by Cullen Peele •
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, called on the House of Representatives to reject last-minute additions during an Appropriations Committee markup of anti-LGBTQ+ language. The language attempts to ban gender-affirming care for veterans, allow for new forms of religious discrimination, and prohibit the display of LGBTQ+ pride flags, in the FY24 Military Construction/Veterans Affairs appropriations bill.
Today, anti-equality members of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee sent a harmful, false, and unpatriotic message that their respect for America’s veterans is purely conditional. As the LGBTQ+ community celebrates its right to exist without shame or exception this month, it’s disgraceful to witness lawmakers ceding to extremist forces by attempting to deny LGBTQ+ veterans’ essential healthcare and driving them back into the closet . We owe retired service members our gratitude and full access to benefits."
The amended language also limits access to abortion coverage and bans diversity, equity and inclusion programs.
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