Congressional Equality Caucus Applauds HHS Action Reversing Healthcare Discrimination
DATE: May 10, 2021
CONTACT: laura.brantley@mail.house.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Congressional Equality Caucus Applauds
HHS Action Reversing Healthcare Discrimination
Washington, D.C. – The Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus applauded the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for reversing a rule by the Trump Administration that allowed discrimination in health and medical care against especially vulnerable groups including LGBTQ+ people.
"No person should ever be denied access to medical care because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. President Biden understands that. The last president did not. I want to thank President Biden and Secretary Becerra for their leadership on this issue," said Equality Caucus Chair David N. Cicilline (RI-01). "Right now, the Biden administration is doing everything within its power to protect LGBTQ+ people. And earlier this year, the House passed the Equality Act, legislation I authored to prohibit discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community. The Senate should send this bill to President Biden's desk."
"Gay rights and transgender rights are human rights. We deserve the same protections as any other American – especially when it comes to our health," said Equality Caucus Co-Chair Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18). "This rule reversal is a good start. We need to put the Trump Administration's attempts to write our rights out of existence behind us and continue our fight for equal protection under the law by passing the Equality Act."
"I applaud President Biden for reversing Donald Trump's hateful discrimination against gay and transgender people receiving healthcare. No one should be denied health care because of who they are or who they love, and the global COVID-19 pandemic has made that truth even clearer. They also shouldn't be denied housing, education or employment—that's why it is imperative that the Senate take the next step against discrimination and pass the Equality Act. Every person, no matter their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression should be free from discrimination in this country," said Equality Caucus Co-Chair Mark Pocan (WI-02).
"No one should ever be denied care because of their identity. By reversing Trump's dangerous and discriminatory rule, the Biden Administration is affirming the rights of LGBTQ+ people in America. Now we must ensure that everyone who is in need of healthcare has the ability to access it without fear of discrimination or high costs. I'm grateful to have a strong LGBTQ+ ally in the White House," said Equality Caucus Co-Chair Mark Takano (CA-41).
"Every American, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, should be able to access affordable health care, free from discrimination. But for far too long, discriminatory policies across the country have prevented LGBTQ people from receiving the care they need and deserve," said Equality Caucus Co-Chair Angie Craig (MN-02). "I am thrilled that the Biden Administration has chosen to right this wrong by prioritizing the health and wellbeing of all Americans and combatting anti-LGTBQ discrimination in medical services."
"Today, the LGBTQ+ community can breathe a collective sigh of relief as Secretary Becerra reverses the previous Administration's discriminatory rules. For many LGBTQ+ Kansans, myself included, this is a sign that we are recognized, valued, and protected," said Equality Caucus Co-Chair Sharice L. Davids (KS-03). "I am proud to see this promise kept by the Biden administration—now, I hope that my colleagues in the Senate will join the House in passing the Equality Act and making these protections permanent."
"Health care is a human right, no matter how you identify or who you love," said Equality Caucus Co-Chair Mondaire Jones (NY-17). "I'm grateful to President Biden for reversing the previous administration's hateful, anti-trans healthcare rule and banning discrimination against LGBTQ+ Americans in health care. Now we must outlaw anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination in all facets of our society by getting the Equality Act passed in the Senate and signed into law."
"I commend President Biden and Secretary Becerra in taking this long overdue step to address generations of mistreatment and discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community in our nation's healthcare system. This discrimination has not only created distrust in our healthcare system, but it has also endangered countless lives through delays or denial of medically necessary care. This year alone we have seen a record number of states introducing laws meant to strip gender nonconforming or transgender individuals of their basic rights to lifesaving care. The Biden Administration has sent a clear message that the LGBTQ + community deserves the same right to critical healthcare services as their heterosexual counterparts," said Equality Caucus Co-Chair Ritchie Torres (NY-15).
Please contact Shawn Gaylord at 202-257-8416 or shawn.gaylord@mail.house.gov with press inquiries.
Founded in 2008, the mission of the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus is to promote equality for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. The Caucus, which is led by the nine openly LGBTQ+ members of the House of Representatives, is strongly committed to achieving the full enjoyment of human rights for LGBTQ+ people in the U.S. and around the world.