Against the backdrop of dramatic Republican infighting, the House of Representatives on March 22 approved a $1.2 trillion spending package that appeared to dodge dozens of anti-LGBTQ provisions, though lawmakers still managed to include a ban on Rainbow Flags at State Department facilities.
The House Equality Caucus, consisting of out members of the House, expressed relief that the GOP-led lower chamber was unsuccessful in advancing more anti-LGBTQ measures. Last year House Republicans introduced appropriations bills with dozens of anti-LGBTQ provisions, the Equality Caucus said. House Democrats said Republicans wanted to bar funding for gender-affirming care and Critical Race Theory, allow anti-LGBTQ discrimination “under the guise of religious liberty,” and prevent insurance plans from covering the cost of gender-affirming care, among other priorities.
