Langevin Applauds Passage of Landmark LGBT Rights Bill

Statement

Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) released the following statement after voting in favor of H.R. 5, the Equality Act, a landmark piece of legislation sponsored by Congressman David Cicilline (D-RI) that extends federal civil rights protections to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. The bill passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 236-173:

"Today is an historic day for LGBT Americans who continue to fight every day to live a life free of discrimination. For the first time, the House has passed a bill that would extend federal civil rights protections to ensure LGBT Americans in every state can work, live, and participate fully in society without facing unjust burdens.

"Passage of the Equality Act would not have been possible without the leadership and advocacy of my friend and colleague David Cicilline. Congressman Cicilline is not only a champion for LGBT rights, he is an inspiration to the LGBT community who look up to him and see a world of possibilities for themselves. His continued leadership on these issues is invaluable.

"As someone who lives with a disability, I know what discrimination feels like. I don't like when it happens to me, and I don't want it to happen to anybody else. Every person deserves to be treated equally, no matter who they are or whom they love. I was proud to vote for the Equality Act to secure the civil rights of members of the LGBT community."

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