Congresswoman Jacobs Floor Speech on Equality Act: This Bill is Deeply Personal
Jacobs talked about her siblings and constituents whose rights would be protected under the bill, recognized local leader Larry Baza
Congresswoman Sara Jacobs (D-CA-53) urged her colleagues to support the Equality Act during remarks on the House floor on Wednesday afternoon. Congresswoman Jacobs highlighted her personal connection to LGBTQ+ equality – as the sister of a trans brother and a gender non-conforming sibling – and the many constituents in her district whose rights would be protected under the Equality Act. Congresswoman Jacobs also highlighted the legacy of San Diego LGBTQ+ activist and community leader Larry Baza, who passed away from COVID-19 last week.
The Equality Act prohibits discrimination against members of the LGBTQ+ community in the areas of employment, education, credit, housing, jury service, federal funding, and more by adding gender identity and sexual orientation to existing anti-discrimination civil rights protections. Jacobs is an original co-sponsor of the legislation.
The House is expected to pass the Equality Act later this week.
To watch the video, click here.
Congresswoman Jacobs' remarks on the floor are as follows:
I rise today in support of the Equality Act.
As the proud sister to a trans brother and a gender non-conforming sibling, and the proud representative of Hillcrest, the heart of San Diego’s LGBTQ+ community – this bill is deeply personal.
The protections in the Equality Act will be life-changing for so many of my constituents.
Mr. Speaker, the first version of this bill was filed in 1974 – 15 years before I was even born. It had one cosponsor and never got a vote.
But this week, I am proud to say we are going to pass the Equality Act, co-sponsored by the entire Democratic caucus!
This was made possible by all those who marched and protested and raised their voices – like San Diego’s own Larry Baza.
Last week, we lost Larry to COVID and today would have been his 77th birthday.
Larry demanded justice, equality, and dignity for all.
I urge my colleagues to support the Equality Act, and I yield back.