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Norton Vows to Defend Pro-Choice, Pro-LGBT D.C. Legislation in Congress from Heritage Action, Republican Threats

January 29, 2015

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today said she will stoutly defend two bills recently signed by District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser from congressional interference, after a conservative group yesterday called on Congress to pass disapproval resolutions to overturn the bills. The Reproductive Health Non-Discrimination Amendment Act would prohibit D.C. employers from discriminating against employees based on their reproductive health decisions, and the Human Rights Amendment Act would protect lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender D.C. students from discrimination.

"We have been preparing for anti-democrats to use the Republican Congress to try to interfere with the local laws of the District the Columbia," Norton said. "In a great, expansive, and diverse country, local social policy will inevitably conform to local needs and views. Just as my colleagues insist that the laws of their constituents be respected by Washington, you better bet that we will insist on the same American principle and will target members who dare disrespect the people of the District of Columbia by trying to overturn our local laws."