Issue Position: Equality

Issue Position

Mike Quigley has always been committed to doing what is fair, what is right, and what is just. He has been a leader in the fight for LGBT rights and has also taken a prominent role in ensuring the preservation of civil rights history and in advocating for the rights of minorities.

One of Mike's first actions upon arriving in Congress was to support legislation repealing the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. Throughout the 111th Congress, Mike consistently advocated for the repeal of this discriminatory practice and was honored to be present when President Obama signed legislation repealing it in late 2010. He marked the occasion by visiting the grave of Leonard Matlovich, an early gay rights advocate. Matlovich's gravestone reads: "When I was in the military they gave me a medal for killing two men, and a discharge for loving one."

Mike also spoke out against the federal Defense of Marriage Act and cosponsored legislation to repeal it. Mike supports the Uniting American Families Act, which would allow recognition of same-sex couples in deportation and immigration proceedings. Mike also partnered with Senator John Kerry to press the FDA to repeal the existing ban on blood donations from gay men.

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