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EXPANDING CIVIL RIGHTS
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Quigley). The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. Murphy) for 5 minutes.
Mrs. MURPHY of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Equality Act, a long overdue measure I cosponsored to expand important civil rights protections to every American.
This is personal for me and my district. Central Florida is an area that prides itself on its diversity, compassion, and inclusiveness. But tragedy struck in June 2016, when a gunman walked into the Pulse nightclub and took the lives of 49 innocent individuals. Our community relied on those same values--diversity, compassion, and inclusiveness--
to overcome hate and move forward together with love.
But despite tremendous progress our Nation has made toward equality, too many LGBTQ Americans still live in fear. That is because LGBTQ people across the country remain vulnerable to discrimination on a daily basis. The Equality Act ensures protections that already exist for other protected classes are equally available to all Americans. It is past time we pass this bill so that no American faces discrimination because of who they are or whom they love.
Honoring David King
Mrs. MURPHY of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor David King, a constituent of mine who passed away recently.
David was born and raised in Tennessee. He attended Tennessee Technical College and Vanderbilt Law School, where he was an editor of the law review. David then served honorably in the Marine Corps, deploying to Vietnam. Following his military service, David relocated to Orlando with his college sweetheart, Marilyn, by his side. Together, they made central Florida home.
David was a trial attorney of skill and integrity, earning the esteem of fellow lawyers and judges. David fought vigorously for his clients but always treated his courtroom opponents and the justice system itself with respect.
David served as lead attorney for the Fair District Coalition, which worked to end partisan gerrymandering in Florida. David was dedicated to the cause of free and fair elections and to the principle that every vote matters in our democracy. David was deeply committed to his central Florida community, generously giving his time, energy, and financial support to many local nonprofit organizations.
David's proudest accomplishment was his family, especially his 56-
year marriage to Marilyn and the sons and grandchildren their happy union produced.
May God bless the memory of this wonderful man, and may God bless his family, his friends, and all those who loved him.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 36
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