Civil Rights:Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Issues

“I am a firm believer in the need to guarantee and protect the civil rights of all individuals.  But despite some of the progress we have made towards this goal, discrimination still exists in our society.  At the federal and state level, the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender community is now the focus of several attempts to limit the rights and benefits of individuals and enshrine discrimination into existing policies and laws - and even the Constitution.  That is just flat out wrong, and I will strenuously oppose any such effort.  Rather than seeking to divide us, our government and our leaders should be working to encourage greater tolerance and understanding.  As your representative, I pledge to you that I will do my part.

-Congresswoman Barbara Lee

Same-Sex Families

I believe that loving and committed same-sex couples should have the right to get married, receive legal recognition of their marriage in the eyes of the government, and exercise all the legal benefits associated with their marriage.

I am opposed to any effort that seeks to create a narrowly defined legal definition of marriage that excludes the right of same-sex couples to marry, or to have their existing marriage recognized.  In line with that, I also do not believe that any same-sex couples should be denied the opportunity to adopt children and provide a loving home to children who may otherwise be left in foster care systems.

Partner Benefits

I believe that current federal benefits for individuals, which exclude LGBT couples from receiving equal treatment under the law, are unfair and discriminatory.  That is why I am a strong supporter of legislation that would extend benefits to domestic partners including:

·H.R. 475 The Family and Medical Leave Inclusion Act

·H.R. 3128 The Clarification of Federal Employees Protection Act

·H.R. 3267 The Domestic Partners Benefits and Obligations Act

Prosecuting Violent Crimes

Continuing discrimination and violence against the LGBT community requires a vigorous response by the government that will protect the dignity of each individual.  I strongly supported expanding the federal definition of a hate crime to include sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or disability.  This new definition will in turn require vigorous prosecution and harsher criminal penalties for those who willfully commit violence based on sexual orientation.  H.R. 2662, the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2005, was included as an amendment to H.R. 3132, and that bill is currently pending before the Senate.

Non-Discrimination at Work

I am strongly supportive of providing basic protections against discrimination in the workplace based on sexual orientation.  Current federal law provides legal protection against employment discrimination only on the basis of race, gender, religion, national origin, or disability.  

Military Service

I believe that the U.S. military should include all who want to, and are otherwise qualified to, serve in the U.S. Armed Forces.  That is why I am a co-sponsor of H.R. 1059, the Military Readiness Act, which repeals the current Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy, and allows LGBT service members to serve openly.

Immigration

As a strong supporter of H.R. 3006, The Permanent Partners Immigration Act, I believe that same-sex partners of United States citizens, and same-sex partners of lawful permanent residents should have the same immigration rights that legal spouses of U.S. citizens enjoy.