This resolution expresses Congressional support for LGBTQI+ equality and designates June 26th as "LGBTQI+ Equality Day" to commemorate key Supreme Court victories and highlight the need for further legislative protections.
Tammy Baldwin
Senator
WI
This resolution expresses the Senate's support for the rights and freedoms of LGBTQI+ individuals across the United States. It recognizes key Supreme Court victories that advanced equality while acknowledging the ongoing need for federal legislation to combat discrimination. The bill specifically supports designating June 26th as "LGBTQI+ Equality Day" to commemorate these legal milestones.
Congress Backs June 26th as 'LGBTQI+ Equality Day' to Recognize Landmark Civil Rights Victories
This resolution is essentially Congress putting its official stamp of approval on LGBTQI+ equality and civil rights. It doesn't create a new law or change any regulations, but it formally recognizes the long fight for dignity and freedom for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex individuals across the country.
The Supreme Court's Greatest Hits
Think of this resolution as a shout-out to the major legal battles that changed the game. It specifically calls out three huge Supreme Court decisions that all happened on June 26th in different years. First, there was Lawrence v. Texas (2003), which finally ended laws criminalizing private, consensual same-sex conduct—basically getting the government out of people's bedrooms. Then came United States v. Windsor (2013), which struck down a key part of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), meaning married same-sex couples could finally access federal benefits. Finally, the resolution highlights Obergefell v. Hodges (2015), which established the constitutional right to marry for same-sex couples nationwide. These decisions are the legal bedrock for many rights today, and the resolution wants June 26th to be a day to remember that history.
Why a Day of Observance Matters
So, why designate a day if it’s not legally binding? Because recognition matters. The resolution argues that even with these court victories, LGBTQI+ people—particularly transgender individuals and people of color within the community—still face major hurdles like violence, poverty, and discrimination that courts alone can’t fix. Designating June 26th as “LGBTQI+ Equality Day” is designed to keep these issues front and center, encouraging education and awareness about the ongoing need for protective laws in areas like getting a job, finding housing, and accessing public spaces. For a busy person, this is Congress saying, “We see the ongoing struggle, and we commit to keeping the legislative work going.”
The Legislative To-Do List
Crucially, this resolution isn't just looking backward; it’s looking forward. The Senate uses this declaration to acknowledge that more laws are needed to provide protection from discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or sex characteristics. They specifically mention the need for action in employment, housing, education, and credit access. While this resolution doesn't pass those laws, it serves as a formal statement of intent, signaling that Congress supports moving forward on comprehensive non-discrimination protections. It’s a symbolic move, but in policy, symbols often precede concrete action.