For Immediate Release
May 17, 2019

Contact: Zach Eisenstein
Phone: (202) 265-2405 ext 3330
zeisenstein@siecus.org

(Washington, DC) — Today, the United States House of Representatives voted to pass H.R. 5, the Equality Act. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration. Samantha Dercher, SIECUS’ Federal Policy Director, released the following statement in response:

“SIECUS celebrates the House passage of the Equality Act, which provides comprehensive, consistent, and clear non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ people. This historic civil rights legislation would finally and explicitly prohibit discrimination based on a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity in employment, housing, credit, education, jury service, and other public accommodations.

The Equality Act is especially vital for LGBTQ young people. Queer youth suffer disproportionately high rates of bullying, feeling unsafe at school, suicide ideation, and sexual violence. These disparities are fostered by our country’s history of using violence, oppression, discrimination, and shame as weapons against anyone who does not fit neatly into ‘traditional’ gender roles.

The fight for LGBTQ liberation and equity does not end with the passage of this legislation. We still have plenty of work to do to create a culture shift that tells queer youth, early on, that they will be treated as equals, not as others in this country. And that shift can start with implementing comprehensive sexuality education in schools everywhere.

But today represents a watershed moment, as the House of Representatives reaffirms what we all know: that there is no room for discrimination based on who you love or how you identify in our public spaces.

And as we observe International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia today–turning our attention to the injustices faced by queer people worldwide–the dire need for this type of legislation rings even louder. SIECUS is proud to endorse the Equality Act, and urges the Senate to pass this vital legislation.”

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The Sexuality Information and Education Council of the U.S. (SIECUS) has served as the national voice for sex education, sexual health, and sexual rights for over 50 years. SIECUS asserts that sexuality is a fundamental part of being human, one worthy of dignity and respect. We advocate for the rights of all people to accurate information, comprehensive sexuality education, and the full spectrum of sexual and reproductive health services. SIECUS works to create a world that ensures social justice inclusive of sexual and reproductive rights.