Pride Month Is Now Championed By The Private Sector, But Private Companies Still Fail LGBTQ Americans On Pay Day

Statement

Today, Congressman Anthony G. Brown (MD-04) introduced the Fair Pay For All Act, which would guarantee equal pay for every American - regardless of who they are or who they love - by amending the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) of 1938 to expand the definition of sex to include "sexual orientation" and "gender identity."

A 2018 survey from LendingTree showed that, on average, LGBTQ people make less money than non-LGBTQ people, with more than half of LGBTQ respondents reporting wages of less than $50,000 per year. This trend is particularly significant for women in same-sex couples who, according to the Williams Institute, have a median personal income of $38,000 compared to $47,000 for men in same-sex couples. Wage discrimination is even more drastic for transgender Americans, particularly transgender women of color, who also have to contend with lower pay based on racial inequality in addition to stigma around their identity.

Currently, the question of whether or not the FLSA protects LGBTQ Americans from pay discrimination is being left up to the courts.

"While the Trump administration wages a multi-front assault on the livelihoods of LGBTQ Americans, Congress has to act to ensure all Americans have a fair chance to earn a living," said
Congressman Anthony G. Brown. "This bill will enshrine equality in the Fair Labor Standards Act and will ensure all Americans receive equal pay for equal work, regardless of who they
are or who they love."

"As Americans, we are raised to believe that "all men are created equal,'" said Congressman David N. Cicilline, co-chair of the LGBTQ Equality Caucus. "However, for far too many in a majority of states in our country, full equality under the law remains a goal, not a guarantee. This important legislation will finally put an end to pay discrimination against members of the LGBTQ community and bring them one step closer to full equality."

"It is unacceptable for a member of the LGBTQ community to be paid less simply because of who they love or how they identify," said Congresswoman Angie Craig, co-chair of the LGBTQ Equality Caucus.

"On behalf of our 200,000 members and supporters across the country, PFLAG National supports this bill to end pay discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity because harming one family member harms all," said Brian K. Bond, Executive Director, PFLAG National, the first and largest organization for parents, families, and allies of the LGBTQ+ community. "We thank Rep. Brown (MD-4) for his leadership on this important matter."

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