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Hoyer Statement on LGBTQ Pride Month

Statement

Date: June 1, 2022
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Civil Liberties and Civil Rights

Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement today on LGBTQ Pride Month:

"I am pleased join in celebrating America's LGBTQ+ community this Pride Month. Throughout our history, LGBTQ Americans have contributed greatly to our country, serving in uniform and other positions of public trust, adding to the richness of our nation's culture, growing our economy and creating good jobs, and pushing our country to live up to its founding ideal that all are created equal.

"For too long, however, many LGBTQ Americans were forced to live in secrecy and were denied the opportunity to raise families with the equal protection, equal recognition, and equal dignity that others enjoyed. Even though so much progress has been made, in 2022 many still face discrimination in education, housing, employment, and other areas of life. For transgender Americans, these struggles continue to be particularly burdensome amid repression and violence based in ignorance and intolerance.

"No American should be afraid to live freely and openly out of fear of bigotry. That's why I was proud to bring legislation to the House Floor in 2010 that brought an end to the discriminatory "Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy. It's why I was proud to bring the Equality Act up for a vote last year and help get ensure it passed through the House. I urge Senate Republicans to stop blocking an up-or-down vote on that legislation and to join us in the fight to defend the rights of LGBTQ Americans. In the meantime, I look forward to continuing to work closely with the House LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus to advance further legislation in the months and years ahead that will protect LGBTQ Americans and their families as they seek to enjoy the full blessings of liberty and opportunity our nation makes possible.

"Let us use this Pride Month to rededicate ourselves to the work of securing the principles of equality, justice, and equal opportunity for all our people -- no matter who they love or how they identify."


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