Issue Position: Standing Up for LGBT Rights and Marriage Equality

Issue Position

I believe that equal treatment and opportunity are fundamental rights for all Americans. Discrimination on the basis of national origin, sexual orientation, disability, religious belief, gender, or race undermines core American principles of respect and individual freedom. We have an obligation to fight against discrimination, whatever the form. I will continue to work with partners at the federal, state, and local level to ensure all individuals are treated equally under the law regardless of race, sex, religion, age, sexual orientation, and gender identity.

The government should not deny those in same-sex relationships the right to marry and enjoy the same benefits, rights, and responsibilities as opposite-sex married couples. Government and political leaders like myself should have no place in determining the most personal aspects of our lives. Government officials should not have the power to declare one relationship "morally' superior to another. As long as the government administers marriages and its benefits, it must remain neutral and treat all Americans as equal.

Recent Actions for LGBT Rights and Marriage Equality

*Co-sponsored the Employment Non-Discrimination Act
*Co-sponsored the Restore Honor to Service Members Act
*Co-sponsored the Respect for Marriage Act
*Co-sponsored the Repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act
*Co-sponsored the Military Spouses Equal Treatment Act
*Co-sponsored the Safe Schools Improvement Act
*Co-sponsored the Equality Act
*Co-sponsored the Healthy Families Act
*Co-sponsored the Equality for All Resolution
*Signed the Marriage Equality Amicus Briefs
*Advocated for LGBT Housing / Privacy Rights
*Advocated to End Bullying and Harassment in Schools

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