Issue Position: LGBT Equality

Issue Position

I believe all Americans, regardless of gender, race, creed or sexual orientation, should have access to the same opportunities and responsibilities. It is based on this principle that I believe that they should enjoy the same rights in their jobs and careers as each of their coworkers, and that they should be able to commit to a lifelong marriage to the person they love. Anything less is simply wrong. And yet, for many LGBT Americans, equality is not yet a reality. We can and must do better as a nation to ensure America's promise of equality to all our citizens.

Repealing the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA):

Life can be challenging. Everyone deserves to be able to have a partner to share it with--good times and bad. Sadly, the so-called Defense of Marriage Act prevents loving couples from making a public commitment, and the 1996 law perpetuates a two-tiered system of marriage. I am proud that I am an original cosponsor of the Respect for Marriage Act that would repeal the Defense of Marriage Act. If two people want to make a lifetime commitment to each other, then they should be able to do so, and it should be called marriage--plain and simple.

The Employment Non-Discrimination Act:

No one should have to face discrimination in the workplace simply for being honest about who they are. Right now, in the majority of states, you can be fired based solely on the grounds of your sexual orientation or identity. During these difficult economic times, we should be making people more confident in their workplace and more secure in their economic well-being. I am proud to have helped introduce the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, which merely extends the existing workplace protections for age, gender, race and religion to sexual orientation and identity. It is unconscionable to allow people to be legally discriminated against in the workplace.

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