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Equality

Throughout my career, I have firmly believed in President Abraham Lincoln's vision that our country is on an evolutionary path to full equality for all Americans and that the fight for human rights remains ongoing. I’ve always believed that it is our moral obligation to ensure justice for all, and not allow race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation to divide us.

As Vice-Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus, I’ve been an outspoken advocate in the fight for marriage equality.  Most recently I was proud to join my colleagues in passing the Respect for Marriage to repeal the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act and create important federal protections for same-sex marriage. While full marriage equality was a momentous victory, it is hardly the end of the fight for full equality for all Americans. That is why I cosponsored and voted to pass the Equality Act, which is the first comprehensive bill designed to ban discrimination against LGBTQI+ individuals in the core areas of daily life including in public accommodations, housing, and employment.

I’m proud to have been a leader in Congress of the bipartisan, bicameral fight for a much-needed change to the FDA’s outdated and discriminatory blood donation policy for gay men. Thanks to a 14-year-long effort, the FDA announced their plan to alter their policy and allow all individuals to undergo a individual risk assessment regardless of gender or sexual identity.

I’ve also worked to protect the rights of LGBTQI+ individuals in immigration detention. In July 2021, I led thirty House Democrats in calling for an end to the detention of transgender people and individuals living with HIV. 

Whether it’s fighting for marriage equality, opposing senseless discrimination, or standing up for those who cannot defend themselves, I believe that we must be guided by doing what’s right, what’s fair, and what’s just. Our country is at its best when all voices are heard and represented equally and we must always strive towards that goal.