CELEBRATING PRIDE MONTH AND AMERICA'S DIVERSITY

On 2026-06-30, Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ-12) delivered a floor speech titled "CELEBRATING PRIDE MONTH AND AMERICA'S DIVERSITY" in the House.

CELEBRATING PRIDE MONTH AND AMERICA'S DIVERSITY

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 109 (Tuesday, June 30, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 109 (Tuesday, June 30, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E637] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CELEBRATING PRIDE MONTH AND AMERICA'S DIVERSITY ______ HON. BONNIE WATSON COLEMAN of new jersey in the house of representatives Tuesday, June 30, 2026 Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate Pride Month. What makes America truly great is our diversity. It is the coalescence of our backgrounds, our values, and our ideas that makes this Nation stronger. So, when we celebrate Pride Month, we are celebrating America. However, as we approach America's 250th anniversary, the historic progress we have made together to make our country a better place for all is under threat. The Trump administration and Republicans in Congress are focused more on weaponizing the federal government against America's diversity and the LGBTQ+ community than on addressing the pressing issues facing Americans. LGBTQ+ Americans who serve our country proudly in uniform and are a critical part of our military are being told they are not welcome and are being denied access to medical care. There have been more than 15 anti-LGBTQ+ votes on the floor of the House this Congress, but not one that would actually lower costs for American families. I am proud to stand up for the New Jersey LGBTQ+ community in Congress as a member of the Congressional Equality Caucus and fight back against the rising tide of homophobia, transphobia, and hatred in all its forms. While Republicans in Congress have attacked our neighbors, I reintroduced the Customer Non-Discrimination Act to ensure fail treatment for Americans in public spaces and commercial services open to the public. Too many LGBTQ+ Americans still risk being fired, refused housing, or even denied healthcare just because of who they are, and this bill would stamp out this legalized discrimination by adding sexual orientation, sex, and gender identity to the prohibitions on discrimination covered by the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Celebrating Pride Month cannot be just about attending parades; it must also mean taking action and standing up for the rights to the freedoms we all deserve. America's promise of liberty and justice for all includes the LGBTQ+ community. As we approach our country's 250th anniversary, we must fight to ensure that freedom and equality are expanded, not rolled back, so that America can be a more inclusive and just Nation. ____________________