WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Lois Capps (D-CA) took to the House floor Wednesday evening April 23rd, 2008 to speak out in strong support of the National Day of Silence, an annual observation in which students take a vow of silence to bring attention to anti-lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) harassment faced by individuals in schools.  The National Day of Silence takes place on Friday, April 25, 2008 and this year honors the memory of Lawrence “Larry” King, who was killed in an act of anti-gay violence at E.O. Green Junior High.  Capps paid tribute to King and commended the thousands of student across the country who will be participating in the National Day of Silence.  Capps is a lead on H.Con.Res. 328,  a resolution to honor the National Day of  Silence in which students take a vow of silence to bring attention to the anti-lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) name-calling, bullying, and harassment faced by individuals in schools, including students, teachers, and other school staff. 

A copy of her prepared remarks follows and her speech can be viewed here: 

“Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

“I rise today in recognition of the National Day of Silence.

“On April 25th, hundreds of thousands of students around our country will observe a day of silence in memory of Lawrence King.

“Lawrence was a 15 year-old attending E.O. Greene Junior High in Oxnard, California, who liked to draw, study bugs, crochet, and sing.  But he was also repeatedly harassed in school because of his sexual orientation and gender expression.  He endured anti-gay taunts, slurs, and other forms of bullying. This harassment culminated in his death when, on February 12, 2008, he was shot in the head by his 14-year old classmate.

“Larry’s death is incredibly tragic.  It is also a sad reminder that pleas for help— from our young lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender population—are often met with silence.  I commend the courage of every student participating in the Day of Silence.  I know that your efforts will bring much needed attention to the plight that students like Larry face every single day.

“Thank you.”

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Pictured above: (center) Congresswoman Capps meets with Central Coast firefighters to discuss emergency preparedness.