Recognizing and honoring the work of community organizations and individuals who create and maintain services and educational programs for marginalized groups ensuring the resilience and prosperity of members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 52
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-01-16: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Last Updated
- 2025-02-11T09:00:16Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This resolution (H. Res. 52) aims to recognize and honor the efforts of community organizations and individuals who establish and sustain services, educational programs, and safe spaces for marginalized groups, particularly to support the resilience and prosperity of the LGBTQIA+ community (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning/queer, intersex, asexual, and other identities).
Key Provisions
The resolution includes background "Whereas" clauses highlighting historical and current contexts, followed by declarative "Resolved" clauses:
- Historical and cultural significance: It describes LGBTQIA+ spaces as vital for authentic expression, community support, and activism, citing events like the 1969 Stonewall riots (led by figures such as Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera), the founding of GLAAD in 1985, ACT UP in 1987, and the ballroom culture originating in the late 1800s.
- Current challenges: It notes the decline in LGBTQIA+ bars and nightclubs (down 37% in the last decade, with only 32 lesbian bars nationwide), higher rates of violent victimization (71.1 per 1,000 for sexual and gender minorities vs. 19.2 per 1,000 for others), and needs for security in community organizations (62.1% experienced hate violence in 2022).
- Tragic events: References mass shootings at Pulse Nightclub (2016, 49 deaths) and Club Q (2022, 5 deaths) to underscore the risks to these spaces.
- Resolved actions:
- Recognizes the necessity of creating LGBTQIA+ community spaces for equality.
- Commends partnerships between marginalized groups and local resources.
- Acknowledges the role of these spaces in fighting oppression based on homophobia, racism, misogyny, and hate.
- Honors organizations and individuals providing spaces for the LGBTQIA+ community and people of color.
- Affirms the value of education and awareness about the historical and cultural role of these spaces.
- Encourages Congress to support community organizations and individuals fostering these spaces.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution with no legal force, so it introduces no changes to existing laws or statutes. It serves as a formal expression of the House of Representatives' views rather than enacting policy.
Potential Impacts
- On government agencies: May indirectly influence congressional priorities, such as future funding for community programs or anti-violence initiatives, but has no direct mandate.
- On citizens: Raises public awareness of LGBTQIA+ challenges and contributions, potentially encouraging private support for safe spaces and reducing stigma; could foster greater community resilience among marginalized groups.
- On international relations: Minimal impact, as it focuses on domestic U.S. history and issues.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- LGBTQIA+ individuals and communities: Primary beneficiaries, gaining formal recognition of their spaces and struggles.
- Community organizations and businesses: Groups like GLAAD, ACT UP, and local LGBTQIA+ centers, honored for their advocacy and resource work.
- Marginalized subgroups: Includes people of color, transgender individuals, and those facing intersectional discrimination (e.g., racism and homophobia).
- Congress and policymakers: Encouraged to provide ongoing support, potentially affecting bipartisan or advocacy efforts.
- General public: Indirectly affected through heightened awareness of equality and justice issues.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: None, as resolutions do not create enforceable law or alter rights; it aligns with existing anti-discrimination protections under laws like the Civil Rights Act but adds no new obligations.
- Constitutional: Reinforces First Amendment values of free expression and assembly by highlighting safe spaces for activism, without challenging any provisions.
- Political: Demonstrates House support for LGBTQIA+ rights in a divided Congress, potentially signaling to constituents and influencing future legislation on hate crimes or community funding; introduced by a bipartisan group of representatives, it promotes intersectional solidarity but may spark debate on cultural or social issues.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Watson Coleman, Bonnie [D-NJ-12]
Cosponsors (27)
Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-12], Rep. Espaillat, Adriano [D-NY-13], Rep. Velázquez, Nydia M. [D-NY-7], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC], Rep. McIver, LaMonica [D-NJ-10], Rep. Quigley, Mike [D-IL-5], Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank" [D-GA-4], Rep. Mullin, Kevin [D-CA-15], Rep. Titus, Dina [D-NV-1], Rep. Evans, Dwight [D-PA-3], Rep. Sewell, Terri A. [D-AL-7], Rep. Hayes, Jahana [D-CT-5], Rep. Moskowitz, Jared [D-FL-23], Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5], Rep. Krishnamoorthi, Raja [D-IL-8], Rep. Doggett, Lloyd [D-TX-37], Rep. Ramirez, Delia C. [D-IL-3], Rep. Pallone, Frank [D-NJ-6], Rep. Swalwell, Eric [D-CA-14], Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7], Rep. Foushee, Valerie P. [D-NC-4], Rep. Olszewski, Johnny [D-MD-2], Rep. Randall, Emily [D-WA-6], Rep. Grijalva, Raúl M. [D-AZ-7], Rep. García, Jesús G. "Chuy" [D-IL-4], Rep. Chu, Judy [D-CA-28], Rep. Magaziner, Seth [D-RI-2]
Recent Actions
- 2025-01-16: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- 2025-01-16: Submitted in House
- 2025-01-16: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Recognizing and honoring the work of community organizations and individuals who create and maintain services and educational programs for marginalized groups ensuring the resilience and prosperity of members of the LGBTQIA+ community. — issued 2025-01-16 — PDF (5 pages)