Contact: Ron Boehmer 202-225-2906
Pocan will serve as Speaker pro tempore during Friday’s debate on the Equality Act
WASHINGTON, DC – On Friday, May 17, 2019 at 10:00 AM ET/9:00 AM CT, U.S. Representative Mark Pocan (WI-02) will serve as Speaker pro tempore for the first time. Pocan will preside over debate in the House of Representatives during consideration of H.R. 5, the Equality Act, which ensures that LGBTQ Americans are guaranteed the full protections of federal civil rights laws.
The Equality Act extends anti-discrimination protections to LGBTQ Americans regarding employment, education, access to credit, jury service, federal funding, housing and public accommodations. Currently, only 21 states have explicit laws barring discrimination based on sexual orientation in employment, housing, and public accommodations, and only 20 states have such protections for gender identity.
As Co-Chair of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus and an openly gay member of Congress, Pocan has long been an advocate for equal rights. He has been an out elected official since 1991, when he ran for the Dane County Board of Supervisors in Wisconsin.
WHAT: Pocan to Preside Over House Chamber for First Time
WHO: U.S. Representative Mark Pocan (WI-02)
WHERE: C-SPAN (live feed available here)
WHEN: Friday, May 17, 2019 at 10:00 AM ET/9:00 AM CT
