WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) reintroduced the Promoting Responsive Inclusion and Diverse Engagement (PRIDE) Act, a bill that ensures equal access to financial services and inclusion for LGBTQ+ individuals in the financial services industry. This legislation strengthens diversity within federal financial agencies by expanding their existing Offices of Minority and Women Inclusion to include the LGBTQ+ community.

Congresswoman Williams, a member of the House Financial Services Committee, said: 

“Members of the LGBTQ+ community deserve equal access to financial services and inclusion in the financial services industry, but they are often excluded because of discrimination.  Making inclusivity based on gender identity and sexual orientation part of the mission for financial services agencies means they will prioritize inclusivity for everyone, no matter who you love or how you identify. The Fifth District has long been known for LGBTQ+ inclusivity, and I am bringing that same spirit to our financial regulators.”

The PRIDE Act raises the importance of financial inclusion for LGBTQ+ individuals, who continue to face significant discrimination in the financial industry. With only 0.4% of Fortune 500 board seats held by out LGBTQ+ individuals, this bill addresses the underrepresentation and workplace discrimination that persists in the industry. Furthermore, same-sex couples are 73% more likely to be denied loans compared to different-sex couples with similar characteristics.

Joining Congresswoman Williams in introducing the legislation are Reps. Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Raul Grijalva (AZ-07), Mark Takano (CA-39) and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-At Large).

The PRIDE Act is endorsed by Equality California, Equality Federation, Human Rights Campaign, National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund, OUT Georgia Business Alliance, Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders (SAGE), and Silver State Equality.

Read the Full Bill Text here

Read the One Pager here