; Johnson & Johnson, New Brunswick, nology plc, Cupertino, CA; Sheppard, Mullin, sible Nutrition, Edison Electric Institute, NJ; JPMorgan Chase & Co., New York, NY; Richter, & Hampton LLP, Los Angeles, CA; Federation of American Hospitals, Financial JSX, Dallas, TX; Juniper Networks Inc., Shire PLC, Lexington, MA; Shook, Hardy & Executives International, Food Marketing Sunnyvale, CA. Bacon LLP, Kansas City, MO; Shutterstock Institute, Fragrance Creators Association, Kabbage Inc., Atlanta, GA; Kaiser Inc., New York, NY; Siemens Corp., Wash- Grocery Manufacturers Association, House- Permanente, Oakland, CA; Keep Truckin ington, DC; Sodexo Inc., Gaithersburg, MD; hold & Commercial Products Association, Inc., San Francisco, CA; Kellogg Co., Battle Sony Electronics Inc., San Diego, CA; South- HR Policy Association. Creek, MI; Keller Williams Realty Inc., Aus- west Airlines Co., Dallas, TX; Spotify USA NATIONAL ASSOCIATIONS tin, TX; Kenneth Cole Productions Inc., New Inc., New York, NY; Square Inc., San Fran- Information Technology Industry Council York, NY; KeyCorp, Cleveland, OH; KIND cisco, CA; Stanley Black & Decker Inc., New (ITI), International Council of Shopping Cen- LLC, New York, NY; Knot Worldwide, The, Britain, CT; Starbucks Corp., Seattle, WA; ters, International Franchise Association, Chevy Chase, MD; KPMG LLP, New York, Steelcase Inc., Grand Rapids, MI; SUEZ Internet Association, Jackson Area Manu- NY. Water Technologies and Solutions, Trevose, facturers Association, Michigan Manufactur- Lendlease Americas Inc., New York, NY; PA; Sun Life U.S., Wellesley Hills, MA; ers Association, Missouri Association of Levi Strauss & Co., San Francisco, CA; Lin- Sunrun Inc., San Francisco, CA; Manufacturers, Nareit, National Association den Research Inc., Davis, CA; Lord, Abbett & SurveyMonkey Inc., San Mateo, CA; Syn- of Chain Drug Stores, National Association Co. LLC, Jersey City, NJ; Lowenstein Sand- chrony, Stamford, CT; Sysco, Houston, TX. of Manufacturers, National Association of ler LLP, New York, NY; Lush Fresh Hand- Takeda Pharmaceuticals USA Inc., Deer- Realtors, National Investor Relations Insti- made Cosmetics, Wilmington, NC; Lyft Inc., field, IL; Target Corp., Minneapolis, MN; TD tute, National Leased Housing Association, San Francisco, CA. Ameritrade, Omaha, Omaha, NE; TD Bank, National Multifamily Housing Council, Na- Macy’s Inc., Cincinnati, OH; N.A., Cherry Hill, NJ; Tech Data Corp., tional Restaurant Association, National Re- ManpowerGroup, Milwaukee, WI; Marriott Clearwater, FL; TEGNA Inc., McLean, VA; tail Federation, National Safety Council, International Inc., Bethesda, MD; Mars Inc., Tesla Inc., Palo Alto, CA; Teva Pharma- National Venture Capital Association, Na- McLean, VA; Marsh & McLennan Companies ceuticals, North Wales, PA; Texas Instru- tional Waste & Recycling Association. Inc., New York, NY; Massachusetts Mutual ments, Dallas, TX; Thermo Fisher Scientific, NC Chamber, New Jersey Business & Indus- Life Insurance Co., Springfield, MA; Waltham, MA; TIAA, New York, NY; T-Mo- try Association, Outdoor Power Equipment Mastercard, Purchase, NY; McAfee, Santa bile USA Inc., Bellevue, WA; Toyota Motor Institute, Personal Care Products Council, Clara, CA; McCormick & Company, Inc., North America Inc., Plano, TX; TPG Global Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers Hunt Valley, MD; McKesson Corporation, LLC, Fort Worth, TX; TransUnion, Chicago, of America, Power Transmission Distribu- Las Colinas, TX; McKinstry Co. LLC, Se- IL; TripAdvisor Inc., Needham, MA; Truist tors Association, Precast/Prestressed Con- attle, WA; Medtronic PLC, Minneapolis, MN; Financial Corporation, Charlotte, NC; Tur- crete Institute, Retail Industry Leaders As- Merck, Kenilworth, NJ; Meredith Corp., Des ner Construction Co., New York, NY; Twitter sociation, Rhode Island Manufacturers Asso- Moines, IA; MGM Resorts International, Las Inc., San Francisco, CA. ciation, Society of Chemical Manufacturers Vegas, NV; Micron Technology Inc., Boise, U.S. Bancorp, Minneapolis, MN; Uber Tech- & Affiliates, Society for Human Resource ID; Microsoft Corp., Redmond, WA; Mitchell nologies Inc., San Francisco, CA; Ultimate Management, Solar Energy Industries Asso- Gold + Bob Williams, Taylorsville, NC; Software, Weston, FL; Under Armour Inc., ciation, Sports & Fitness Industry Associa- Mondelez International Inc., Deerfield, IL; Baltimore, MD; Unilever, Englewood Cliffs, tion, The Center for Baby and Adult Hygiene Moody’s Corp., New York, NY; Molson Coors NJ; Union Pacific Railroad, Ohama, NE; Products, The ERISA Industry Committee, LLC, Chicago, IL; Morgan Stanley, New United Airlines, Chicago, IL; United Parcel The National Multifamily Housing Council, York, NY; Morningstar Inc., Chicago, IL; Service Inc., Atlanta, GA; Univar Solutions, The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association, The Morris, Manning & Martin LLP, Atlanta, Inc., Downers Grove, IL; Univision Commu- Real Estate Roundtable, U.S. Chamber of GA. nications Inc., New York, NY. Commerce. Nasdaq Inc., New York, NY; National Grid Vanguard Group Inc., Malvern, PA; USA, Waltham, MA; Nationwide, Columbus, Verizon Communications Inc., New York, EQUALITY ACT—631 ORGANIZATIONS OH; Navient, Wilmington, DE; Nestle´, Ar- NY; Viiv Healthcare, Research Triangle ENDORSING THE EQUALITY ACT lington, VA; Netflix Inc., Los Gatos, CA; New Park, NC; Visa, Foster City, CA. National Organizations Belgium Brewing Company, Fort Collins, CO; Warby Parker, New York, NY; Warner 9to5, National Association of Working Nielsen, New York, NY; Nike Inc., Bea- Music Group, New York, NY; WE Commu- Women, A Better Balance, A. Philip Ran- verton, OR; Nordstrom Inc., Seattle, WA; nications, Bellevue, WA; Wellmark Blue dolph Institute, ACRIA, ADAP Advocacy As- Norfolk Southern Corporation, Norfolk, VA; Cross Blue Shield, Des Moines, IA; Wells sociation, Advocates for Youth, AFGE, AFL– NortonLifeLock, Mountain View, CA; Nor- Fargo & Co., San Francisco, CA; Western CIO, African American Ministers In Action, throp Grumman Corp., Falls Church, VA; Nu- Digital, San Jose, CA; Whirlpool Corp., Ben- The AIDS Institute, AIDS United, Alan and ance Communications, Burlington, MA. ton Harbor, MI; Williams-Sonoma Inc., San Leslie Chambers Foundation, American Ocean Spray Cranberries Inc., Lakeville- Francisco, CA; Workday Inc., Pleasanton, Academy of Pediatrics, American Associa- Middleboro, MA; Office Depot Inc., Boca CA; Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Inc., Parsip- tion for Access, Equity and Diversity, Amer- Raton, FL; Oracle Corp., Redwood City, CA; pany, NJ. ican Association of University Women Owens Corning, Toledo, OH. Xcel Energy Inc., Minneapolis, MN; Xerox (AAUW), American Atheists, American Bar Palo Alto Networks, Santa Clara, CA; Corp., Norwalk, CT; Xperi, San Jose, CA; Association, American Civil Liberties Union, Patreon Inc., San Francisco, CA; Pariveda Xylem Inc., Rye Brook, NY. American Conference of Cantors, American Solutions Inc., Dallas, TX; Paul Hastings Yelp Inc., San Francisco, CA; Yext Inc., Counseling Association, American Federa- LLP, Los Angeles, CA; PayPal Holdings Inc., New York, NY. tion of State, County, and Municipal Em- San Jose, CA; Peloton Interactive Inc, New Zillow Group, Seattle, WA; Zimmer ployees (AFSCME), American Federation of York, NY; PepsiCo Inc., Purchase, NY; Biomet Holdings Inc., Warsaw, IN. Teachers, American Heart Association, PetSmart Inc., Phoenix, AZ; Pfizer Inc., New American Humanist Association, American York, NY; PG&E Corp., San Francisco, CA; EQUALITY ACT—ASSOCIATIONS ENDORSING THE Medical Association, American Public Philip Morris International, New York, NY; EQUALITY ACT Health Association, American Psychological Pinterest Inc., San Francisco, CA; Pioneer Association, American School Counselor As- NATIONAL AND STATE ASSOCIATIONS Natural Resources, Irving, TX; PNC Finan- sociation, Americans United for Separation cial Services Group Inc., The, Pittsburgh, Act—The App Association, AdvaMed, Aero- of Church and State, amfAR, Foundation for PA; Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP, Co- space Industries Association, American Ben- AIDS Research, Anti-Defamation League, lumbus, OH; Power Home Remodeling Group efits Council, American Chemistry Council, Arab American Institute, Ariadne Getty LLC, Chester, PA; PricewaterhouseCoopers American Cleaning Institute, American Foundation, Asian Americans Advancing LLP, New York, NY; Principal Financial Coatings Association, Inc., American Hotel Justice | AAJC, Asian American Federation, Group, Des Moines, IA; Procter & Gamble & Lodging Association, American Pet Prod- Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance Co., Cincinnati, OH; Pure Storage Inc., ucts Association, American Petroleum Insti- (APALA), Association of Flight Attend- Mountain View, CA; PVH Corp., New York, tute, American Psychological Association, ants—CWA, Association of Welcoming and NY. American Medical Association, American Affirming Baptists, Athlete Ally, Auburn QUALCOMM Inc., San Diego, CA; QIAGEN, Society of Association Executives, Asian Seminary, Autistic Self Advocacy Network, Germantown, MD. American Hotel Owners Association, Asso- Avodah. Realogy Holdings Corp., Madison, NJ; ciation of Home Appliance Manufacturers, BALM Ministries, Bayard Rustin Libera- Redfin Corp., Seattle, WA; Red Hat Inc., Ra- Auto Care Association. tion Initiative, Bend the Arc Jewish Action, leigh, NC; RE/MAX LLC, Denver, CO; Re- Biotechnology Innovation Organization, Black and Pink, BPFNA—Bautistas por la placements Ltd., McLeansville, NC; Rock- BSA—The Software Alliance, Business Paz, Brethren Mennonite Council for LGBTQ well Automation Inc., Milwaukee, WI; Royal Roundtable, College and University Profes- Interests. Bank of Canada, New York, NY. sional Association for Human Resources, Caring Across Generations, Catholics for S&P Global Inc., New York, NY; Compressed Gas Association, Consumer Choice, Center for American Progress, Cen- Salesforce, San Francisco, CA; SAP America Healthcare Products Association, Consumer ter for Black Equity, Center for Disability

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:39 Feb 26, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A25FE7.010 H25FEPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE February 25, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H645 Rights, Center for Inclusivity, Center for In- liance to End Sexual Violence, National Tyler Clementi Foundation, The United quiry, Center for LGBTQ and Gender Stud- Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum Methodist Church—General Board of Church ies, Centerlink: The Community of LGBT (NAPAWF), National Association of Counsel and Society. Centers, Central Conference of American for Children, National Association for Fe- UFCW OUTreach, Ultraviolet, UMForward, Rabbis, Chicago Theological Seminary, Child male Executives, National Association of (un)common good collective, UnidosUS, Welfare League of America, Clearinghouse County and City Health Officials, National Unio´ n = Fuerza Latinx Institute, Union for on Women’s Issues, Coalition of Black Trade Association of School Psychologists, Na- Reform Judaism, Union of Affirming Chris- Unionists, Coalition of Labor Union Women, tional Association of School Superintend- tians, Union Theological Seminary in the Communications Workers of America, Com- ents, National Association of Secondary City of New York, Unitarian Universalist As- munity Access National Network (CANN), School Principals, National Association of sociation, Unitarian Universalist Women’s Consortium for Children, Council for Global Social Workers, National Black Justice Coa- Federation, UNITE HERE International Equality, Covenant Network of Pres- lition, National Coalition for the Homeless, Union, United Church of Christ, Justice and byterians. National Center for Lesbian Rights, National Witness Ministries, United Food and Com- DignityUSA, Disciples Justice Action Net- Center for Transgender Equality, National mercial Workers International Union work, Disciples LGBTQ+ Alliance, Disability Center for Youth Law, National Center on (UFCW), United State of Women, United Rights Education & Defense Fund (DREDF). Adoption and Permanency, National Coali- Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, URGE: Empowering Pacific Islander Communities tion for Asian Pacific American Community Unite for Reproductive & Gender Equity. (EPIC), End Rape on Campus, The Episcopal Development (National CAPACD), National Voice for Adoption, Voices for Progress, Church, Equal Rights Advocates, Equality Coalition for LGBT Health, National Coali- Vote Common Good, Greater Things, Voto Federation, Estuary Space, Evangelical Lu- tion for the Homeless, National Coalition of Latino. theran Church in America. Anti-Violence Programs, The National Coali- Whitman-Walker Health, The Williams In- Faith in Public Life, Family Equality, tion of Anti-Violence Programs, National stitute, Witness to Mass Incarceration, Feminist Majority, The Fenway Institute, Council for Occupational Safety and Health Women’s Alliance for Theology, Ethics, and FORGE, Inc., Forward Together, Freedom (COSH), National Council of Jewish Women, Ritual (WATER). Center for Social Justice, Freedom for All National Crittenton, National Education As- Young Feminists & Allies: National Orga- Americans, Friends Council on Education. sociation, National Employment Law nization for Women’s (NOW) Inaugural Vir- Gay Men’s Health Crisis (GMHC), Gay Par- Project, National Employment Lawyers As- tual Chapter. ent Magazine, Gender Spectrum, Generation sociation, National Fair Housing Alliance, State and Local Organizations Progress, Georgetown University Law Cen- National Health Law Program, National His- ter—Civil Rights Clinic, Girls Inc., GLMA: panic Media Coalition, National Hispanic ALASKA Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ Medical Association, National Korean Amer- Alaskans Together For Equality Equality, Global Justice Institute, Metro- ican Service and Education Consortium Identity, Inc. politan Community Churches, GLSEN, (NAKASEC), National Latina Institute for ALABAMA Guttmacher Institute. Reproductive Health, National Latinx Psy- AIDS Alabama Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organiza- chological Association, National LGBT Bayard Rustin Community Center tion of America, Inc., Harm Reduction Coali- Chamber of Commerce, National LGBTQ Equality Alabama tion, HealthHIV, Hindu American Founda- Task Force Action Fund, The National Rainbow Mobile tion, Hispanic Federation, Hispanic Health LGBTQ Workers Center, National Organiza- Network, HIV Medicine Association, Human tion for Women, National Partnership for ARKANSAS Rights Campaign, Human Rights Watch. Women & Families, National PTA, National Northwest Arkansas Equality, Inc. Impact Fund, In Our Own Voice: National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance ARIZONA Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agen- (NQAPIA), National Taskforce on Arizona Coalition to End Sexual & Domes- da, The Inanna Project, Indivisible, Integrity Tradeswomen Issues, National Trans Bar As- tic Violence USA: Episcopal Rainbow, Interfaith Alli- sociation, National Urban League, National Equality Arizona ance, International Alliance of Theatrical Women’s Health Network, National Women’s CALIFORNIA Stage Employees (IATSE), International As- Law Center, NEAT—National Equality Ac- sociation of Machinists & Aerospace Work- tion Team, NETWORK Lobby for Catholic one-n-ten ers, International Association of Providers of Social Justice, New Ways Ministry, NMAC, 9to5 California AIDS Care, International Brotherhood of North American Council on Adoptable Chil- Billy DeFrank LGBTQ+ Community Cen- Teamsters (IBT), International Union of dren. ter Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers, Inter- OCA—Asian Pacific American Advocates, Bienestar Human Services national Union of Painters and Allied Office & Professional Employees Inter- California Employment Lawyers Associa- Trades, The International Union, United national Union, Out & Equal Workplace Ad- tion Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Im- vocates, OutServe—SLDN, Oxfam America. California LGBTQ Health and Human Serv- plement Workers of America (UAW). Parity, People For the American Way, ices Network Japanese American Citizens League, Jew- PFLAG National, Pharmaceutical Research The Center for Sexuality & Gender Diver- ish Women International, Justice in Aging. and Manufacturers of America, Physicians sity Keshet. for Reproductive Health, Planned Parent- Common Space Labor Council for Latin American Ad- hood Federation of America, Population The Diversity Center of Santa Cruz County vancement (LCLAA), Lake Research Part- Connection Action Fund, Positive Women’s Diversity Collective Community Resource ners, Lambda Legal, Latino Commission on Network—USA, Pride at Work, Pride Fund 1, Center AIDS, LatinoJustice PRLDEF, Lawyers’ Promundo—US, Public Justice. Diversity Collective Ventura County Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, The Rabbinical Assembly, Reconciling Min- Equality California Leadership Conference on Civil and Human istries Network, ReconcilingWorks: Family Builders by Adoption Rights, League of United Latin American Lutherans for Full Participation, Recon- Gay and Lesbian Alliance of the Central Citizens, Lesbian and Gay Veterinary Med- structing Judaism, Reconstructionist Rab- Coast ical Association (LGVMA), LGBT Tech- binical Association, Religious Coalition for Girls Inc. of Alameda County nology Partnership & Institute. Reproductive Choice, Religious Institute, Girls Inc. of the Central Coast Main Street Alliance, MANA, A National RootsAction, Ryan White Medical Providers Hollywood NOW Latina Organization, Many Voices: A Black Coalition. Imperial Valley LGBT Resource Center Church Movement for Gay & Transgender SafeBAE, SAGE, Samuel DeWitt Proctor Latino Equality Alliance Justice, Matthew Shepard Foundation, Conference, Secular Coalition for America, Legal Aid At Work MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger, Secular Policy Institute, SER Jobs for LGBT Center OC Meadville Lombard Theological School, Men Progress National Inc., Service Employees LGBT Community Center of the Desert of Reform Judaism, MECCA Institute, Meth- International Union, Sexuality Information LGBTQ Campus Life (I), California Poly- odist Federation for Social Action, Metro- and Education Council of the U.S. (SIECUS), technic State University politan Community Churches, Modern Mili- Slowinski Foundation—story.lgbt, Soulforce, The LGBTQ Center Long Beach tary Association of America, MomsRising, Southern HIV/AIDS Strategy Initiative LGBTQ+ Center of Riverside County More Light Presbyterians, Movement Ad- (SASI), The Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initia- The LGBTQ Center of the Desert vancement Project, Muslim Advocates, Mus- tive, Stop Sexual Assault in Schools Los Angeles LGBT Center lim Public Affairs Council, Muslims for Pro- (SSAIS), SurvJustice. Mi Centro LGBTQ Community Center/ gressive Values. T’ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Latino Eq. Alliance NAACP, NAACP Legal Defense and Edu- Rights, TransFamily Support Services, Missiongathering Christian Church cational Fund, NARAL Pro-Choice America, Transgender Law Center, Transgender Legal North County LGBTQ Resource Center NASTAD (National Alliance of State & Ter- Defense & Education Fund, The TransLatin@ Oakland LGBTQ Community Center ritorial AIDS Directors), National AIDS Coalition, Transport Workers Union of Pacific Center for Human Growth Housing Coalition, National Alliance for America, Treatment Action Group, The Pacific Pride Foundation Partnerships in Equity (NAPE), National Al- Trevor Project, True Colors United, The PFLAG Los Angeles

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:39 Feb 26, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A25FE7.021 H25FEPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE H646 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 25, 2021 The GALA Pride and Diversity Center, San Association of Latinos/as/X Motivating Ac- OutFront MN Luis Obispo tion MISSOURI ISM-Q LGBT & Allies Resource Center Bolingbrook Pride The GLO Center Religious Coalition for Reproductive CAAN Joliet Mid-Missouri Center Project, Inc. Right—California Center on Halsted PROMO Sacramento LGBT Community Center Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploi- St. Louis Effort for AIDS San Bernardino LGBTQ Center tation, Chicago Metropolitan Battered Wom- San Diego LGBT Community Center en’s Network, Life Span, & Resilience MONTANA San Gabriel Valley LGBTQ Center Chicago House and Social Service Agency Montana Coalition Against Domestic and SF LGBT Center Clock, Inc Sexual Violence Solano Pride Center Elmhurst Pride Collective Montana Gay Men’s Task Force The Source LGBT+ Center Equality Illinois Montana Two Spirit Society The Spahr Center Howard Brown Health Western Monta LGBTQ Community Center Stonewall Democratic Club Illinois Accountability Initiative NORTH CAROLINA TransFamily Support Services The Liam Foundation Blue Ridge Pride Center, Inc. Uptown Gay and Lesbian Alliance (UG) Lighthouse Foundation Naper Pride Inc. Charlotte Clergy Coalition for Justice COLORADO PFLAG Rockford Equality North Carolina 9to5 Colorado Phoenix Center Guilford Green Foundation & LGBTQ Cen- The Center on Colfax The Pinta Pride Project ter Inside/Out Youth Services Pride Action Tank Latinos in the Deep South One Colorado Quad Citians Affirming Diversity LGBT Center of Raleigh Out Boulder County Resilience, formerly Rape Victim Advo- National Organization for Women Char- Queer Asterisk cates lotte chapter Rocky Mountain CES United Latinx Pride Northstar LGBTQ Community Center CONNECTICUT Women Employed Onslow County LGBTQ+ Community Cen- ter New Haven Pride Center INDIANA Time Out Youth Triangle Community Center Inc. Girls Inc. of Shelbyville & Shelby County Youth OUTright WNC, Inc. True Colors, Inc. Girls Inc. of Wayne County NORTH DAKOTA DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Indiana RCRC North Dakota Human Rights Coalition Asian/Pacific Islander Domestic Violence Indiana Youth Group Resource Project Spencer Pride, Inc. NEBRASKA Spencer Pride CommUnity center The DC Center for the LGBT Community OutNebraska KENTUCKY GLAA NEVADA SMYAL Fairness Campaign Colors+ Trans-Latinx DMV (DC, Maryland and Vir- Kentucky Religious Coalition for Repro- ginia) ductive Choice NEW HAMPSHIRE New Hampshire Coalition Against Domes- DELAWARE Louisville Youth Group Inc. Pride Community Services Organization tic and Sexual Violence CAMP Rehoboth Seacoast Outright (NH/ME) Equality Delaware LOUISIANA Girls Inc. of Delaware Forum for Equality NEW JERSEY Louisiana Progress Action Garden State Equality FLORIDA Louisiana Trans Advocates Hudson Pride Center The Alliance for GLBTQ Youth MASSACHUSETTS Ours Institute—Pride Institute of South- ALSO Youth ern New Jersey BAGLY, Inc. (Boston Alliance of LGBTQ The Center Kissimmee Pride Center of New Jersey Compass LGBTQ Community Center Youth) NEW MEXICO Equality Florida Girls Inc. of Greater Lowell Girls Inc. of Bay County Girls Inc. of the Valley Equality New Mexico Girls Inc. of Sarasota County Girls Inc. of Worcester Girls Inc. of Santa Fe JASMYN JALSA Human Rights Alliance LGBT+ Center Orlando, Inc. Massachusetts Transgender Political Coa- KWH Law Center for Social Justice & LGBT+ Family & Games lition Change LGBTQ Center of Bay County MassEquality Southwest Women’s Law Center Metro Community Center NAGLY (North Shore Alliance of GLBTQ Transgender Resource Center of New Mex- Naples Pride Youth) ico The Pride Center at Equality Park OUT MetroWest Tewa Women United Pride Community Center of North Central MARYLAND NEW YORK Florida The Frederick Center Asian American Federation Pridelines FreeState Justice Association of Legal Aid Attorneys (AA) of PRISM, Inc. Gender Rights Maryland UAW 2325, QLatinx Girls Inc. of Washington County LGBTQ+ Caucus Safe Schools South Florida The Montgomery County LGBT Business Brooklyn Community Pride Center St Pete Pride Council Callen-Lorde Community Health Center SunServe Pride Center of Maryland CANDLE Visuality, Inc. Public Justice Center Destination Tomorrow: The Bronx LGBT Zebra Coalition Ricky’s Pride Center GEORGIA MAINE Empire State Pride Agenda 9to5 Georgia EqualityMaine Equality New York Fairness Alliance and Information Re- Atlanta Pride Committee MICHIGAN Georgia Equality sources of New York Inc. Affirmations LGBTQ+ Community Center Family Counseling Services of the Finger Girls Inc. of Columbus and Phenix-Russell Equality Michigan Lakes, Inc. Lake Oconee Community Church Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce Forefront Church NYC Young Democrats of Georgia Great Lakes Bay Pride Gay & Lesbian Independent Democrats Young Democrats of Georgia LGBTQ Jackson Pride Center (GLID) Caucus LGBT Detroit Gender Equality Law Center IOWA OutCenter of Southwest Michigan Hudson Valley LGBTQ Community Center Adair Co GLBT Resource Center OutFront Kalamazoo In Our Own Voices Girls Inc. of Sioux City Polestar LGBT Community Center of Tra- The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender One Iowa verse City Cty Center Ruth Ellis Center, Inc. LGBT Bar Association of New York IDAHO SAGE Metro Detroit LGBT Network/Long Island LGBT Commu- All Under One Roof Stand with Trans nity Center Transgender Michigan ILLINOIS LGBT Network/Queens LGBT Community AIDS Foundation of Chicago MINNESOTA Center Arab American Family Services Gender Justice The LGBTQ Center of the Finger Lakes

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:39 Feb 26, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A25FE7.021 H25FEPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE February 25, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H647 The LOFT LGBTQ+ Community Center Uplift Outreach Center 15. Central Conference of American Rabbis MinKwon Center for Community Action Women’s Rights and Empowerment Net- 16. Charlotte Clergy Coalition for Justice Out Alliance work (WREN) 17. Chicago Theological Seminary Pride Center of Staten Island SOUTH DAKOTA 18. Christ Church: Portland Pride Center of the Capital Region 19. Covenant Network of Presbyterians Equality South Dakota Pride Center of Western New York 20. Crosswalk Community Church Rockland County Pride Center TENNESSEE 21. DignityUSA Sakhi for South Asian Women Girls Inc. of TN Valley 22. Disciples Justice Action Network Theatre of the Oppressed NYC OUTMemphis 23. Disciples LGBTQ+ Alliance VillageCare Tennessee Equality Project 24. Edmonds Unitarian Universalist Con- The Volunteer Lawyers Project of Onon- TEXAS gregation daga County, Inc. 25. Estuary Space ADL Southwest Region 26. Evangelical Lutheran Church in Amer- NEVADA The Afiya Center ica Colors+ American Association of University 27. Faith in Public Life Equality Nevada Women Texas (AAUW Texas) 28. Faithful America The Gay & Lesbian Community Center of Cathedral of Hope United Church of Christ 29. First Baptist Church of Madison, WI So. Nevada Equality Texas 30. Forefront Church NYC Henderson Equality Center Esperanza Peace and Justice Center 31. Freedom Center for Social Justice The LGBTQ Community Center of South- the Montrose Center 32. Friends Council on Education ern Nevada Open Arms Rape Crisis Center & LGBT+ 33. Global Justice Institute, Metropolitan OUR Center Services Community Churches Silver State Equality—Nevada Pride Center San Antonio 34. Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organi- OHIO Pride Center West Texas zation of America, Inc. Pride Community Center Equality Ohio 35. Hindu American Foundation QWELL Community Foundation Greater Dayton LGBT Center 36. IGNITE MVMT Resource Center Latitude, a community center by Harvey 37. Indiana Religious Coalition for Repro- Texas Freedom Network House ductive Choice Transgender Education Network of Texas LGBT Center at Ohio University 38. Integrity USA: Episcopal Rainbow (TENT) LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleve- 39. Interfaith Alliance land UTAH 40. Interfaith Alliance of Colorado Ohio Religious Coalition for Reproductive Equality Utah 41. Iowa Unitarian Universalist Witness Choice Utah Pride Center and Advocacy Network Stonewall Columbus VIRGINIA 42. Jewish Alliance for Law and Social Ac- TransOhio tion (JALSA) Diversity Richmond Dennis R. Neill Equality Center 43. Jewish Women International Equality Virginia OKLAHOMA 44. JUUstice Washington LGBT Life Center 45. Kentucky Religious Coalition for Re- Freedom Oklahoma Lynchburg Diversity Center productive Choice Oklahomans for Equality NAKASEC Virginia 46. Keshet OREGON Side by Side 47. Lake Oconee Community Church Shenandoah LGBTQ Center Basic Rights Oregon 48. Lakeshore Avenue Baptist Church of Cascade AIDS Project VERMONT Oakland, CA Christ Church: Portland Pride Center Vermont 49. Many Voices: A Black Church Move- Equality Community Center Outright Vermont ment for Gay & Transgender Justice Girls Inc. of the Pacific Northwest 50. MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger Lower Columbia Q Center WASHINGTON 51. Meadville Lombard Theological School Oregon Abuse Advocat Survivors in Serv- Entre Hermanos 52. MECCA Institute ice Equal Rights Washington 53. Missiongathering Christian Church Gay City: Seattle’s LGBTQ Center PENNSYLVANIA 54. Men of Reform Judaism Gender Justice League Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Cen- 55. Methodist Federation for Social Action Legal Voice ter 56. Metropolitan Community Churches Oasis Youth Center Eastern PA Trans Equity Project 57. Michigan Unitarian Universalist Social Rainbow Center Greater Erie Alliance for Equality, Inc Justice Network (MUUSJN) Hugh Lane Wellness Foundation WISCONSIN 58. More Light Presbyterians LGBT Center of Central PA 9to5 Wisconsin 59. Muslim Advocates LGBT Center of Greater Reading AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin 60. Muslim Public Affairs Council LGBT Equality Alliance of Chester County The Center: 7 Rivers LGBTQ Connection 61. Muslims for Progressive Values Mazzoni Center Fair Wisconsin 62. National Council of Jewish Women The Montgomery County LGBT Business LGBT Center of SE Wisconsin 63. NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Council OutReach LGBT Community Center Justice Ni-ta-nee NOW (Centre County, PA) The MKE LGBT Community Center 64. New Hope Unitarian Universalist Con- Religious Coalition for Reproductive Jus- Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual As- gregation tice sault 65. New Ways Ministry Persad Center WEST VIRGINIA 66. Ohio Religious Coalition for Reproduc- PFLAG York Ohio Valley Pride Community Center tive Choice PGH Equality Center 67. Parity Philadelphia Family Pride 68. Pennsylvania Religious Coalition for FAITH FOR EQUALITY Proud Haven Reproductive Justice Religious Coalition for Reproductive Jus- 100+ FAITH-BASED ORGANIZATIONS ENDORSING 69. Rabbinical Assembly tice THE EQUALITY ACT 70. Reconciling Ministries Network Rainbow Rose Center, York County 1. African American Ministers in Action 71. ReconcilingWorks: Lutherans for Full LGBTQ+ Resource Center 2. Alliance of Baptists Participation SAGA Community Center 3. American Conference of Cantors 72. Reconstructing Judaism TriVersity—The UDGLBT Center 4. Anti-Defamation League 73. Reconstructionist Rabbinical Associa- Washington County Gay Straight Alliance, 5. Association of Welcoming and Affirming tion Inc. Baptists 74. Red Letter Christians William Way LGBT Community Center 6. Auburn Seminary 75. Religious Coalition for Reproductive Women’s Law Project 7. Avodah Choice New Voices for Reproductive Justice 8. BALM Ministries 76. Religious Coalition for Reproductive PUERTO RICO 9. Bayard Rustin Liberation Initiative Rights of California Waves Ahead & SAGE Puerto Rico 10. Bend the Arc Jewish Action 77. Religious Institute Waves Ahead Corp Puerto Rico 11. Brethren Mennonite Council for LGBTQ 78. Soulforce RHODE ISLAND Interests 79. Starr King School for the Ministry 12. Carolina Jews for Justice 80. T’ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Adoption Rhode Island 13. Cathedral of Hope United Church of Rights SOUTH CAROLINA Christ 81. The Episcopal Church Pride Link 14. Catholics for Choice 82. The Freedom Center for Social Justice

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:39 Feb 26, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A25FE7.022 H25FEPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE H648 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 25, 2021 83. The United Methodist Church—General FEBRUARY 24, 2021. gentleman from Arizona (Mr. STAN- Board of Church and Society Hon. NANCY PELOSI, TON). 84. UMForward Speaker of the House, Mr. STANTON. Madam Speaker, I 85. Union for Reform Judaism House of Representatives, Washington, DC. rise today in support of the Equality 86. Union of Affirming Christians Hon. KEVIN MCCARTHY, 87. Union Theological Seminary in the City Minority Leader, Act. of New York House of Representatives, Washington, DC. In the fight for LGBTQ-plus equality, 88. Unitarian Universalist Action New DEAR SPEAKER PELOSI AND LEADER MCCAR- we have made significant progress. Hampshire THY: The undersigned trade and professional From Stonewall to the Supreme Court, 89. Unitarian Universalist Advocacy Net- associations write in support of H.R. 5, the there is no doubt we have come a long work of Illinois Equality Act. Equality of opportunity is a 90. Unitarian Universalist Association way, but the unfortunate truth is that key pillar of our great democracy—one that in far too many places discrimination 91. Unitarian Universalist Justice Arizona allows all people to pursue their American 92. Unitarian Universalist Justice Ohio Dream—and part of what makes our nation is still permitted under the law. In pub- 93. Unitarian Universalist Massachusetts exceptional. Our industries, representing and lic facilities, in education institutions, State Action Network employing tens of millions of Americans, un- when applying for jobs, when trying to 94. Unitarian Universalist Justice Ministry derstand this basic fact and have been at the of North Carolina rent or buy a home, discrimination is forefront of efforts to combat discrimination 95. Unitarian Universalists for Social Jus- still permitted under the law. based on sexual orientation and gender iden- tice Many States right now are actively 96. Unitarian Universalist Women’s Fed- tity in the workplace. H.R. 5 would amend several provisions of trying to turn back progress or write eration the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to provide af- discriminatory practices into their own 97. United Church of Christ, Justice and firmative, statutory non-discrimination pro- laws, especially against our Witness Ministries tections for LGBTQ Americans both in the 98. United Synagogue of Conservative Ju- transgender citizens. We can and must workplace and in the community. These pro- daism do better. 99. UU FaithAction NJ tections remain vitally important even after In Arizona, in any place in America, 100. Women of Reform Judaism the Supreme Court’s decision in Bostock v. everyone deserves equal treatment Clayton County. Only legislative action can 101. Women’s Alliance for Theology, Eth- under the law, no matter who they are, ics, and Ritual (WATER) forestall endless litigation, alleviate the un- tenable patchwork of state laws governing who they love, or how they express this form of discrimination, and make clear themselves. NATIONAL COUNCIL that discrimination because of sexual ori- OF JEWISH WOMEN, I fervently support the Equality Act Washington, DC, February 24, 2021. entation or gender identity is unwelcome because we are a Nation that believes and unlawful in our society. DEAR REPRESENTATIVE: I am writing on be- all are created equal and that this In 2019, the Equality Act was introduced on half of the 180,000 volunteers and advocates a bipartisan basis in both the House and Sen- truth is self-evident. Everyone deserves of the National Council of Jewish Women ate, and it passed the House with a bipar- to be seen, to feel heard, to be wel- (NCJW) to urge you to vote for HR 5, the tisan majority. We urge you again to support comed and protected. Equality Act. NCJW believes in kavod the passage of H.R. 5. Mr. JORDAN. Madam Speaker, I re- habriyot, individual dignity. To that end, we Sincerely, serve the balance of my time. are committed to the enactment, enforce- Accessories Council, AAHOAAsian Amer- ment, and preservation of laws and regula- Mr. NADLER. Madam Speaker, I now ican Hotel Owners Association, ACTThe App yield 2 minutes to the distinguished tions that protect civil rights and individual Association, AdvaMed, Aerospace Industries liberties for all. Association, Alliance for Automotive Inno- gentleman from New York (Mr. SEAN The Equality Act, which passed the House vation, American Apparel & Footwear Asso- PATRICK MALONEY). of Representatives in the last Congress, ciation (AAFA), American Benefits Council, Mr. SEAN PATRICK MALONEY of would add explicit protections against dis- American Chemistry Council, American New York. Madam Speaker, I was crimination based on sexual orientation and Cleaning Institute. thinking about my kids as I walked gender identity to our civil rights laws. The American Herbal Products Association, onto the floor today, and I have just bill would also add and expand legal protec- American Hotel & Lodging Association, one question to those who today, with tions for women, people of color, and many American Medical Association, American other communities. Congress must pass the Retirement Association, American Society their votes, would seek to perpetuate Equality Act to protect all individuals from of Association Executives, Association of legal discrimination against millions discrimination regardless of sexual orienta- Home Appliance Manufacturers, Bio- of American families, including mine. tion and gender identity. technology Innovation Organization, Why are they afraid to just say what A majority of LGBTQ people have experi- BSAThe Software Alliance, College and Uni- they really believe? Why hide behind enced harassment or discrimination due to versity Professional Association for Human the ridiculous, embarrassing, easily de- their sexual orientation or gender identity. Resources. A 2020 study by the University of Chicago Consumer Brands Association, Consumer bunked arguments, falsehoods, found that one in three LGBTQ Americans Healthcare Products Association (CHPA), fearmongering about locker rooms and faced identity-based discrimination of some Consumer Technology Association, Council women’s sports and religious practices kind in the past year, with that number in- of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), that will never be harmed? Why not creasing to three in five for transgender peo- Edison Electric Institute, Financial Execu- just say what they really mean? ple. Discrimination happens in the spheres of tives International, FMIThe Food Industry I tell you what, Madam Speaker, I employment, education, housing, public ac- Association, Fragrance Creators, Household will say it for them. Their real argu- commodations, and health care—every part & Commercial Products Association, Infor- ment, the only honest argument, is mation Technology Industry Council (ITI). of a person’s life. LGBTQ people of color, im- that they believe LGBT people are migrants, legal minors, and those with dis- International Franchise Association, Inter- abilities face even more barriers and biases. net Association, Nareit, National Associa- morally inferior and that firing us NCJW supports the Equality Act not in tion of Chain Drug Stores, National Associa- should be permitted. They argue the spite of our religious beliefs, but because of tion of Manufacturers, National Investor Re- longstanding protections we already them. We believe in the inherent dignity and lations Institute (NIRI), National Leased provide in the civil rights laws for reli- worth of all people, including religiously and Housing Association (NLHA), National Mul- gious practice for some reason aren’t non-religiously affiliated people. Civil rights tifamily Housing Council (NMHC), National Restaurant Association, National Retail good enough. Here they demand more protections go hand in hand with religious capacity to hate on gay people than freedom, and the bill does not require any Federation. person to change their religious beliefs nor National Safety Council, National Venture they would ever claim as a religious does it compel religious institutions to par- Capital Association (NVCA), North American right to discriminate on the basis of ticipate in activities that violate the tenets Association of Uniform Manufacturers and race. of their faith. Distributors, Personal Care Products Coun- Would any opponent of this bill argue All people deserve to live free from dis- cil, Pharmaceutical Research and Manufac- that their religion gives them the right turers of America, Retail Industry Leaders crimination and fear regardless of their sex, to deny an African-American couple sexual orientation, and gender identity. I Association, The Center for Baby and Adult Hygiene Products, The Latino Coalition, The service at a restaurant? That is exactly urge you to vote for final passage of the the argument made on this floor 60 Equality Act. Real Estate Roundtable, U.S. Chamber of Sincerely, Commerce, U.S. Tire Manufacturers Associa- years ago when others, making so- tion. JODY RABHAN, called faith-based arguments, sought to Chief Policy Officer, Mr. NADLER. Madam Speaker, I now defeat the civil rights laws in the first National Council of Jewish Women. yield 1 minute to the distinguished place.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:39 Feb 26, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A25FE7.012 H25FEPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE February 25, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H649 The true argument is that their be- It is a remnant from the scrap heap of side of the aisle have spent this debate liefs demand existing discrimination failed legislation from yesteryear. lecturing us about foundational prin- against LGBT people be allowed. That I believe that all Americans should ciples in this country. The is their true argument. That is pro-dis- be treated equally and respected, but foundational document of this great crimination. this bill does not do that. Republic is the Declaration of Inde- Our argument is that discrimination There are lots of concerns to have pendence, with the words: ‘‘We hold is wrong and that it should not be per- with this bill, but today, I am going to these truths to be self-evident, that all mitted, and that the exercise of reli- just highlight two. men are created equal.’’ gion here can be protected just as we First, this bill will have a serious and Those words were eloquent in their do in every other civil rights context— deadly consequence for unborn chil- articulation and complete in their ap- no more, no less. dren. It expands abortion and undoes plication. It did not apply to African It is no wonder, but it is sad, that current Federal law that prohibits the Americans; it did not apply to women; they deny the truth of their position use of Federal funds for abortion. It it did not apply to Native Americans; here. These same Members spread the does so by adding to include ‘‘preg- and it certainly did not apply to mem- incendiary lie that the election was nancy, childbirth, or a related medical bers of the LGBTQ community. stolen and play footsie with dangerous condition,’’ which has been recognized Now, we have come a long way in conspiracy groups who attacked this by courts and the EEOC to mean abor- America, but we still have a long way building. They tell us mask-wearing in- tion, to the definition of sex. to go. The progress has been made, as fringes on their rights despite a public I am reminded of when I used to work the great Barbara Jordan once indi- health emergency. at the United Nations and would at- cated, through a process of amendment They deny school shootings are real tend conferences throughout the world. and ratification and court decision and or that a plane hit the Pentagon. Let The code language in the United Na- legislation. That is what we are doing history record the vote today. One side tions documents, in international law, today. votes for love. was enforced pregnancy. That meant If you believe in liberty and justice Mr. JORDAN. Madam Speaker, I will abortion. That meant you could not for all, support the Equality Act. If you read from the bill, page 25 of their leg- proscribe abortion. This bill takes that believe in equal protection under the islation. same tack. law, support the Equality Act. If you The previous speaker, Madam Speak- This bill also states that pregnancy, believe truly, as my religion teaches er, is just flat-out wrong. Here is what childbirth, or a related medical condi- me, that we are all God’s children, sup- it says: The Religious Freedom Res- tion shall not receive less favorable port the Equality Act. toration Act shall not—shall not—pro- treatment than other physical condi- Love does not discriminate; neither vide a claim or a defense to a claim tions. That is that same tack that is in should the law. under the legislation or provide a basis international documents. This means Mr. JORDAN. Mr. Speaker, I reserve for challenging the application of this that abortion cannot be treated dif- the balance of my time. bill. ferently than other medical conditions, Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, I now They put it in the bill. You can’t use and therefore abortion will be pro- yield 1 minute to the distinguished the standards set forth in RFRA that tected by our civil rights laws. That is gentlewoman from Washington (Ms. was passed. You can’t even use that as not about equality; that is about ex- JAYAPAL). a defense. It is spelled out in the legis- panding abortion. Ms. JAYAPAL. Mr. Speaker, I rise lation. Secondly, this bill will negatively today in strong support of the Equality As my colleague from Louisiana said, impact all Americans whose religious Act. the very first right mentioned in the beliefs influence their actions. This bill I am the proud mom of a trans kid. I very first amendment to the Constitu- makes crystal clear that an individ- will fight every single day for every tion, in the very first amendment of ual’s religious beliefs do not matter, as trans person, every LGBTQ person, in- the Bill of Rights, is your right to my colleague from Ohio just referred cluding my kid, to explore and express practice your faith the way you see fit. to. This bill specifically prevents the fullness of their gender without And they put in their legislation: No, Americans from relying on the Reli- fear or risk of being fired, denied hous- you can’t. No, you can’t. gious Freedom Restoration Act, which ing, or refused service because of their That is what is in the bill. That is was a bipartisan bill in 1993 signed by sexual orientation or gender identity. why they didn’t want a hearing, as pre- President Clinton. Mr. Speaker, in 2020, over one in vious speakers said, because they This bill says specifically the Reli- three LGBTQ Americans faced dis- didn’t want us to be able to talk about gious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 crimination, including over three in this in a hearing where you have testi- shall not provide a claim concerning or five transgender Americans. In the mony, witnesses. They didn’t want defense to a claim under a covered title midst of a pandemic, nearly 3 in 10 that. or provide a basis for challenging the LGBTQ Americans faced difficulties They come to the floor, and as my application or enforcement of a cov- accessing medical care, including over colleague from Texas said, give this a ered title. half of transgender Americans. fancy name while they are taking away How can you say with a straight face The Equality Act guarantees protec- American citizens’ most fundamental that this bill does not impede or stomp tion under the law, no matter who you liberty, the liberty the Founders chose on someone’s right of conscience or love or your gender identity. It was to mention the very first right in the right of religious worship? It is set President Abraham Lincoln who said Bill of Rights. forth. It is specific. Who can deny that? those who deny freedom for others de- That is why we oppose this legisla- This bill, if enacted, will mean that serve it not for themselves. tion. Americans will not be able to act in ac- So today, as we pass the Equality Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to cordance with their religious beliefs. Act, we vote ‘‘aye’’ for Janak, for Evie, the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. They will be forced to set their reli- for so many thousands more of our BIGGS). gious beliefs aside or face con- kids. Mr. BIGGS. Madam Speaker, I rise sequences. This is unacceptable. This is Ms. JAYAPAL. We say to every today in opposition to this bill. un-American. LGBTQ person: We see you. We hear Despite its name, this bill is not For these and many other reasons, I you. about equality. It does attack religious oppose this bill and urge my colleagues Mr. JORDAN. Mr. Speaker, I reserve freedom, freedom of expression, free- to do the same. the balance of my time. dom of association, and all the impor- Mr. NADLER. Madam Speaker, I now Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, I now tant rights recognized in the First yield 1 minute to the distinguished yield 1 minute to the distinguished Amendment. This bill is about forcing gentleman from New York (Mr. gentlewoman from Pennsylvania (Ms. the ideas and beliefs of the far left on JEFFRIES). DEAN). all Americans. It is about government Mr. JEFFRIES. Madam Speaker, Ms. DEAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank our control over every aspect of your life. some of my colleagues on the other chairman, and I thank Representative

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:39 Feb 26, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K25FE7.035 H25FEPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE H650 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 25, 2021 DAVID CICILLINE for his tireless leader- codifying what was in the Constitu- gious exemptions, there are many ques- ship in leading us to this day. All tion. tions that will arise. Americans deserve to be treated equal- I thought so much about my dear Title II of the Civil Rights Act cur- ly regardless of their gender identity or friend, the late Bishop Harry Jackson. rently prohibits discrimination in sexual orientation. He and I had stood inside this Capitol places of public accommodation on the I do have to wonder, Mr. Speaker, together for years trying to protect basis of race, color, religion, or na- what are those on the other side who Christian rights. I miss Harry and I tional origin. are arguing against this wise legisla- think about him a lot. The Equality Act would dramatically tion afraid of? Equal treatment for And let me say, not as articulately, expand the definition of public accom- their LGBTQ family and friends? Why but for heaven’s sake, you have got modation to include any place of public would they make such arguments? these rights. Allow people who believe gathering or any establishment that We must continue to strive for the what Moses said when he said: A man provides a service, such as food banks equality of the LGBTQ community. shall leave his father and mother, a or homeless shelters. Voting ‘‘yes’’ on the Equality Act fur- woman leave her home, the two will be- Every religion and faith in America thers this fight and helps us live up to come one flesh. has had its own set of beliefs. Some of the promise of this Nation. As Bayard Let them be able to practice the these, including Christian, Jewish, and Rustin, an openly gay Black civil teaching of Moses. When Jesus was Muslim religions, are thousands of rights leader, said: ‘‘Let us be enraged asked about marriage, he said—he years old and answer to a much higher about injustice, but let us not be de- quoted Moses verbatim. Please allow power. stroyed by it.’’ Christians who believe what Jesus said My personal faith, as a member of The Equality Act is a necessary step to practice that. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- in addressing injustice by advancing Allow preachers who took oaths to day Saints, teaches me that every indi- the rights of Americans nationwide be- practice it. Allow them to do that. vidual is a child of God and deserves to cause we are all God’s children. The Don’t take away the rights the Con- be treated with love and respect. passage of this legislation is an impor- stitution gave, and don’t take away My religion also teaches that mar- tant step in forming a more perfect decades of rights that women have riage is sacred and eternal in nature. Union. worked for and earned and just give it The marriage ceremonies conducted in Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield away to men. the sacred places of my faith are con- the balance of my time to the gentle- Ms. DEAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 ducted in temples that must not be woman from Pennsylvania (Ms. DEAN), minute to the gentleman from Mary- deemed places of public accommoda- and I ask unanimous consent that she land (Mr. RASKIN). tion. may control that balance. Mr. RASKIN. Mr. Speaker, it is a If houses of worship are defined as The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. great day for America when we are ad- places of public accommodation, a SEAN PATRICK MALONEY of New York). vancing the civil rights of all Ameri- number of problems arise, many having Is there objection to the request of the cans, and that is what the Equality Act nothing to do with LGBT rights. gentleman from New York? does. For example, could an orthodox Jew- There was no objection. All of the free exercise constitutional ish synagogue decline to permit an Mr. JORDAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 arguments being advanced today— The interfaith couple from having their minutes to the gentleman from Texas SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman wedding ceremony in the synagogue? (Mr. GOHMERT). will suspend. Will the gentleman please Could a traditional mosque conduct Mr. GOHMERT. Mr. Speaker, for put his mask on. gender-segregated classes for youth years we have been hearing what we Mr. RASKIN. Mr. Speaker, all of the programs? are hearing today: Look, we just want constitutional arguments being ad- Could a Catholic church’s homeless the same rights everybody else has. vanced today by our colleagues have shelter have separate housing for men But we also heard for years: We just been decisively repudiated and rejected and women? want to live and let live. by their hero, Justice Antonin Scalia, Could BYU or other church-owned I have got news for all of my friends in the 1990 decision Employment Divi- universities continue hiring those indi- across the aisle that don’t know. There sion v. Smith, where Justice Scalia, for viduals who follow its standards? is a right to the marriage you are the Court, emphasized that there is no Democrats claim the purpose of in- claiming you need this bill for that the religious free exercise exemption from troducing the Equality Act is not to Supreme Court has already said you secular laws of universal application, impede religious freedom. In fact, have. It is there. including civil rights laws, including Democrats claim that the existing laws So what this bill, the so-called Equal- child labor laws, including child abuse are enough to protect religious free- ity Act, is really about, it is not about laws. And every scoundrel in American dom. giving rights. This is about taking history has tried to dress up his or her But why, then, leave these crucial away rights. You have the rights. But opposition to other people’s civil rights matters unclear and threaten people of this is saying that part of the First in religious garb. faith? Amendment, ‘‘Congress shall make no We saw that in 1964, in the Heart of Why not accept an amendment to the law respecting an establishment of re- Atlanta Motel case and in the Ollie’s Equality Act that clearly exempts reli- ligion, or prohibiting the free exercise Barbecue case, where motel owners, gious organizations? thereof,’’ that has to go. hotel owners, lunch counter owners Why remove the protections of the came in and said: We have a religious Religious Freedom Restoration Act? b 1415 free exercise right not to serve inter- The First Amendment right to prac- And just like my friend read from racial groups or interracial couples. We tice our faith is at the core of our Na- page 25, the Religious Freedom Res- don’t want to allow an interracial cou- tion’s culture. Our moral compass of toration Act of 1993, that has got to go. ple—you get where I am going. service, tolerance, kindness, and char- You can no longer—after this bill, you Mr. JORDAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 ity stems from our Judeo-Christian can no longer use that as a defense minutes to the gentleman from Utah foundation. No law should take us when we sue your church, we sue your (Mr. OWENS). down the slippery slope of forgetting preacher. Male or female, it doesn’t Mr. OWENS. Mr. Speaker, I thank this legacy, regardless of its title. matter. We are coming after you. If we the gentleman from Ohio for yielding. When Congress wants to protect reli- sue a Rabbi, you can’t hide behind the Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposi- gious expressions, it knows how to do First Amendment or this Religious tion to the Equality Act. so. The last major civil rights law en- Freedom Restoration Act. The issues discussed as part of the acted by Congress was the Americans It won’t help you because we are say- Equality Act are important. Amending with Disabilities Act. It contains a ing you don’t have those rights the the Civil Rights Act to include sexual clear and explicit religious exemption. Constitution gave you. That is all orientation would be a historic step. Why not make the law clear to pro- RFRA was to begin with. It was just Unfortunately, without explicit reli- mote civil rights and religious liberty?

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:39 Feb 26, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K25FE7.036 H25FEPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE February 25, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H651 That would be the historic and uni- consider its vast implications for edu- Act, a groundbreaking piece of legisla- fying thing to do. cational institutions and employers. tion that will grant equal protection Ms. DEAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 This legislation would require our under the law to our LGBTQ friends, minutes to the gentleman from New Nation’s K–12 schools to treat gender family, neighbors, as well as to me and York (Mr. JONES). as being fluid, subjective, and not tied my family. Mr. JONES. Mr. Speaker, it is not to biological reality. As the first openly lesbian wife and often that this Chamber does remark- H.R. 5 also threatens religious free- mother in Congress and the first able things. Today, we pass the Equal- dom protections for all Americans and LGBTQ Member of Congress from the ity Act, which includes my bill, the Federal funding for religiously affili- great State of Minnesota, I know this Juror Non-Discrimination Act. ated colleges and universities. legislation is the culmination of a life- This has been a long time coming and Under this bill, student codes of con- time of work for so many. it represents progress that, for me, was duct, hiring practices, and housing My wife, Cheryl, and I have built a unbelievable when I was growing up. rules that reflect sincerely held beliefs beautiful life together raising four sons You see, to grow up poor, Black, and about marriage and sexuality would be who we dearly love. We are fortunate gay is to not see yourself anywhere. It deemed discriminatory, eroding First to live in Minnesota, in a State where is also to feel completely unseen, as so Amendment rights. many of the Equality Act’s protections many people around you invalidate In addition, the definitions in this have already been enshrined into law. your very existence. Growing up, I bill are vague and would subject em- Right now, there are States across watched helplessly as opportunistic, ployers and other covered organiza- this country where it would be entirely straight politicians—mostly White, tions to increase litigation risks. legal for Cheryl and I to be discrimi- mostly male—used my basic human The bill also fails to advocate for the nated against—based on our love and rights as a political football to further unborn, which is why I urge support for commitment to one another—in hous- their careers. my amendment that will protect any- ing, employment, access to credit, or Had this legislation been enacted one, including religiously affiliated any other number of areas essential to when I was growing up, it would have groups and individuals, from being just living our lives. been direct evidence of the fact that forced to perform abortions. b 1430 Masquerading as a proposal to guar- things really do get better, that I Now, some of my colleagues seem to antee fundamental civil rights to all didn’t have to hide or cry so much. believe this legislation somehow could Americans, H.R. 5 is nothing more than Thankfully, since childhood, things harm our non-LGBTQ women and girls, a partisan ploy to destroy religious lib- have gotten better, but that hasn’t but that couldn’t be further from the erty and educational opportunities for been because of the mere passage of truth. time. It has been because LGBTQ advo- girls. Shameful doesn’t even begin to The Equality Act does not undermine cates made life better. describe this bill. the achievements or aspirations of non- Today, we send a powerful message This is no way to legislate, but for LGBTQ. In fact, by amending the Civil to millions of LGBTQ people around House Democrats, silencing the voices Rights Act to prohibit discrimination the country and, indeed, around the of the minority and millions of hard- on the basis of sex in a broad area of world that they are seen, that they are working Americans is business as life, we are fighting to ensure that all valued, that their lives are worthy of usual. women are treated equally in all as- being protected. Ms. DEAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 pects of their lives. How remarkable that is, Mr. Speak- minute to the gentlewoman from Mis- The Equality Act is critical because er. souri (Ms. BUSH). when LGBTQ people have equality Mr. JORDAN. Mr. Speaker, I would Ms. BUSH. Mr. Speaker, St. Louis under the law, we all benefit and all of just point out that a few speakers ago, and I rise today in support of the our communities are stronger. the gentleman from Maryland used the Equality Act because all people deserve Mr. Speaker, as a teenage girl grow- term ‘‘religious garb.’’ to live safely and freely. ing up in rural America, I never could A physician’s conscience, a physi- When we say that Black lives matter, have imagined I would finally see this cian’s faith, which compels him or her we mean that every Black life matters; legislation come to the House floor, not to take the life of an unborn child that Black trans lives matter; that much less as a Member of this body to is not religious garb. That is a deeply Nina Pop’s life mattered. see it passed. This legislation is nec- held position of conscience and posi- When we protect the lives of our essary, it is long overdue, and I urge tion of faith. trans family, our unhoused neighbors, my colleagues to support it. Mr. Speaker, to have a Member from our sex workers, our youth, we build a Mr. JORDAN. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the other side raise that argument country where everyone can thrive, not the balance of my time. when we have specifically pointed to just survive. Ms. DEAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 the First Amendment, pointed to page For so many in St. Louis, this bill minutes to the gentleman from New 25 of the bill, which says ‘‘the Religious will be the difference between life and Hampshire (Mr. PAPPAS). Freedom Restoration Act will not death. Missouri has not only stalled Mr. PAPPAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in apply,’’ is ridiculous. justice, but actively denied justice for strong support of the Equality Act. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the our LGBTQIA-plus community. This This landmark legislation will bring gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. legislation will mean the difference be- our Nation closer to the promise of its FOXX). tween having a safe place to call home founding and will change the lives of Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I thank my and being unhoused because, to date, in generations of LGBTQ Americans for colleague from Ohio for yielding, and I the year 2021, that kind of discrimina- the better. This should be one of the completely agree with him on his com- tion still exists. easiest and most-affirming votes we ments. We rise to tell our LGBTQIA commu- ever take. Equality is, after all, a self- Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to nity: Not only do you matter, but you evident truth. It is part of the bedrock H.R. 5, yet another harmful bill that are loved and you are cared for, and we of this Nation. has been rushed to the House floor got your back. Throughout our history, the march without thorough bipartisan consider- Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman NAD- toward full equality has brought more ation. It claims to strive for equality, LER and Representative CICILLINE for Americans of diverse backgrounds into but, in practice, this bill undermines their work on this. the heart and soul of this country. To- the constitutional religious freedoms Mr. JORDAN. Mr. Speaker, I reserve day’s vote is another important mile- guaranteed to all Americans. the balance of my time. stone along that path. Once again, abandoning long-estab- Ms. DEAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 Americans in 29 States can be denied lished House procedures, Democrats minutes to the gentlewoman from Min- housing, education, credit, or other are pushing a conveniently titled bill nesota (Ms. CRAIG). services, simply because of who they without convening one hearing or Ms. CRAIG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today are. That this can happen in our coun- markup during the 117th Congress to to offer my support to the Equality try in 2021 is a grave injustice that

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:39 Feb 26, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K25FE7.039 H25FEPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE H652 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 25, 2021 must be corrected with this vote. And ‘‘Is it really harmless to tell a child to discrimination, and dozens of by passing this bill, we can also send who still believes in the tooth fairy transgender and gender-nonconforming an unequivocal message to every that he is of the opposite sex? people were violently killed last year. LGBTQ American and their families: ‘‘If a 10-year-old girl is uncomfort- And LGBTQ youth are almost 5 times ‘‘You matter. You have dignity. Your able with her developing body and sud- as likely to have attempted suicide country sees you and has your back.’’ denly insists she is a boy, affirmative compared to heterosexual youth due to Growing up in New Hampshire, I care means blocking this girl’s puberty discrimination. It is past time we put never thought I could live as my au- with powerful drugs.’’ an end to this. A vote against the thentic self. Thankfully, I have a lov- America, wake up. This is the brave, Equality Act is a vote for discrimina- ing family and a welcoming commu- new world that House Democrats pro- tion, plain and simple. nity who embraced me as a young per- pose under the name ‘‘equality.’’ The Mr. Speaker, this isn’t Iran or Soma- son, and I am fortunate to live in a parents of every daughter, who has lia or Russia. This is America. Show State that has already added sexual ever poured their hearts into a sport human dignity for others by offering orientation and gender identity to its should be outraged that their daugh- equal treatment under the law. That is civil rights statutes. ter’s dreams and hopes no longer mat- the Equality Act. But too many other LGBTQ Ameri- ter to their own Representative. Mr. JORDAN. Mr. Speaker, I reserve cans live in fear of sharing their truth, Every parent who would give their the balance of my time. and millions live in fear that the law life to protect their child should be Ms. DEAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 won’t protect them from discrimina- livid that this bill is about to replace minute to the gentlewoman from Cali- tion when they need it. them with bureaucrats who can admin- fornia (Ms. PELOSI). Look, we are not asking for anything ister puberty-blocking drugs on their Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I thank any other American doesn’t already child’s say-so. the gentlewoman for yielding and for enjoy. We just want to be treated the And every American should be scared her leadership on this important issue. same. We just want politicians in as hell to realize the ideological extre- Mr. Speaker, I rise to join our entire Washington to catch up with the times mism that is now running rampant be- caucus in saluting Congressman DAVID and the Constitution. No one deserves hind the razor-wired militarized U.S. CICILLINE, our longtime champion of the Equality Act, who has been coura- to be treated as a second-class citizen Capitol. It is hard to believe that we geous, relentless, and persistent in his in this country just for being them- once called it ‘‘the people’s House.’’ Let this be a wake-up call to every leadership for this legislation. selves. We are proud to bring this important Mr. Speaker, let’s pass the Equality voter. If you elect enough radicals to legislation to the House floor under the Act. Let’s achieve full equality under the Congress, you will get a radical leadership of the most diverse House the law, and let’s pass this bill with a Congress. Ms. DEAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 Democratic majority—nearly 70 per- strong, affirming vote today. cent women, people of color, and Mr. JORDAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Wis- LGBTQ, with 224 cosponsors on this minutes to the gentleman from Cali- consin (Mr. POCAN). legislation. fornia (Mr. MCCLINTOCK). Mr. POCAN. Mr. Speaker, now I had a different speech I was going to give Mr. Speaker, as many of us were Mr. MCCLINTOCK. Mr. Speaker, this gathered together nearly 5 years ago to law could not be plainer. It says gender today about the Equality Act. As an openly gay Member of Congress, mar- first introduce the Equality Act, that is not a question of genetics, but of day in the LBJ room, on the Senate personal choice. And leftist dogma now ried to my husband, Phil, for 14 years, I was going to talk about the need for side, named after the President who calls for this doctrine to be imposed fought for and signed the Civil Rights equal treatment under the law for ev- under force of law, and the effect is Act, we stood with an icon of the civil eryone, regardless of who they love. frightening. rights struggle, our colleague John Human kindness, respect for others— States that have adopted similar Lewis, the conscience of Congress. laws have threatened safe spaces for pretty basic stuff. But the new QAnon The Civil Rights Act is a sacred pil- women and intimidated the free exer- vibe in this body has gone too far. lar of freedom in our country. It is not cise of conscience. But let me focus on For many in this Chamber, this isn’t amended lightly. So how proud were we a debate about whether or not you just two aspects: How this destroys to be with our beloved JOHN LEWIS and women’s sports and renders parents should be legally discriminated against the Congressional Black Caucus—many powerless to protect their own chil- for who you love. You won’t hear that of whom are here now, MAXINE dren. debate because they can’t win on hate WATERS, Mr. GREEN, and others, thank Selina Soule, a teenager, worked her alone. The public doesn’t agree with you—as they gave their imprimatur to heart out and qualified for the Con- them. the opening of the Civil Rights Act to necticut State championship track So instead, some are debating that end discrimination against LGBTQ meet a few years ago. This is her expe- this bill discriminates based on reli- Americans. rience: gion, which it doesn’t, because it treats And we remember John Lewis’ life, She said, ‘‘Eight of us lined up at the everyone the same under the law. we remember his words spoken at the starting line . . . but when six of us And some are debating an even sillier Pride parade in Atlanta. Shortly before were only about three-quarters into notion: That somehow a man will pre- being diagnosed with cancer, he said, the race, two girls were already across tend to be a woman to win in women’s ‘‘We are one people and one family. We the finish line. . . . sports—a crazy, made-up fantasy no- all live in the same House . . . ‘’ ‘‘What just happened? Two boys iden- tion. Mr. Speaker, as we prepare to pass tifying as girls happened. This new QAnon spirit across the this landmark legislation, we must sa- ‘‘Fair is no longer the norm. The aisle is also occurring in a nasty and lute the countless advocates, activists, chance to advance, the chance to win hateful way. A lead GOP opponent of outside organizers and mobilizers, who has been all over for us. . . . this bill actually posted an anti-trans have for decades demanded full rights ‘‘This policy will take away our med- poster on the wall outside her office di- for all Americans. Personally, my als, records, scholarships and dreams.’’ rectly and intentionally across from a thoughts are with my friends, the late An anguished mother named Elaine, Democratic Member of Congress with a Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin, who told her story: She said, ‘‘Let me ex- trans daughter. Wow. That is classy. shared their lives together for decades. plain to you how this works. . . . Ques- Mr. Speaker, really, is that where we I have spoken of them with their photo tioning a child’s professed gender iden- are here today? Who can out-crazy, here on the floor year in and year out. tity is now illegal. out-tastelessly act to prove to the base They were members, as so many of us ‘‘So, if a little boy is 5 years old and that they will say or do anything to in San Francisco, who for decades were believes he is the opposite sex, affirma- score points and show how inconsid- engaged in civic engagement on many tive care means going along with his erate they can be to a colleague to just issues, including those issues related to beliefs. Parents are encouraged to refer get social media clickbait? LGBTQ rights. They were an inspira- to him as their ‘daughter’ and let him Here are the facts: One in four tion, teaching us to take ‘‘pride.’’ And choose a feminine name. . . . transgender people have lost a job due I say that with pride.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:39 Feb 26, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K25FE7.041 H25FEPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE February 25, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H653 When people say to me, ‘‘It is easy wish that it weren’t. Sometimes I just Act became law. But we know that for you to support LGBTQ equality be- wonder why it is. But it is sadly nec- housing and lending discrimination re- cause you are from San Francisco essary because many members of the mains a widespread problem. Former where people are so tolerant.’’ Toler- national LGBTQ community live in President Trump and his administra- ant? To me, that is a condescending States where, though they have the tion were shameful and cruel adver- word. This is not about tolerance. right to marry, they have no State- saries to justice and civil rights and This is about respect. This is about level nondiscrimination protections in worked to gut protections against taking pride for Phyllis and Del and other areas of life. housing and lending discrimination. the older LGBTQ couples, for them, for Mr. Speaker, in more than 20 States, According to the National Fair Hous- LGBTQ workers striving to provide for LGBTQ Americans do not have specific ing Alliance, sex discrimination made their families, and for LGBTQ youth protections against being denied hous- up the fourth greatest basis for com- struggling to find their place, this is an ing because of their sexual orientation plaints in 2019. As housing discrimina- historic, transformative moment of or gender identity, and over 30 States tion continues to harm an estimated 6 pride. lack protections regarding access to to 8 million people in the U.S., LGBTQ- Here in the House, this pride goes education. Nearly 40 States lack pro- plus youth, in particular, remain at back for many years. When we first got tections regarding jury service. greater risk of homelessness compared the majority in 2006 and 2007, House Mr. Speaker, passing the Equality to non-LGBTQ-plus youth, and same- Democrats had four goals relating to Act in the last Congress was historic, a sex couples are more likely to be de- equality. Passing a comprehensive hate day of hope and happiness for millions. nied a mortgage loan compared to crimes bill—and when I say comprehen- Now, with the Democratic Senate ma- hetero-sex couples. sive, I mean, LGBTQ—‘‘TQ’’. ‘‘T’’. Peo- jority and President Biden in the White This legislation takes key steps to ple said to us at the time, Take out the House and Vice President HARRIS there codify existing protections for our ‘‘T’’ and you can pass this bill in a as well, we will pass it once more and LGBTQ-plus neighbors under civil minute. we will never stop fighting until it be- rights statutes, including the Fair I said, If we take out the ‘‘T,’’ we are comes law. We will never stop fighting Housing Act and the Equal Credit Op- not going to pass this bill in 100 years until the Equality Act becomes law. portunity Act, and is similar to provi- because we are not bringing it up with- sions included in H.R. 166, a fair lend- b 1445 out the word ‘‘transgender’’ in the bill. ing proposal by Representative AL We passed the bill with the help of Let me conclude by returning to GREEN. My committee has convened Barney Frank, our former colleague, John Lewis and recalling his words several hearings on this topic, includ- and the family of Matthew Shepard spoken on this House floor on the pas- ing one this week, about ongoing lend- who came here, touched our hearts, sage of the Equality Act the first time. ing discrimination. and got the votes to help us pass the John Lewis said: We have a decision to I thank Representative CICILLINE for legislation. end discrimination and set all of our authoring this bill and Chair NADLER Then we had ‘‘Don’t ask, don’t tell.’’ people free. for his leadership. I urge my colleagues And under the leadership of President And set all of our people free. Today, to please support this important bill Obama and the courage of so many with this legislation, we have an oppor- that will ensure equal access to hous- Members—Patrick Murphy, our former tunity to set all of our people free and ing and wealth-building opportunities colleague and an Iraq combat vet lead- to advance the future of justice, equal- for generations to come by expressly ing the way here—we repealed ‘‘Don’t ity, and dignity for all. prohibiting discrimination on the basis ask, don’t tell.’’ Mr. Speaker, I urge a strong bipar- of sexual orientation or gender iden- Thank you, President Obama. tisan vote for the Equality Act, salute tity. Mr. Speaker, securing marriage Mr. CICILLINE and Senate MERKLEY on Mr. JORDAN. Mr. Speaker, I include equality was done for us by the courts. the Senate side for their leadership, in the RECORD a statement from the I took great pride in attending the oral and commend the distinguished chair Log Cabin Republicans opposing the arguments when that was argued in the of the Judiciary Committee for once legislation on the floor today. LCR’s official statement: courts, and what a victory it was for again bringing this to the floor. Thank As part of the Democrats’ hard shift to the liberty and justice in our country when you, Congresswoman, for your leader- left, they continue to trample on the rights that decision came down. ship on this issue as well. and freedoms of all Americans in the name of Our next item on the agenda was Mr. Speaker, I urge an ‘‘aye’’ vote. equality and ‘equity.’ something called ENDA, ending dis- Ms. DEAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unani- Today, House Democrats are ramming crimination in the workplace. Well, it mous consent that the gentleman from through their latest version of the so-called ‘‘Equality Act.’’ We opposed this legislation is really called Employment Non- New York (Mr. NADLER), the chairman in the past, and we oppose it as it stands discrimination Act, hence the ENDA. of the Judiciary Committee, control today. This is a partisan piece of legisla- But then with the successes that we the balance of the time on our side. tion—it has no Republican cosponsors in the had, it was, Why are we just talking The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there House. And the insidious nature of the ex- about the workplace? Why aren’t we objection to the request of the gentle- treme changes it will make would irrep- talking about every place in our soci- woman from Pennsylvania? arably harm America and all of the accom- ety? And, hence, came forth ENDA There was no objection. plishments we’ve worked so hard for over the which became the Equality Act, fi- Mr. JORDAN. Mr. Speaker, could I last few decades. nally, fully, ending anti-LGBTQ dis- inquire about the amount of time re- Below, please find a complete review of this legislation from our editorial and re- crimination on employment, edu- maining on each side? search teams at OUTSpoken. cation, housing, credit, jury service, The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- Let me be clear—Log Cabin Republicans is and public accommodation. It removes tleman from Ohio has 161⁄2 minutes re- not now, nor will it ever retreat on our com- all doubt that sexual orientation and maining. The gentleman from New mitment for equality for the LGBT commu- gender identity warrants civil rights York has 193⁄4 minutes remaining. nity—the transgender community included. protection in every arena of American Mr. JORDAN. Mr. Speaker, I reserve We stand for protections in employment, ac- life. the balance of my time. cess to quality healthcare, and equal protec- tion under the law for our trans brothers and Codifying the recent decision made Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, I now sisters. by the U.S. Supreme Court in the yield 2 minutes to the distinguished But the so-called Equality Act goes to an Bostock case, it takes a momentous gentlewoman from California (Ms. extreme level to eliminate the concept of step towards full equality that brings WATERS). gender, which is absurd, dangerous, and way our Nation closer to the founding Ms. WATERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in out of the mainstream. promise of liberty and justice for all strong support of H.R. 5, the Equality We’re going to work through this together enshrined in the preamble of our Con- Act, a critical piece of civil rights leg- as a community and a nation, but the Equal- ity Act is not the solution. stitution by our Founders in their islation. Thank you for your consideration we will great wisdom—also, in our pledge to Half a century ago, the Fair Housing keep you informed of developments as they the flag. And it is sadly necessary, I Act and the Equal Credit Opportunity occur.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:39 Feb 26, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K25FE7.042 H25FEPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE H654 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 25, 2021 Mr. JORDAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 try. And it was necessary, and it was a voting for legislation that, if enacted, minutes to the gentleman from North moral evil. This bill flips that bill on would make me equal in the eyes of the Carolina (Mr. BISHOP). its head, and it says to every indi- law. Mr. BISHOP of North Carolina. I vidual: A condition of your partici- As the first LGBTQ Afro-Latino thank the gentleman for yielding. pating in the economic life of the coun- Member of Congress, I feel palpably the I noted that, at the outset, the bill try is that you buy all in, you buy into weight of history on my shoulders. On sponsor, the gentleman from Rhode Is- this lock, stock, and barrel. If you do behalf of my community, I am here to land, said that every community de- not, you will be cut out of the eco- claim what discrimination denies: serves to be treated with dignity and nomic life of this country. equal protection under the law. respect. Every community deserves to There is no dignity and respect in Indeed, we are here to uphold the be treated with dignity and respect. that. abiding truth of the American experi- The problem with this misnamed bill Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, I now ment, that we are all created equal and is that it does not treat every commu- yield 2 minutes to the distinguished that none of us should be evicted, fired, nity with dignity and respect. You gentleman from California (Mr. or denied accommodations and services have heard from previous speakers that TAKANO). simply because of who we are and be- this bill takes pains to say your ear- Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I thank cause of whom we love. nestly held religious beliefs are no de- Chairman NADLER for yielding. We are equal by nature, and we ought fense. ‘‘We the people’’ is a bold opening to be equal by law. The logic of equal- What else does it do? Well, the basic statement enshrined in our Constitu- ity is as simple as that. way the legislation operates is to in- tion. But for far too long, LGBTQ Yesterday, a Member of Congress sert or substitute for the word ‘‘sex’’ as Americans have not been included in said that the Equality Act was ‘‘dis- a protected classification the phrase that statement. gusting, evil, immoral.’’ I wish to set ‘‘sex, including sexual orientation and A gay couple can get married in all 50 the record straight. gender identity.’’ If it did nothing States. A trans worker has legal pro- What is truly immoral and disgusting more, it would be an echo of the tections from discrimination in the and evil is discrimination. It always Bostock decision in June. But it does workplace. But despite this progress, a has been, and it always will be. Dis- do more. lesbian mom can be denied housing in crimination denies us our deepest hu- It defines the term ‘‘included,’’ so most States because of her sexual ori- manity. The profound degradation it ‘‘sex, including sexual orientation and entation. A queer person can be turned causes has no place in a society that gender identity.’’ If you go to the defi- away from serving on a jury. pledges liberty and justice for all. nition section, ‘‘including’’ is defined In 27 States, there are no laws pro- So I hope that my colleagues, all of to mean ‘‘including, but not limited tecting people from discrimination on them, will find the moral courage to to.’’ ‘‘Including but not limited to,’’ the basis of sexual orientation or gen- uphold what the Declaration of Inde- why is that? What else does the bill in- der identity in education, housing, and pendence promises and what the Equal- tend to do that the bill declines to public accommodation, and this is ity Act delivers: life, liberty, and the state? wrong. No person, no matter where pursuit of happiness for all of us, with- Most significantly, Mr. Speaker, is they live in America, should face dis- out exception, without discrimination. that the bill removes the play in the crimination. Equality should not de- Mr. JORDAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 joints. Let me explain what I mean. pend on the ZIP Code where you live. minutes to the gentleman from Florida Concerning the public accommodations Now is the time for ‘‘we the people’’ to (Mr. STEUBE). title, Title II of the 1964 Civil Rights include LGBTQ Americans. Mr. STEUBE. Mr. Speaker, unlike Act, which, by the way, didn’t cover My Republican colleagues are des- most speeches you will hear on this sex, it defined what a public accommo- perately trying to derail this legisla- floor today, I am going to start with dation was for the purpose of ceasing tion by cloaking their bigotry with the truth. the discrimination against Black high-minded arguments about religious Deuteronomy 22:5 states: A woman Americans in public accommodations. freedom and appealing to people’s must not wear men’s clothing, nor a What it said was, and it had a lot of worst instincts with transphobic at- man wear women’s clothing, for the synonyms, but hotels, restaurants, the- tacks and grossly exaggerated exam- Lord your God detests anyone who does aters, those were public accommoda- ples. Their main argument seems to be this. tions. that America doesn’t want a law that Now, this verse isn’t concerned about That language is gone in this bill, will protect the dignity of trans people clothing styles but with people deter- Mr. Speaker. Instead, what it says is a who get murdered and beat up for being mining their own sexual identities. It public accommodation is ‘‘any estab- who they are. is not clothing or personal style that lishment that provides a good, service, In reality, trans people are among offends God but, rather, the use of or program, including,’’ there is that those in our community who need this one’s appearance to act out or take on word ‘‘including,’’ and there is a big, protection the most. Republicans want a sexual identity different from the one long list. to vilify people who are the most se- biologically assigned by God at birth. So any establishment that provides vere victims of injustice. In his wisdom, God intentionally made any good, any service, or any program What this law does is simple and just. each individual uniquely either male or in our society is covered, but we are It guarantees that LGBTQ people in female. still not done because of the rule’s con- every State cannot be discriminated b 1500 struction. ‘‘A reference in this title to against because of their identity. We an establishment shall be construed to have a moral imperative to get the When men or women claim to be able include an individual whose operations Equality Act signed into law. to choose their own sexual identity, affect commerce and who is a provider Mr. JORDAN. Mr. Speaker, I reserve they are making a statement that God of a good, service, or program,’’ any in- the balance of my time. did not know what he was doing when dividual, the cake baker, the photog- Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, I now he created them. I am going to quote rapher. yield 2 minutes to the distinguished directly from Dr. Tony Evans’ com- This bill flips the Civil Rights Act of gentleman from New York (Mr. mentary Bible on this passage of Scrip- 1964 on its head. TORRES). ture: ‘‘Men and women equally share in The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Mr. TORRES of New York. As a child bearing the image of God, but he has time of the gentleman has expired. of the Bronx who grew up in the designed them to be distinct from and Mr. JORDAN. I yield an additional 30 projects, I was often too scared to come complementary toward one another. seconds to the gentleman. out of the closet, too blinded by fear to The gender confusion that exists in our Mr. BISHOP of North Carolina. The see clearly my own value, my own culture today is a clear rejection of Civil Rights Act of 1964 was designed to equality. My younger self could have God’s good design. Whenever a nation’s say: No longer will Black Americans be never imagined standing on the floor of laws no longer reflect the standards of cut out of economic life in this coun- the House as a Member of Congress, God, that nation is in rebellion against

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Our LGBTQ neigh- you are, and that we won’t stop fight- line again. ‘‘Whenever a nation’s laws bors face discrimination in healthcare, ing until you experience true equity no longer reflect the standards of God, housing, education, and employment. and equality. that nation is in rebellion against him Even here, in the people’s House, Mem- We are experiencing a crisis of vio- and will inevitably bear the con- bers of Congress are describing lence against our LGBTQ neighbors, es- sequences.’’ I think we are seeing the transgender people as something less pecially people of color, and our consequences of rejecting God here in than, as undeserving, and illegitimate. transgender communities. Today’s pas- our country today, and this bill speaks Today, our vote for the Equality Act sage is for Treasure Hilliard, for Paris directly against what is laid out in says to every person that you matter, Cameron, and for every LGBTQ person Scripture. that you deserve to live your truth taken too soon by hate. Our government, through this bill, is with respect and dignity, that there When one in five transgender people going to redefine what a woman is and will be no true freedom for anyone has experienced homelessness, when what a man is. It can be anyone who until there is equality for everyone. transgender people have half the home- identifies in that gender at any time. Mr. JORDAN. Mr. Speaker, I reserve ownership rate of cisgender people, we You are going to singlehandedly end the balance of my time. have a structural problem. By out- women’s sports and all the gains for Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 lawing discrimination in housing, em- women’s rights contained in Title IX minute to the distinguished gentleman ployment, education, and public ac- that was passed in this body since 1972. from Texas (Mr. GREEN). commodations, we send a powerful Singlehandedly destroying women’s Mr. GREEN of Texas. And still I rise, message to the bigots, including those sports in the name of equality, how Mr. Speaker. here in Congress, that their time is ironic. You used God to enslave my over. If biological men compete in women’s foreparents. You used God to segregate Listen very closely, and remember sports, then it is no longer women’s me in schools. You used God to put me these words: We are winning. We will sports at all. We might as well just in the back of the bus. continue winning. Our will is unbreak- have one sports team per event, and Have you no shame? God created able. Our love is so much stronger than women, transgender women, men, every person in this room. Are you say- your sad, pathetic hate. transgender men can all compete ing that God made a mistake? Mr. JORDAN. Mr. Speaker, can I in- against each other. How is that for This is not about God; it is about quire about the amount of time left for equality? men who choose to discriminate each side? The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- If biological differences didn’t mat- against other people because they have tleman from Ohio has 83⁄4 minutes re- ter, we would never have created and the power to do so. maining. The gentleman from New funded separate teams for men and My record will not show that I voted York has 11 minutes remaining. against Mr. CICILLINE having his rights. women. We know that science supports Mr. JORDAN. Mr. Speaker, I reserve My record will show that when I had the idea that there are performance the balance of my time. differences between biological men and the opportunity to deliver liberty and Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 women in competitive sports, and it is justice for all, I voted for rights for all. minute to the distinguished gentle- Mr. JORDAN. Mr. Speaker, I don’t just common sense to the vast major- woman from New York (Ms. think anyone uses God. We have just ity of Americans, just not common VELA´ ZQUEZ). sense to this Democratic majority. cited what is in the legislation, which Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, near- In Connecticut, three high school fe- specifically says the Religious Free- ly half of all LGBTQ people in America male track runners have had to file a dom Restoration Act shall not provide lack protections from discrimination lawsuit because their Title IX protec- a defense against what this bill is in employment, education, housing, tions were violated by biological male doing. That is all we have done. public accommodations, and credit. 1 athletes competing against them. They Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 ⁄2 minutes to This is an abject failure to recognize had no choice but to file suit after they the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. DAVID- the humanity and dignity in all of us. were forced to compete against biologi- SON). And, as I have spoken on before as the cal male athletes, and after those bio- Mr. DAVIDSON. Mr. Speaker, the so- chairwoman of the House Small Busi- logical male athletes brought home 15 called Equality Act is not about toler- ness Committee, discrimination is bad women’s State championship titles. I ance. It seeks to impose the will of this for business. That is why we need the could stand up here and give you exam- body on the American people in viola- Equality Act. ple after example of this happening tion of the Constitution. We also need to recognize the mental throughout our country in all sports It establishes a woke heresy code, health impacts of failing to treat all categories, but I don’t have near the seeking to eliminate distinctions be- people equally under the law. Discrimi- time. tween male and female at every level. nation is linked to increased levels of Mr. Speaker, if you want to protect It cancels women’s and girls’ sports, re- stress, anxiety, and depression. Until women’s sports, then vote against this quiring that biological males compete all are equal in the eyes of the law, we bill. for their records, championships, and are allowing bigotry to silence and Mr. NADLER. Mr. STEUBE, what any scholarships. shame. religious tradition ascribes as God’s It nullifies the Religious Freedom So, today, I am voting ‘‘yes’’ for all will is no concern of this Congress. Restoration Act. Rather than preserve those who have been made less by their The SPEAKER pro tempore. Mem- the constitutionally protected freedom government’s failure to protect them. I bers are advised to address their re- to disagree, disguised as equality, it am voting ‘‘yes’’ for the nearly 2 mil- marks to the Chair. compels participation on your terms lion LGBTQ youth who are counting on Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, I now for abortions, weddings, and all of reli- us. I see you, and I welcome you in my yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman gious, vocational, and civic life. It pur- heart. from Massachusetts (Ms. CLARK). sues what Hillary Clinton said in 2016: Mr. JORDAN. Mr. Speaker, I reserve Ms. CLARK of Massachusetts. Mr. You will just have to change your doc- the balance of my time. Speaker, a few years ago, at a townhall trine. Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 in my district, a young student asked Let me assure you, that will not hap- minute to the distinguished gentle- me: What is Congress going to do to pen. Colleagues, we must defend free- woman from Oregon (Ms. BONAMICI). protect trans people like me? He brave- dom and defeat this bill. Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, I rise in ly stood before an auditorium of neigh- Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 strong support of the Equality Act, im- bors and told me he was terrified by minute to the gentlewoman from portant legislation that will secure the the bigotry and discrimination against Michigan (Ms. TLAIB). civil rights of our LGBTQ community. him and his LGBTQ-plus community Ms. TLAIB. Mr. Speaker, today is a Our LGBTQ friends, neighbors, col- members. great day. Today, we send a clear mes- leagues, and community members

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:39 Feb 26, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K25FE7.047 H25FEPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE H656 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 25, 2021 should not miss an educational oppor- American family with all of the protec- It would, likewise, force both people tunity, or be denied housing or credit, tions that come with that. and organizations in many everyday because of who they are or who they Mr. Speaker, I will just say one thing life and work settings to speak or act love. before I sit down. For anyone who ever in support of gender transition, includ- I was proud to help pass the Oregon wondered what they would have done ing healthcare workers and licensed Equality Act when I was in the State in those days in the early 1960s, when counselors, even when it is against legislature. The same arguments were the civil rights legislation was being their professional judgment. The being made back then, in 2007, that debated here, let me just say this: Equality Act would force healthcare some of our colleagues are making Whatever you are doing now is what providers to perform abortions and today. Do you know what came to you would have done then. gender transition surgeries against pass? Those concerns did not come to Mr. JORDAN. Mr. Speaker, the last their deeply held religious beliefs. That pass. What happened? The law brought statement was ridiculous, and I con- is not equality. dignity, security, and peace of mind to tinue to reserve the balance of my Any parent who does not want their the LGBTQ community. time. child to go through gender reassign- It is long past time that LGBTQ Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 ment surgery at a young and vulner- Americans across the country have the minute to the distinguished gentle- able age would be stigmatized, and same protections. As the chair of the woman from Florida (Ms. WASSERMAN there is a risk that their child could be Civil Rights and Human Services Sub- SCHULTZ). taken away or the life-altering surgery committee, I have heard from students Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. would be done with the blessing of only and workers who were discriminated Speaker, as a founding vice chair of the one parent. This diminishes the ability against, people who were deeply LGBTQ-plus Equality Caucus, I am of parents to raise their children and to harmed by antigay and transphobic at- proud, once again, to cast my vote for pass on their values. It is Washington, tacks. the Equality Act. It is my sincere hope D.C., that ultimately decides the mo- Today, I am thinking about the trans that this is finally the year that it will rality of our children and our churches. people in Oregon and around the coun- be signed into law. If this is truly about respect, then try who are bravely standing up for In dozens of States, including my let’s start with it here in this Chamber. equality. We stand with you. We will own, LGBTQ Americans are still denied I must correct the record, and I take keep working to create a world where housing, discriminated against in edu- exception to being labeled as someone you are safe, free, and supported. cation, or denied service at businesses. who vilifies those across the aisle. That Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative The Trump administration ruthlessly is simply not true. No one on this side CICILLINE for his leadership. attacked the LGBTQ community’s of the aisle has said ‘‘less than’’ or ‘‘il- Mr. JORDAN. Mr. Speaker, I reserve rights from the transgender military legitimate.’’ These are the labels being the balance of my time. ban to allowing doctors to deny med- used on your side, not by me and not Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 ical care to LGBTQ individuals. by my colleagues. minute to the gentlewoman from Mas- States have continued to put forward If we want to do what is right by the sachusetts (Mrs. TRAHAN). so-called bathroom bills. Legislators in American people, then let’s start re- Mrs. TRAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in my own State have introduced bills to specting one another in this Chamber. strong support of the Equality Act, and deny medical care to trans children Let’s start doing things that are for I associate myself with the remarks of and prevent trans youth from playing the benefit of the people. Let’s start the bill’s sponsor, the gentleman from sports. Even worse, 44 trans Americans understanding that we are here to pro- Rhode Island. were murdered in 2020, the deadliest tect all lives. All lives matter. Because Mr. CICILLINE and my col- year on record. But when we can’t stop fighting and leagues have already said all that there We can’t tolerate any more discrimi- discouraging each other in this Cham- is to say about the clear merits of the nation. It costs lives. The Equality Act ber, shame on us, because we are going bill, I would simply ask, through the is vital so that Americans everywhere to do a lot better for the people who Chair, that if our colleagues on the can love whom they love and be their sent us here when we can start having other side cannot find it within them- authentic selves without fear of perse- civil conversation. selves to support this bill out of a sense cution, eviction, or discrimination. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Mem- of fairness and goodwill to those endur- Mr. JORDAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 bers are advised to address their re- ing discrimination, then please do so minutes to the gentlewoman from New marks to the Chair. out of concern for their parents, people Mexico (Ms. HERRELL). Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 just like our colleagues on the other Ms. HERRELL. Mr. Speaker, I first minute to the distinguished gentleman side, mothers and fathers who love want to agree with the bill’s sponsor from the State of Maryland (Mr. their children every bit as much as our from Rhode Island (Mr. CICILLINE) that HOYER). colleagues love theirs. discrimination is wrong. Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I thank We want nothing more than to send He went on to say the bill, H.R. 5, the gentleman for yielding. our kids out into the world with con- does no more and does no less than to One of the sad things that is hap- fidence and a reasonable expectation of give LGBTQ people the respect and pening in America, Mr. Speaker, is being treated fairly and equally. It is equality they deserve. But I disagree that the truth is so often being per- never too late to do the right thing. because the bill moves us far beyond ceived as fake news or that fake news Please join us in voting ‘‘yes’’ on the nondiscrimination and toward a place is so often being perceived as the truth. Equality Act. of one side over another. It eliminates Mr. Speaker, I am old enough to have Mr. JORDAN. Mr. Speaker, I reserve mutual respect. worked for a United States Senator the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, we can’t be so anxious during the civil rights era. And I would Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 30 to protect one class of people that we get a publication—because I opened the seconds to the distinguished gentleman harm another. For instance, the bill mail; I had a hifalutin job—from what from Michigan (Mr. KILDEE). forces churches in the public square to was called the Cross and the Sword, a Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I am do things that counter their deeply publication that came somewhere from happy to be here today, to be on the held beliefs. It moves our Nation away the South. I forget where its head- record in favor of this legislation. from our Judeo-Christian values. It quarters was. No one should be fired from their job places women in sports, in domestic I remember reading how the Bible or evicted from their home because of shelters, and in the healthcare profes- told us that we should not integrate who they are or who they love. sion at risk. It allows government to America and that if God had wanted us take an even more drastic step of mak- all to be together, then we would be b 1515 ing decisions that should be reserved the same color. I perceived that then This legislation will guarantee that for our families. and I perceive that now as absurd. our LGBTQ friends, neighbors, and The Equality Act is anything but. So I proudly rise in support of H.R. 5, family will be full members of the Let’s not be fooled by the title. the Equality Act, and congratulate Mr.

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House passed this bill last Congress tries to recognize that indivisibility of This bill is one of the most dangerous with bipartisan support. I hope we have the right of all Americans. and consequential bills that we will bipartisan support this year because I I want to express my gratitude to the ever consider. It will have a terribly remember, Mr. Speaker, back in the Congressional LGBTQ-Plus Equality negative impact on every area of our days of the early sixties and mid-six- Caucus, which has provided leadership lives. Mr. Speaker, I urge my col- ties there were giants in the Repub- both in shaping and improving this leg- leagues to reject it. lican Party who stood with Democrats islation championing its adoption. b 1530 on behalf of civil rights. I hope we can The House will pass this legislation Mr. NADLER. Madam Speaker, I repeat that today because there is no today, and then I hope it will not be yield 1 minute to the distinguished room in America—it says here in 2021 lost in the politics of the Senate. That gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. that there should have been no room in body has an extraordinary record over AUCHINCLOSS). America from 1776 on when we said: the centuries in terms of civil rights. It Mr. AUCHINCLOSS. Madam Speaker, ‘‘We hold these truths to be self-evi- should uphold that record. I know that I rise in strong support of the Equality dent’’—for legal discrimination. the Democratic Senate majority is Act, landmark legislation that pro- There are moments in our history eager to see it considered and passed. vides LGBTQ people with the full pro- that are celebrated for generations as As I said, when I grew up in the six- tections of Federal civil rights law. those in which Americans came to- ties in the civil rights movement, Among many other critical protec- gether to perfect our Union and to pro- many Republican leaders were giants tions that the Equality Act extends to tect and uphold the universal rights in this effort. I hope the Senate Repub- LGBTQ people are housing protections enshrined in our founding documents. licans who have stood in the way of for homeless youth who can be har- That is what we as a nation did with equality of opportunity for LGBTQ assed, assaulted, or even kicked out of the 13th, 14th and 15th Amendments. It Americans for too long will finally shelters based on their gender identity is what we did with the 19th Amend- come together with them in a bipar- or sexual orientation. This is because ment where we said: Oh, yes, I know tisan fashion and allow an up-or-down 27 States across the Nation lack you are a woman, but you are going to vote. That is all we ask, an up-or-down LGBTQ nondiscrimination protections. be equal, you are going to be allowed to vote. At the same time, LGBTQ youth are vote. Frankly, that is not all we ask. We 120 percent more likely to experience What a radical idea that was and how ask for 10 Republicans to join us with homelessness. Protecting young people, long it took. 50 Democrats to make this a reality. giving them the resources to succeed We did it as well with the Voting Most Americans have come to under- early in life and keeping them safe and Rights Act and the Civil Rights Act of stand that ending discrimination for secure are all values we share. The 1960. We did it together with the bill LGBTQ people is about the funda- Equality Act takes a massive step for- that I was proud to sponsor on this mental rights and dignity of their fel- ward to advance these values, reflect- floor, the Americans with Disabilities low Americans, and it is about who we ing the tremendous progress forged by Act. We said that it is not your dis- are as a country, who we claim to be our Nation and those who came before ability that counts; it is your ability; but for far too long were not. us. drop the ‘‘dis.’’ We know we are not there yet, but Mr. JORDAN. Madam Speaker, I We can do it again today with Mr. this is a very significant and important yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman CICILLINE’s Equality Act, affirming step for us to take in a land of oppor- from Tennessee (Mrs. HARSHBARGER). that equality is for everyone all the tunity for all and a land of liberty and Mrs. HARSHBARGER. Madam time and everywhere. justice for all. So let us affirm that Speaker, I rise today in opposition to This legislation, Mr. Speaker, would today in this House. And I hope the the so-called Equality Act. Rather than delivering equality, this ban discrimination against LGBTQ Senate, in days to come, will join in bill undermines protections for women Americans in every area where it still that affirmation of justice for all, and and for girls. And simply put, women’s exists and in every State that still per- let us make this a day to remember in shelters should remain women’s shel- mits it. One nation under God, indivis- our history as one where we came to- ters and not allow biological men to in- ible. Not discrimination in the North- gether to perfect our Union, as JOHN trude. And girls’ sports should remain west and discrimination in the North- LEWIS would say, one more time. sports for girls. east or discrimination in the South or I urge a ‘‘yes’’ vote, Mr. Speaker. This is not equal opportunity. This is the Southwest. One nation—no dis- Mr. JORDAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 catastrophic for girls’ sports. This is crimination—fairness and equality for minute to the gentleman from Virginia what the Equality Act seeks to over- all. (Mr. GOOD). turn, and that is fairness in girls’ That includes housing, public edu- Mr. GOOD of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, sports. cation, personal finance and credit, this so-called Equality Act is the cul- All of this is even before mentioning employment, healthcare, jury service, mination of a 50-year effort by the rad- the provisions that would undermine and public accommodation. The prac- ical left to attack our values, our fami- religious freedom. Religious organiza- tical effect of such legalized discrimi- lies, our children, and our religious tions shouldn’t be forced to act con- nation is the denial of opportunities freedoms. trary to their beliefs. This is why they and economic security to certain I ran for office as a Biblical and con- call it religious freedom, after all. Americans because of their gender stitutional Conservative because I be- This bill poses a dangerous threat to identity or sexual orientation. lieve in our Nation’s founding Judeo- free speech, religious freedom, and pro- The practical effect of this bill, Mr. Christian principles and the impor- life, the sanctity of life. This, honestly, Speaker, will be to open the doors of tance of faith and family to this unique goes against everything that I believe opportunity and economic security to American form of government. as a Christian and I will be opposing those for whom they were shut for far, John Adams confirmed that this was this bill. far too long. the intent of the Founders when he Mr. NADLER. Madam Speaker, I I want to thank Representative stated: ‘‘Our Constitution was made yield 1 minute to the distinguished CICILLINE. I want to thank the gen- only for a moral and religious people. gentlewoman from Georgia (Ms. WIL- tleman in the Chair for his leadership It is wholly inadequate to the govern- LIAMS). and courage. Both of them have dis- ment of any other.’’ Ms. WILLIAMS of Georgia. Madam played such worth as human beings and I don’t think he could have envi- Speaker, today I proudly rise in sup- as colleagues, not by some arbitrary sioned we would be here today defend- port of the Equality Act.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:39 Feb 26, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K25FE7.049 H25FEPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE H658 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 25, 2021 Today, I am the voice of so many Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, I get are going to vote for freedom. This is a people, like my constituent, Chanel; it now. This is all about protecting remarkable day, not just for my Isaac, my friend, James; my sister, Danielle women. This intolerance is the Repub- but for all the young people who are and her fiance, Marlena; my staffer, licans’ effort to show us how much frightened today. No more. We are with Kristina and her partner, Vivian; and they want to protect the rights of you. all of my friends back home on the women. They want us to believe that Mr. JORDAN. Madam Speaker, I front lines with Georgia Equality. protecting LGBTQ Americans somehow yield 1 minute to the gentleman from For far too long, the inherent rights hurts women and girls. But they know Georgia (Mr. HICE). of LGBTQ people have hung in the bal- better, and history will accurately re- Mr. HICE of Georgia. Madam Speak- ance. I am in Congress to ensure that flect what it really is. er, I have heard a lot today about dis- everyone can share in the promise of It is an ugly, twisted use of femi- crimination against the LGBTQ com- America, no matter who they love or nism. It is what it is. It is homophobia. munity and them being kicked out of how they identify. It is transphobia. It is intolerance, and housing or whatever. No one wants LGBTQ people have lived in fear of it is hatred. that. punishment and retaliation for far too There is no constitutional right to But my question, Madam Speaker, to long. The right to exist in this country hate. There is no constitutional right my friends on the other side was: is not a privilege, but an inalienable to exclude, and there is no right of con- Would they also agree that no one who right. science to hate. disagrees with their views should be I have the great honor of rep- Trans rights are human rights. kicked out of their homes or lose their resenting Atlanta, a city vibrant with LGBTQ rights are human rights. We job? a long history of LGBTQ-plus pride. To must pass the Equality Act now. Should adoption agencies not be al- my LGBTQ-plus constituents, know Mr. JORDAN. Madam Speaker, I lowed to continue operating if they that it is my honor to represent you. I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from don’t believe in that? Should houses of worship close be- hear you. I see you. I stand with you. Alabama (Mr. MOORE). The promise of America excludes no Mr. MOORE of Alabama. Madam cause they continue teaching the tradi- one. Speaker, we have talked all day in here tional biblical values and principles of Mr. JORDAN. Madam Speaker, I about discrimination, and we need to male and female? yield 1 minute to the gentleman from put some facts on the table. And I would suspect the answer Texas (Mr. WEBER). Madam Speaker, 0.6 percent of Amer- would be no; that they should be fired, Mr. WEBER of Texas. Madam Speak- icans identify as transgender. However, they should close, because the bill er, this bill smacks of President 80 percent of Americans identify with a itself clearly states that religious Barack Obama’s transgender bathroom religious affiliation. 50.5 percent of rights and freedoms are not protected policy several years back. I remember people in this country identify as fe- in this bill. And that is what is so dan- that, how ridiculous that was. male; yet we consistently want to in- gerous. It was reported in Texas a young girl This is a bill of tyranny, where gov- fringe on the rights of all those other went into a bathroom in a package ernment is telling people what they Americans for 0.6 percent of the popu- store, was followed by a male who said must believe and punishing them if he self-identified as a female that day. lation in this country. they do not believe and do not con- Now, I have daughters, and I have en- More about her in a minute. form. This is a dangerous bill. It codi- couraged them their whole life to do This is not an Equality Act. This is fies in itself discrimination. going to erode religious freedom. This what you want to do in life; you can Mr. NADLER. Madam Speaker, I expressly exempts RFRA from being a succeed. But we see, time and time yield myself such time as I may con- defense if someone has a sincerely reli- again, that males are being put in com- sume. giously held belief. petition in sports directly against our Madam Speaker, I have listened to The comment was made earlier that females. this debate in amazement. I have been we are using God as an excuse. I hardly My question is: Where are the femi- involved in this struggle for equality think so. The Founders of the Con- nists today? Why are they not here for many, many years. I was the chief stitution knew exactly what they were with the Members of this caucus fight- author in the House of the Religious doing when they provided for those ing for the rights of females? Freedom Restoration Act, and to hear protections. We are going to infringe consistently it suggested that I would turn my back If the Equality Act is passed, individ- on that 50.5 percent of the American on religious freedom is just ridiculous. uals with religious views will be population by allowing males to com- This bill enshrines equality. It en- disfavored by this bill and it will not pete in sports against them. shrines equality for everyone. That is have RFRA as a tool to defend against Madam Speaker, 86 percent of the its purpose. It does not contradict the a violation of their religious freedom. people in this Nation identify as reli- Religious Freedom Restoration Act H.R. 5 will politicize the medical pro- gious people. We are going to allow this which, as a number of people have men- fession to the detriment of the practi- law and the overreach of the left in tioned, I was the chief author of. But it tioners and the patients. It is unbeliev- this country to start infringing on does enshrine equality, and that is able. those people’s rights and, Madam what our friends on the other side of The SPEAKER pro tempore (Ms. Speaker, I have got to vote against it. the aisle seem to be afraid of, equality. CRAIG). The time of the gentleman has The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- expired. Chair would remind Members to put on ance of my time. Mr. JORDAN. I yield an additional 10 their masks. Mr. JORDAN. Madam Speaker, I re- seconds to the gentleman from Texas. Mr. NADLER. Madam Speaker, I serve the balance of my time. Mr. WEBER of Texas. The girl that yield 1 minute to the distinguished The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- was followed into the bathroom by the gentlewoman from Illinois (Ms. SCHA- tleman from Ohio has 30 seconds re- gentleman who said he self-identified KOWSKY). maining. The gentleman from New as a female that day, turns out that Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Madam Speaker, York has 1 minute remaining. that man’s teeth were knocked out by I rise as the proud grandmother of a Mr. NADLER. Madam Speaker, I the girl’s father who self-identified as trans young man, and I just want to have the right to close. I reserve the the tooth fairy. say that any family would be lucky to balance of my time. Mr. NADLER. Madam Speaker, how have the amazing and loving and smart Mr. JORDAN. Madam Speaker, I much time do we have left? and funny Isaac in their family. yield myself the balance of my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- And I rise today to say thank you to Madam Speaker, at the start of the tleman from New York has 31⁄2 minutes the generations of people who have debate, the sponsor of the bill said dis- remaining. The gentleman from Ohio been arrested and beaten and excluded crimination is wrong. It sure is. We has 21⁄2 minutes remaining. and sometimes killed for this fight. Let shouldn’t tolerate it. Mr. NADLER. Madam Speaker, I today be the end. But this bill makes how a person yield 1 minute to the distinguished I thank Congressman CICILLINE and identifies more important than equal- gentleman from Illinois (Mr. QUIGLEY). all of those who have spoken today and ity; makes it more important than

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:39 Feb 26, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K25FE7.051 H25FEPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE February 25, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H659 fairness; makes it more important than an historic milestone in our effort to build a (Dec. 5, 2018). But instead of denying that this fundamental liberties like your right more just society. I hope the Senate will pass problem exists, or (even better) urging an to practice your faith the way you it quickly and send it to the President for en- amendment to avoid it, one supporter of the think the good Lord wants you to. actment. bill has suggested that the issue simply ‘‘has And you would think a change of this Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, to be navigated super carefully.’’ In other magnitude would get a little more than I rise in opposition to H.R. 5 because it puts words, there is a problem and the suggested 90 minutes debate on the House floor. the Hyde Amendment and other federal and ‘‘fix’’ is simply to keep it from becoming politi- That is why we should oppose this leg- state laws that bar taxpayer funding for abor- cally visible. islation. I urge my colleagues to vote tion at serious risk and out of an abundance In an incisive analysis of H.R. 5, Richard ‘‘no.’’ of concern for the women and children who Doerflinger exposes the risk to unborn chil- I yield back the balance of my time. flee to the protection of domestic abuse shel- dren, conscience rights and state all laws pre- Mr. NADLER. Madam Speaker, I ters,. venting taxpayer funding for abortion: yield myself such time as I may con- H.R. 5 weakens conscience protections for ‘‘Of especially grave concern is that the sume. health care providers opposed to being co- Equality Act introduces this same language on It is precisely because this bill en- erced into participating in the killing of unborn sex and ‘‘pregnancy discrimination’’ into Title shrines equality; it is precisely because babies. VI of the Civil Rights Act, forbidding discrimi- of the nonsensical nature of the argu- H.R. 5 defines ‘‘sex’’ to include ‘‘pregnancy, nation in ‘‘federally assisted programs.’’ This ments from the other side of the aisle childbirth, or a related medical condition.’’ The applies to a wide range of entities that may re- that the Equality Act has been en- term ‘‘related medical condition’’ means ‘‘abor- ceive federal funds, including state and local dorsed by more than 500 civil rights, tion.’’ In the case Doe v. C.A.R.S., the Third government agencies, educational institutions, women’s rights, religious, medical, and Circuit stated, ‘‘We now hold that the term ‘‘re- organizations providing health care, etc. (42 other national and State organizations, lated medical conditions’’ includes an abor- USC 2000d–4a). All of these would be re- including the American Medical Asso- tion.’’ Furthermore, the Equal Employment Op- quired to show that they do not exclude the ciation, the Central Conference of portunity Commission (EEOC), which enforces full range of treatments for the ‘‘condition’’ of American Rabbis, the Episcopal Title VII, interprets abortion to be covered as pregnancy. Not only the federal government, Church, the Lawyers’ Committee for a ‘‘related medical condition.’’ but all states that receive federal funds for Civil Rights Under Law, the Leadership To further clarify, H.R. 5 goes on to state: their health programs, could be required to fund elective abortions, reversing the long- Conference on Civil and Human Rights, (b): Rules.—In a covered title referred to in the NAACP, the National Alliance to subsection (a)—’’(1) (with respect to sex} standing policy of two-thirds of the states. The End Sexual Violence—to end sexual vi- pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical same changes to the definition of ‘‘sex’’ are olence—the National Coalition of Anti- condition shall not receive less favorable made to Title II, on discrimination in places of Violence Programs, the National Wom- treatment than other physical conditions; ‘‘public accommodation,’’ and that title’s defini- en’s Law Center, the Network Lobby ... tion of a ‘‘public accommodation’’ is expanded for Catholic Social Justice, the Rab- In other words, a provider may not withhold to include ‘‘any establishment that provides a binical Assembly, and the United a ‘‘treatment option,’’ including dismembering, good, service, or program,’’ including any pro- Methodist Church General Board of chemically poisoning or otherwise destroying vider of ‘‘health care’’ (H.R. 5, Sec. 3 (a)(d)).’’ Church and Society, all of whom obvi- an unborn baby girl or boy. I also oppose H.R. 5 out of genuine concern ously would not endorse this bill if it In a legal analysis released this month, the for the women and children who seek refuge had anything to do with destroying re- United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in a domestic abuse shelter. By granting biological men—who self-iden- ligious liberty. wrote: tify as women-access to women’s shelters, It has also been endorsed by dozens of Existing prohibitions on the use of govern- H.R. 5 removes the hard-fought gains to pro- business associations, including the ment funds for abortion can be undercut in tect women and girls from abuse and to pro- U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Na- three ways. vide them with physical, emotional and psy- tional Association of Manufacturers, First, federal and state governments are themselves providers of health care. There- chological security. and the Sports and Fitness Industry In late 2018, nine female victims residing in fore, they would themselves be subject to the Association, and hundreds of other a women’s shelter in Fresno, California-Nao- constraints that the Equality Act places on all businesses. mi’s House, operated by Poverello House-filed health care providers and, as such, would like- I urge all Members to support this a lawsuit against the shelter for admitting a bi- ly be required to provide abortions. This con- important legislation, and I yield back ological man because he had self-identified as clusion is reinforced by the bill’s expansive the balance of my time. a woman. These victims stated that they had definition of ‘‘establishment,’’ which is not lim- Ms. LEE of California. Madam Speaker, as been sexually harassed by this biological man. an original cosponsor of the Equality Act, and ited to physical facilities and places. They said that he had made ‘‘sexual ad- as a co-founder and Vice-chair of the House Second, it would seem anomalous to, on vances’’ on them and would ‘‘stare and leer’’ Equality Caucus, I want to voice my full sup- the one hand, mandate that recipients of fed- and make ‘‘sexually harassing comments port of this bill. I want to thank the Speaker eral funds provide abortions, as the Equality about their bodies’’ while they were forced to and Chairman NADLER for acting quickly on Act can be read to do, but, on the other hand, undress in the same room with him. this legislation. I also want to thank my friend prohibit use of such funds for abortions. It can After repeatedly confronting the staff of Nao- Rep. CICILLINE, as well as my fellow caucus (and likely will) be argued that these newly en- mi’s House—both verbally and in writing—with co-chairs, for their efforts. acted provisions, which would likely require re- their extreme discomfort, these women were Our federal laws still do not protect lesbian, cipients of federal funding to perform abor- told that they would be expelled from the shel- gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people tions, would thereby repeal by implication pre- ter if they refused to comply. from discrimination. Almost two-thirds of viously enacted legislation forbidding the use Madam Speaker, if we allow biological men LGBTQ Americans report having experienced of those very same funds for abortion. who self-identify as women to receive access discrimination—and LGBTQ people of color Third, even if the bill were not construed to to these women-only shelters, abused women often face compounded injustices, including require the federal government to fund abor- and children will lose the ’safe space’ they so higher rates of unemployment and health chal- tions, it could still be construed to require desperately need. lenges. states that receive federal funding to do so We must first and foremost protect victims The Equality Act prohibits discrimination in with their own funds, which would be a depar- of violence. employment, housing, credit, education, public ture from the longstanding principle that the These brave women and children deserve a spaces and services, federally funded pro- federal government not require government place where they can feel protected and se- grams, and jury service. The Equality Act will funding of abortion even on the part of state cure, so they can begin the difficult process to help ensure that LGBTQ Americans can play governments. heal as they deal with post-traumatic stress. their vital role in our nation and our commu- The possibility that the Equality Act may be Forcing them to share a shelter and its facili- nities without fear of harassment and discrimi- used to undercut the Hyde principle against ties—including showers and sleeping areas— nation. government funding of abortion has been with biological men who self-identify as As a Black woman in America, I know what noted even by those endorsing the bill includ- women will likely cause these women and chil- it is like to face injustice and inequality. I ap- ing Katelyn Burns, New Congress Opens Door dren to experience insecurity, discomfort, con- plaud House passage of the Equality Act as for Renewed Push for LGBTQ Equality Act fusion, and fear of additional assault.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 10:39 Feb 26, 2021 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K25FE7.052 H25FEPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE H660 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE February 25, 2021 Women’s shelters—there are about 1,500 Raskin Sherman Torres (NY) b 1627 nationwide—offer a safe space where a Reed Sherrill Trahan Rice (NY) Sires Trone Messrs. MCKINLEY and MEUSER woman does not have to fear or worry about Ross Slotkin Underwood changed their vote from ‘‘yea’’ to violence and intimidation and instead allows Roybal-Allard Smith (WA) Vargas ‘‘nay.’’ Ruiz Soto Veasey her to take steps toward rebuilding her life. So the bill was passed. These victims deserve better. They deserve Ruppersberger Spanberger Vela Rush Speier Vela´ zquez The result of the vote was announced our protection and support. We must work to Ryan Stanton Wasserman as above recorded. ensure the safety of women, girls, and chil- Sa´ nchez Stevens Schultz The SPEAKER pro tempore (Ms. dren. Sarbanes Strickland Waters Scanlon Suozzi Watson Coleman CRAIG). Without objection, a motion to The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- reconsider is laid on the table. ant to House Resolution 147, the pre- Schakowsky Swalwell Welch Schiff Takano Wexton Mr. ROSENDALE. Madam Speaker, I vious question is ordered on the bill. Schneider Thompson (CA) Wild object. The question is on the engrossment Schrader Thompson (MS) Williams (GA) The SPEAKER pro tempore. Objec- and third reading of the bill. Schrier Titus Wilson (FL) tion is heard. The bill was ordered to be engrossed Scott (VA) Tlaib Yarmuth Scott, David Tonko Stated against: and read a third time, and was read the Sewell Torres (CA) third time. Mrs. BOEBERT. Madam Speaker, I was un- avoidably detained. Had I been present, I The SPEAKER pro tempore. The NAYS—206 would have voted ‘‘nay’’ on rollcall No. 39. question is on the passage of the bill. Aderholt Gonzales, Tony Moolenaar The question was taken; and the Allen Gonzalez (OH) Mooney MEMBERS RECORDED PURSUANT TO HOUSE Amodei Good (VA) Moore (AL) RESOLUTION 8, 117TH CONGRESS Speaker pro tempore announced that Armstrong Gooden (TX) Moore (UT) the ayes appeared to have it. Allred (Davids Gaetz (Franklin, Moore (WI) Arrington Gosar Mullin (KS)) C. Scott) (Beyer) Mr. JORDAN. Madam Speaker, on Babin Granger Murphy (NC) Amodei (Kelly Gonzalez, Moulton that I demand the yeas and nays. Bacon Graves (LA) Nehls (PA)) Vincente (Trahan) Baird Graves (MO) Newhouse Bowman (Clark (Gomez) Napolitano The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Balderson Green (TN) Norman (Correa) ant to section 3(s) of House Resolution (MA)) Gosar (Wagner) Banks Greene (GA) Nunes Buchanan Grijalva (Garcı´a Nunes (Garcia 8, the yeas and nays are ordered. Barr Griffith Obernolte (Donalds) (IL)) (CA)) Payne The vote was taken by electronic de- Bentz Grothman Owens Budd (McHenry) Hastings (Wasserman vice, and there were—yeas 224, nays Bergman Guest Palazzo Calvert (Garcia (Wasserman Bice (OK) Guthrie Palmer Schultz) Schultz) (CA)) Pingree (Kuster) 206, not voting 2, as follows: Biggs Hagedorn Pence ´ Himes Cardenas Porter (Wexton) Bilirakis Harris Perry (Courtney) [Roll No. 39] (Gomez) Roybal-Allard Bishop (NC) Harshbarger Pfluger Kirkpatrick YEAS—224 Carter (TX) (Bass) Bost Hartzler Posey (Stanton) (Nehls) Ruiz (Aguilar) Adams Deutch Larsen (WA) Brady Hern Reschenthaler Cawthorn Langevin Rush Aguilar Dingell Larson (CT) Brooks Herrell Rice (SC) (McHenry) (Lynch) (Underwood) Allred Doggett Lawrence Buchanan Herrera Beutler Rodgers (WA) DeSaulnier Lawson (FL) Steube Auchincloss Doyle, Michael Lawson (FL) Buck Hice (GA) Rogers (AL) (Matsui) (Evans) (Franklin, C. Axne F. Lee (CA) Bucshon Higgins (LA) Rogers (KY) Lieu (Beyer) Scott) Barraga´ n Escobar Lee (NV) Deutch (Rice Budd Hill Rose Lofgren (Jeffries) Vargas (Correa) Bass Eshoo Leger Fernandez (NY)) Burchett Hinson Rosendale Lowenthal Watson Coleman Beatty Espaillat Levin (CA) Fletcher (Kuster) Burgess Hollingsworth Rouzer (Beyer) (Pallone) Bera Evans Levin (MI) Frankel, Lois Calvert Hudson Roy Meng (Clark Wilson (FL) Beyer Fitzpatrick Lieu (Clark (MA)) Cammack Huizenga Rutherford (MA)) (Hayes) Bishop (GA) Fletcher Lofgren Blumenauer Foster Lowenthal Carl Issa Salazar Blunt Rochester Frankel, Lois Luria Carter (GA) Jackson Scalise f Bonamici Fudge Lynch Carter (TX) Jacobs (NY) Schweikert Bourdeaux Gallego Malinowski Cawthorn Johnson (LA) Scott, Austin Bowman Garamendi Maloney, Chabot Johnson (OH) Sessions MOTION TO RECONSIDER ON H.R. Boyle, Brendan Garcı´a (IL) Carolyn B. Cheney Johnson (SD) Simpson 5, EQUALITY ACT F. Garcia (TX) Maloney, Sean Cline Jordan Smith (MO) Brown Golden Manning Cloud Joyce (OH) Smith (NE) Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I have Brownley Gomez Matsui Clyde Joyce (PA) Smith (NJ) a motion at the desk. Bush Gonzalez, McBath Cole Keller Smucker Bustos Vicente McCollum Comer Kelly (MS) Spartz The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Butterfield Gottheimer McEachin Crawford Kelly (PA) Stauber Clerk will report the motion. Carbajal Green, Al (TX) McGovern Crenshaw Kim (CA) Steel The Clerk read as follows: Ca´ rdenas Grijalva McNerney Curtis Kinzinger Stefanik Mr. Kildee moves to reconsider the vote on Carson Haaland Meeks Davidson Kustoff Steil Cartwright Harder (CA) Meng the question of passage of H.R. 5. Davis, Rodney LaHood Steube Case Hastings Mfume DesJarlais LaMalfa Stewart MOTION TO TABLE Casten Hayes Moore (WI) Castor (FL) Higgins (NY) Morelle Diaz-Balart Lamborn Stivers Mr. CICILLINE. Madam Speaker, I Castro (TX) Himes Moulton Donalds Latta Taylor have a motion at the desk. Duncan LaTurner Tenney Chu Horsford Mrvan The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Cicilline Houlahan Murphy (FL) Dunn Lesko Thompson (PA) Clark (MA) Hoyer Nadler Emmer Long Tiffany Clerk will report the motion. Clarke (NY) Huffman Napolitano Estes Loudermilk Timmons The Clerk read as follows: Cleaver Jackson Lee Neal Fallon Lucas Turner Mr. Cicilline moves to lay the motion to Clyburn Jacobs (CA) Neguse Feenstra Luetkemeyer Upton reconsider on the table. Cohen Jayapal Newman Ferguson Mace Valadao Connolly Jeffries Norcross Fischbach Malliotakis Van Drew The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Cooper Johnson (GA) O’Halleran Fitzgerald Mann Van Duyne question is on the motion to table of- Correa Johnson (TX) Ocasio-Cortez Fleischmann Massie Wagner fered by the gentleman from Rhode Is- Costa Jones Omar Fortenberry Mast Walberg land (Mr. CICILLINE). Courtney Kahele Pallone Foxx McCarthy Walorski Craig Kaptur Panetta Franklin, C. McCaul Waltz The question was taken; and the Crist Katko Pappas Scott McClain Weber (TX) Speaker pro tempore announced that Crow Keating Pascrell Fulcher McClintock Webster (FL) Cuellar Kelly (IL) Payne the ayes appeared to have it. Gaetz McHenry Wenstrup Davids (KS) Khanna Pelosi Mr. ROSENDALE. Madam Speaker, Davis, Danny K. Kildee Perlmutter Gallagher McKinley Westerman on that I demand the yeas and nays. Garbarino Meijer Williams (TX) Dean Kilmer Peters The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- DeFazio Kim (NJ) Phillips Garcia (CA) Meuser Wilson (SC) DeGette Kind Pingree Gibbs Miller (IL) Wittman ant to section 3(s) of House Resolution DeLauro Kirkpatrick Pocan Gimenez Miller (WV) Womack 8, the yeas and nays are ordered. DelBene Krishnamoorthi Porter Gohmert Miller-Meeks Zeldin The vote was taken by electronic de- Delgado Kuster Pressley Demings Lamb Price (NC) NOT VOTING—2 vice, and there were—yeas 211, nays DeSaulnier Langevin Quigley 195, not voting 25, as follows: Boebert Young

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