A group of 163 Democratic members of Congress, in a passionate appeal organized by the Congressional Equality Caucus, has written to President Joe Biden and senior Democratic leaders, including U.S. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries and Sen. Chuck Schumer. They are fervently urging the removal of any anti-LGBTQ+ provisions in the upcoming fiscal year 2024 funding agreement. This call to action comes as the nation faces the specter of another government shutdown amid Republican disarray.
In their letter, the Congressional members emphasize the importance of the funding process that supports programs benefiting the American people. However, they express dismay that some members of Congress are trying to use this process to undermine LGBTQ+ rights. They argue that “anti-equality members of Congress are attempting to hijack the appropriations process to restrict the rights and fundamental freedoms of LGBTQI+ people.”
The signatories strongly oppose the efforts of certain members who are attempting to incorporate over 40 anti-equality provisions in current House appropriations bills. These provisions include riders like the Gender-Affirming Care Ban Riders and License to Discriminate Riders, which could enable discrimination under the guise of religious liberty. Others target the flying of pride flags at specific facilities and impede the implementation of LGBTQ-inclusive Executive Orders.
Additionally, the letter highlights more anti-LGBTQ+ riders in several funding bills, including those aimed at defunding offices advocating for LGBTQ+ human rights and restricting federal funding to international organizations affirming transgender individuals’ existence.
The White House has reiterated its stance against these riders, stating that President Biden opposes them. Recent policy positions by the administration have underscored its commitment to LGBTQ+ rights and opposition to discriminatory legislation. The Senate recently rejected a resolution that attempted to disapprove of the Agriculture Department’s memorandum aimed at protecting LGBTQ+ Americans from discrimination in federally funded nutrition programs. The White House condemned the resolution, stating that “no person in need of help should be turned away from a food bank or denied nutrition assistance just because of who they are or who they love.”
As the nation heads into another funding showdown, the fight to protect LGBTQ+ rights remains at the forefront of political discourse. Democratic lawmakers are steadfast in their determination to ensure that anti-LGBTQ+ provisions do not find their way into the fiscal year 2024 funding agreement, a battle that carries significant implications for the LGBTQ+ community.