Issue Position: LGBT Rights

Issue Position

Let me be clear and simple: LGBT rights are human rights. Marriage equality and nondiscrimination in the military, workplace, classroom and healthcare system, based on real or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity, are civil rights that must be protected under law.

In fact, I wear as a kind of badge of honor my inclusion as a member of the so-called, "Terrible Ten" - the first ten Connecticut state legislators to sign on as co-sponsor of the civil union bill that passed through the General Assembly in 2005. I am thrilled that today in Connecticut same-sex couples can legally marry, as they also can in five other states and the District of Columbia.

I will continue to support efforts to make equality the law of the land, and stand up against Republican-led attacks to deny personal civil liberties to members of the LGBT or any other community. It is not the government's place to tell Americans who they can and cannot love.

My Record:

* In addition to the "Terrible Ten," I am also a proud member of the Equality Caucus in the House of Representatives.

* On June 1, 2011, I urged Navy Secretary Ray Mabus to stand by initial guidance that would allow Navy facilities to be used for same-sex marriage ceremonies once "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" if officially lifted. The guidance also determined that military chaplains may officiate same-sex marriage ceremonies if they choose to and in accordance with state law. The Secretary rescinded the guidance upon receiving an angry letter from House Republicans.

* When repeal of "Don't, Ask, Don't Tell" stood in jeopardy in the Senate during the final days of the 111th Congress, I called on President Obama to do everything within his power as President and Commander in Chief to put an end to this military policy. With my wholehearted support, the President ultimately was able to sign a repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" into law on December 22, 2010, and on September 20, 2011 the discriminatory policy officially became obsolete.

* I have been a leader in the fight against Speaker Boehner's efforts to use taxpayer resources to defend the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) in federal court, even though the majority of Americans don't support the unconstitutional and discriminatory law. In fact, on November 3, 2011 I joined many of my Democratic colleagues in filing an amicus brief defending the plaintiff in a case pending in Connecticut that challenges the constitutionality of DOMA. I am also proud original cosponsor of the Respect for Marriage Act which would repeal DOMA for once and for all.

* In light of recent tragic string of suicides by bullied LGBT youth, I supported the Student Nondiscrimination Act again in the 112th Congress by signing on as an original cosponsor of the bill. I also gave my support to the It Gets Better Project by sending a video message to those who need to know that they are not alone and that they have bright futures ahead of them.

* In 2009 I voted for and helped pass into law the long-overdue Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act (HCPA) and the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act of 2009.

* I have been proud to cosponsor bills such as the Employment Non-Discrimination Act and Domestic Partner Benefits and Obligations Act to help protect the rights of the LGBT community.

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