Equality Caucus Condemns Passage of Interior Appropriations Bill

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the Congressional Equality Caucus released the following statement condemning House passage of H.R. 4821, the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024.

"Our nation is facing a climate crisis that is rapidly impacting our society and our way of life. But instead of addressing that, MAGA Republicans are using this bill to discriminate against the LGBTQI+ community," said Equality Caucus Chair Mark Pocan (WI-02). "Time and time again this year, extreme MAGA Republicans have filled our appropriations bills with anti-equality provisions. House Republicans care more about attacking the LGBTQI+ community than prioritizing the needs all Americans."

The Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies bill included the following riders:

"License to Discriminate" Riders – Sec. 483

This rider creates a license for people and organizations—including those receiving taxpayer funds—to discriminate against LGBTQI+ people under the guise of religious liberty, and they prevent the federal government from adequately responding. For example, it prohibits the federal government from reducing or terminating a federal contract or grant with an organization that discriminates against LGBTQI+ people if the organization justifies their discrimination based on the belief that marriage should only be between a man and a woman. For example:

• If a National Park Service employee refused to let married same-sex couples into a National Park, the employee could not be properly penalized for this conduct.
• If a security contractor for a Bureau of Indian Education-funded school refused to admit same-sex parents of students into the school for a student play or other event open to parents, BIE could not terminate that contract.

Pride Flag Riders – Sec. 476

This rider prohibits funds from being used to fly Pride flags at covered facilities.

Flying Pride flags is a way for agencies to illustrate their commitment to inclusion of LGBTQI+ employees and their families. LGBTQI+ people deserve to be seen, valued, and represented for their contributions.

DEI EO Riders – Sec. 454

This rider prohibits funds appropriated by the bill from being made available to implement, administer, apply, enforce, or carry out:

• Executive Order No. 13985, "Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government"
  
• Executive Order No. 14035, "Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in the Federal Workforce;" and
  
• Executive Order No. 14091, "Further Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through The Federal Government"

All these Executive Orders are LGBTQI-inclusive.

The House of Representatives also considered the following amendment to the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024 on the floor:

Norman #110 (Rules #25) would prohibit funding for the Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Civil Rights, which works to develop and enforce civil rights and equal opportunity programs pursuant to existing laws, Executive Orders and regulations. REJECTED

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Founded in 2008, the mission of the Congressional Equality Caucus is to promote equality for all, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or sex characteristics, including intersex traits. The Caucus is strongly committed to achieving the full enjoyment of human rights for LGBTQI+ people in the U.S. and around the world.