Issue Position: Equality for All

Issue Position

Every person should be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of who they love and how they identify. But we know that discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, non-binary, and queer people exists in our country despite the progress that has been made to codify what should be the innate rights of LGBTQ+ individuals in law.

One of the proudest moments I had serving in Congress is when I voted for both the Equality Act and an expanded Violence Against Women Act that included real protections for LGBTQ+ women. The Equality Act, which is legislation that congressional Democrats have championed for years, bans discrimination in housing, education, the workforce, and other aspects of everyday life for LGBTQ+ individuals.

Long before the 2015 Supreme Court ruling that recognized same-sex marriage is as a right of all Americans, I spoke out against the unfairness of our government stopping individuals in love to join in marriage. Ensuring marriage equality was the first victory in our continued fight for justice for LGBTQ+ individuals.

Still, being an effective ally for the LGBTQ+ goes beyond just voting for legsilation, laws, and policies that expand equality. As allies, we must also speak out against the injustices and violence members of the queer community face each and every time it occurs. Our country is facing a crisis of violence against trans women, with black women being disproportion targeted for bigotry and murder. That is unacceptable, and we need dedicated resources to stop attacks against trans individuals.

My Record on Equality:

Proudly voted for the Equality Act to ban discrimination based on sex, gender, orientation, and identity in the workforce, housing, and education.
I voted for the Violence Against Women Act to expand protections for all women who face violence.
I support the Restore Honor to Service Members Act, which would mandate reviews of the status of any former United States Armed Service members who were discharged because of their sexual orientation.
I support the LGBT Equality Day Resolution, which designates June 26 as a moment to honor the anniversary of 3 significant victories won at the Supreme Court for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Americans.
When the Trump administration sought to ban transgender individuals from serving in the United States Armed Forces, I joined with colleagues to demand a reversal of this bigoted and hateful policy that put our national security at risk.
I've co-sponsored the Student Non-Discrimination Act and signed onto a congressional amicus brief to prevent the bullying of students based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
President Trump's right-wing judges have continued to rule against the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals. When in the U.S. Senate, I will vote against any judicial nominee who does not believe in the equal rights for the LGBTQ+ community.

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