WASHINGTON, D.C. – Assistant Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Katherine Clark (MA-5) released the following statement in celebration of LGBTQ+ History Month 2022. 

“During LGBTQ+ History Month, we reflect on our nation's progress toward true equality and recognize the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer Americans who fought to create a more inclusive and just America. We affirm that LGBTQ+ history is American history and stand united against the MAGA Republican assault on freedom. We must urgently enact the Equality and Respect for Marriage Acts to protect the rights of all Americans and continue our work of building a nation where all are welcome.”

In July, Clark proudly voted to pass the Respect for Marriage Act, which protects marriage equality by repealing the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and ensuring critical protections for same-sex and interracial marriages. That vote directly responded to Justice Clarence Thomas’ concurring opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, stating that the courts “should reconsider” same-sex marriage.

In June, she led a letter written with Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (NY-8) to Representative Zoe Lofgren, Chair of the House Administration Committee, supporting the push for the installation of single-use occupancy bathrooms in the U.S. Capitol to give staff members, interns, and visitors a safe and comfortable experience. Clark also leads the Exposing Discrimination in Higher Education Act, legislation requiring universities that receive federal funds to apply for a waiver from the Department of Education before allowing them to claim religious exemption from Title IX protections for students. The bill also requires the Department of Education and the exempted higher education institutions to prominently display the waiver on their websites to inform students of their beliefs before arriving on campus.  

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