WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) issued the following statement after House passage of The Equality Act (H.R. 5). The bill provides explicit protections from discrimination based on an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity. The bill also prevents exclusion from access to federally funded resources while expanding the list of protected places of public accommodations:

“I am in Congress to secure the promise of America for all—no matter who they love or how they identify,” said Congresswoman Williams. “LGBTQ+ people have lived in fear of punishment or retaliation for far too long. Today’s bill passage goes a long way in affirming that living without fear or being free from discrimination is not a matter of privilege, but an inalienable right. I am proud that the U.S. House of Representatives, under Democratic Leadership, is standing as an ally of the LGBTQ+ community and voted to pass the Equality Act. LBGTQ+ people will now have protection under federal law. I will continue standing up for the rights of LGBTQ+ people and other communities that have historically been discriminated against as we work toward justice and equality for all.”