Press Releases

Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA) – a senior House Democrat and proud supporter of LGBT equality – released the following statement on the improper conduct of House Republicans today in holding a vote open in order to force Republican Members to change their votes and defeat an amendment to uphold President Obama’s historic executive order banning anti-LGBT discrimination by federal contractors:

“Today the American people saw a shocking display in Congress as House Republicans broke regular order to force their Members to switch their votes and support LGBT discrimination. Speaker Ryan promised a fair and open process when he took the Speaker’s gavel last fall, but clearly that didn’t apply today.

“A clear majority of the House – including both Democrats and Republicans – were ready to protect LGBT Americans from discrimination. The measure would have prohibited taxpayer dollars from going to contractors who discriminate against LGBT Americans. However, House Republican leaders deliberately extended today’s vote – even after time had expired – so they could pressure members of their party to change their votes. As Americans across the country continue to embrace LGBT equality, it’s extremely disappointing to see that bigotry is still alive and well in this Republican-controlled Congress.

“It’s pretty simple: Taxpayer dollars should never be used to support businesses that discriminate against LGBT Americans. Our country is better than this.”

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