WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-5) joined Congressional Equality Caucus Chair Rep. Mark Takano (CA-39), Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (CA-12) and advocates for the bicameral reintroduction of the Equality Act — landmark legislation extending federal civil rights protections to LGBTQ+ Americans. Below is a transcript of her remarks:
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Amen, Senator Booker! I am so grateful to all my colleagues that are here. A special shoutout to Senator Merkley and our own Mark Takano, Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus. We are so grateful for your leadership on the Equality Act over in the House.
"So, let me tell you: the Republicans’ opposition to this bill tells you everything you need to know about their cruel calculation. They pick a scapegoat so they can have cover for the real agenda going on. They are vilifying a community, blaming them, and trying to erase them from our country.
"So, you take everything from them — and then the GOP moves onto everyone else. Taking away Medicaid, Social Security. Defunding our public schools and child care. Taking away control over our own bodies. And taking away the right to live as you are.
"They believe that safety and opportunity are not a right — but a luxury of a few. The Republicans have decided that some Americans are unworthy of freedom. Unworthy of health care and housing and education and a voice. Because of who they are. Because of what they look like, or who they’ve married, or how much money they have.
"But here’s the truth that we know: The basis of the Equality Act is that freedom is a birthright of every person. And we can only defend ours if we defend everyone’s. Freedom doesn’t grow in a pot. It's not a container plant that you stick in a corner. It only thrives in the open — unfettered. Otherwise it withers and dies for everyone. And that’s what this fight is about.
"As Dr. King reminded us: 'We are tied together in the single garment of destiny.'
“So thank you all for coming together. Thank you for fighting for a future, a destiny, that is worthy of all — all — of our children. Where the rights and dignity of LGBTQ Americans are unquestioned. Where every person can live free of discrimination in all of its forms.
"So please help me welcome a colleague who is working every day to make that dream a reality. The gentleman from New Hampshire, the Co-Chair of the Equality Caucus: Congressman Chris Pappas."
"Thank you, Madam Speaker. Amen, Senator Booker! I am so grateful to all my colleagues that are here. A special shoutout to Senator Merkley and our own Mark Takano, Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus. We are so grateful for your leadership on the Equality Act over in the House.
"So, let me tell you: the Republicans’ opposition to this bill tells you everything you need to know about their cruel calculation. They pick a scapegoat so they can have cover for the real agenda going on. They are vilifying a community, blaming them, and trying to erase them from our country.
"So, you take everything from them — and then the GOP moves onto everyone else. Taking away Medicaid, Social Security. Defunding our public schools and child care. Taking away control over our own bodies. And taking away the right to live as you are.
"They believe that safety and opportunity are not a right — but a luxury of a few. The Republicans have decided that some Americans are unworthy of freedom. Unworthy of health care and housing and education and a voice. Because of who they are. Because of what they look like, or who they’ve married, or how much money they have.
"But here’s the truth that we know: The basis of the Equality Act is that freedom is a birthright of every person. And we can only defend ours if we defend everyone’s. Freedom doesn’t grow in a pot. It's not a container plant that you stick in a corner. It only thrives in the open — unfettered. Otherwise it withers and dies for everyone. And that’s what this fight is about.
"As Dr. King reminded us: 'We are tied together in the single garment of destiny.'
“So thank you all for coming together. Thank you for fighting for a future, a destiny, that is worthy of all — all — of our children. Where the rights and dignity of LGBTQ Americans are unquestioned. Where every person can live free of discrimination in all of its forms.
"So please help me welcome a colleague who is working every day to make that dream a reality. The gentleman from New Hampshire, the Co-Chair of the Equality Caucus: Congressman Chris Pappas."