Richie has long been an ally of the movement for LGBTQ+ human rights. In this fight, actions speak louder than words - and as Chairman of the House Ways & Means Committee, Richie has been a champion of legislation that advances LGBTQ+ equality.
Fifty years after the Stonewall riots, Richie shepherded legislation called the PRIDE Act through committee, leading to the bill’s passage by the House. The act corrected long-standing discriminatory practices in our tax system that affected the LGBTQ+ community. The progress made with this bill states loudly and clearly that the federal government respects the dignity and equality of all married couples, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation.
“I will always use my position as Chairman to ensure that LGBTQ+ people receive fair treatment, and to reaffirm the declaration that there is no place for hate here in America.”
In his role as Ways & Means Chair, Richie has also:
Cosponsored the Protecting LGBTQ Youth Act, because it's on all of us to keep kids safe. ï¸
Spoken out against Trump's hateful decision to ban trans people from military service. ï¸
Cosponsored of the Equality Act, to guarantee full civil rights protections to all LGBTQ+ people. ï¸
Invited PULSE Nightclub shooting survivor Brandon Wolf to testify on Capitol Hill. ï¸
Highlighted the problem of tax exemptions for organizations that promote hate and intolerance.
Applauded and supported the Supreme Court ruling protecting all Americans, regardless of orientation, from workplace discrimination.