LGBTQ+ Equality

Our Constitution guarantees equality for all Americans, not just some Americans; we must continue to work toward that goal. I am a staunch advocate for LGBTQ rights and a member of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus. I was thrilled when the Supreme Court struck down the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), and I am a cosponsor of the Respect for Marriage Act to repeal the discriminatory DOMA in its entirety. I am also a cosponsor of the bipartisan Employment Non-Discrimination Act to end employment discrimination against members of the LGBT community on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. I am also a cosponsor of the Equality Act, which would add sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity to the existing federal protections on race, color, religion, and national origin.

Transgender Troop Ban:

America’s core values of equality, acceptance, diversity and unity make our country great. President Trump has repeatedly threatened these values with attacks against transgender Americans who wish to serve the country they love. That’s why I led a group of colleagues in the 115th Congress in urging Defense Secretary James Mattis to allow transgender individuals to have the opportunity to serve their country. In 2018, I invited Lynda Bengtsson-Davis to be my guest at President Trump’s first State of the Union address. Lynda is one of many transgender patriots the President has tried to block from serving in the military with his arbitrary, trans-phobic ban.