Biden defends trans community, supports the Equality Act in State of the Union
President Joe Biden spoke in defense of the transgender community, called for passage of the Equality Act and voiced his opposition to book bans during his 2024 State of the Union address before a joint session of Congress on Thursday. “Banning books,” he said, “It’s wrong!
Instead of erasing history, let’s make history!” The president added, “I want to protect other fundamental rights! Pass the Equality Act and my message to transgender Americans: I have your back!” First introduced decades ago, the Equality Act would codify LGBTQ-inclusive nondiscrimination rules in employment, housing, public accommodations, education, federally funded programs, credit and jury service. “My lifetime has taught me to embrace freedom and democracy,” Biden said, “A future based on the core values that have defined America: Honesty, decency, dignity, equality.
To respect everyone. To give everyone a fair shot. To give hate no safe harbor.” He then drew a contrast between this vision and the worldview of his political opponents. “Now some other people my age see a different story: An American story of resentment, revenge and retribution,” Biden said. “That’s not me.” Shortly into his speech, the president took aim at Republicans who supported the insurrection on Jan.
6, 2021, that was fomented by former President Donald Trump. Without using his name, Biden then inveighed against his presumptive 2024 GOP rival for refusing to abide protections for NATO allied countries and appointing U.S.
