ICYMI: Human Rights Campaign Calls on House to Reject Dangerous Anti-LGBTQ+ Language in Veterans Affairs Funding Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. - June 14, 2023 - 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.

In response, Kelley Robinson, President of the Human Rights Campaign, released the following statement:

"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.

The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people. HRC envisions a world where LGBTQ+ people are embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community.