Congressman Eliot L. Engel, a member of the House LGBT Equality Caucus, issued the following statement marking the 1-year anniversary of the House passing the historic Equality Act, which ensures LGBTQ Americans are guaranteed the full protections under federal civil rights law:

“No American should face discrimination, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender identity or sexual orientation. Last year, I joined my House colleagues to take a momentous vote in passing H.R. 5, the Equality Act.

For too long, LGBTQ Americans have faced discrimination regarding employment opportunities, access to education, access to credit, jury service, obtaining federal funding, housing and public accommodations.

I have always supported the LGBTQ community, from my vote against the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) in 1996 to the Equality Act, and every day in between.

Now we need the GOP and the White House to finally support our LGBTQ friends.

“The LGBTQ community continues to face severe hardships. The Senate must act and provide our LGBTQ friends the support they need.”