House LGBT Caucus Denounces Hearing on License to Discriminate Legislation

Author: Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus
Published: 29th Jun 2016 - Updated: 3rd Jan 2017
Peer-Reviewed Publication: N/A
Additional References: Discrimination and Abuse Publications

Summary: Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus denounces decision to hold hearing on H.R. 2802, which would give a government license to to businesses and non-profits to discriminate against LGBT people.

Main Document

The Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus has denounced the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform's decision to hold a hearing on H.R. 2802, which would give a government 'license to discriminate' to businesses and non-profits to discriminate against LGBT people.

The Committee's decision to hold a hearing on this anti-LGBT legislation comes in the wake of the mass murder of 49 LGBT people and allies at the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando.

The LGBT Caucus issued the following statement in response to the Committee's announcement:

"This hearing is nothing more than an election-year stunt to rally conservatives at the expense of LGBT Americans," said Equality Act sponsor and LGBT Equality Caucus Co-Chair Rep. David Cicilline (RI-1). "Let's be clear -- there is no religious basis to deny basic rights and liberties to someone based on their sexual orientation or gender identify. Period.

"In most states, you can get married on Saturday, post photos of your wedding to Facebook on Sunday, and then get fired or kicked out of your apartment on Monday just because you're gay. FADA exacerbates this injustice by allowing religion to be used as a blanket excuse for denying LGBT people access to employment, housing, mental health care, emergency shelters, and other essential services. This is wrong. Fairness and equality are core American values. And in 2016, no American should ever be made to feel less than equal -- especially not by their elected Representatives. On behalf of the LGBT Equality Caucus, I call on all Members of Congress to oppose H.R.2802 and urge Chairman Chaffetz to cancel this hearing immediately."

About The Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus

The mission of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus is to promote lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) equality. The bi-partisan LGBT Equality Caucus is strongly committed to achieving the full enjoyment of human rights for LGBT people in the U.S. and around the world.

By serving as a resource for Members of Congress, their staff, and the public on LGBT issues, the Caucus works toward the extension of equal rights, the repeal of discriminatory laws, the elimination of hate-motivated violence, and the improved health and wellbeing for all regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression.

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