Tonight, members of the Conservatives Against Discrimination Leadership Council are sharing their call for a bipartisan solution that delivers federal protections for LGBTQ Americans following President Joe Biden’s address to a joint session of Congress.
In his address, President Biden said he hopes Congress can get the Equality Act to his desk to “protect LGBTQ Americans.” Playing a key role in the Freedom For All Americans’ bipartisan campaign, Conservatives Against Discrimination is a coalition of conservative Americans who believe LGBTQ Americans should be protected from discrimination.
Council Co-chair Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, United States Representative, Florida, 27th District, 1989-2019:
“As we have seen in recent weeks, bipartisan consensus exists for the expansion of commonsense nondiscrimination protections to LGBTQ Americans. Republican involvement is not only necessary for further negotiation and passage of the Equality Act, but it will also ensure the long-term efficacy of these protections. Further, it will send the unequivocal message that our party will heed the rapidly growing calls of business and faith leaders to ensure every American is treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.”
Council Co-chair Trey Grayson, Secretary of State of Kentucky, 2004-2011:
“America’s business community needs certainty, and more importantly, LGBTQ Americans deserve equal protections. To maximize competitiveness, support our workforce, empower consumers and strengthen our local communities, Republicans should heed President Biden’s call to work with Democrats to make nondiscrimination protections for all Americans a reality.”
Carlos Curbelo, United States Representative, Florida, 26th District, 2015-2019:
“When every American is given the opportunity to work hard, earn a living and provide for their family without fear of harassment or discrimination, our nation succeeds. President Biden’s call to Congress must be answered by both parties. Bipartisan passage of federal protections for LGBTQ people is pro-family, pro-business, and common sense.”
Steve Gunderson, United States Representative, Wisconsin, 3rd District, 1981-1997:
“As a conservative, I believe that we should treat others as we ourselves want to be treated. For too long our LGBTQ friends and neighbors have been denied the level of respect and the equal protections they deserve. President Biden’s address and the historic movement by Congress to advance the Equality Act makes clear that the time is now for Republicans and Democrats to come together in support of federal nondiscrimination protections.”
Sarah Davis, Member of the Texas House of Representatives, 134th District, 2011-2021:
“President Biden should be commended for recognizing the fact that far too many LGBTQ Americans remain subject to discrimination in their daily lives. Good faith, bipartisan coordination and negotiation between Republicans and Democrats is crucial in order to protect LGBTQ Americans from instances of discrimination across employment, housing, business and government services. The United States Congress is within reach to make such protections a reality for LGBTQ Americans.”
J. John Fluharty, Executive Director of the Republican Party of Delaware, 2012-2015:
“It is no surprise that such a strong percentage of Republicans support nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ Americans, particularly when you consider how such actions would deliver real value to small businesses and local, state and national economies. President Biden has shone a spotlight on a sound issue that Republicans and Democrats alike can get behind. Now is the time for Congress to finish the job and secure comprehensive nondiscrimination protections that will help move our country forward.”
