WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO) has been
appointed Vice Chair of the newly formed House LGBT Equality Caucus.
The new bipartisan caucus represents different races, genders, sexual
orientations, geographic regions, different generations, and parties,
but shares a common mission: to promote lesbian, gay, bisexual, and
transgender (LGBT) equality.
“We now have both the opportunity and the responsibility to move
towards legal equality for people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and
transgender,” said DeGette. “This caucus will play a central role in
helping shape the strategy in achieving equality for all. For too long,
members of the LGBT community have been sidelined and their rights
ignored, but the time for that to change has come. I look forward to
working closely with my colleagues to continue to promote important
legislation and initiatives guaranteeing the rights for all Americans.”
The LGBT Equality Caucus is chaired by both Congressman Barney Frank
(D-MA) and Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin (D-WI). “I’m honored to have
Congresswoman DeGette as a vice-chair of the LGBT Equality Caucus.
We’ve worked closely together on several important issues. She is not
only a strong ally, but a supportive friend, whose expertise and
influence in the House will be a great asset to our mission,” said
Caucus Co-Chair, Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI).
The mission of the LGBT Equality Caucus is to achieve the extension of equal rights, the repeal of discriminatory laws, the elimination of hate-motivated violence, and the improved health and well being for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity or expression. The Caucus will serve as a resource for Members of Congress, their staffs, and the public on LGBT issues. Congressional action this session on legislation combating hate crimes and employment discrimination based highlighted the need, and the desire people had, for more information on LGBT issues. The LGBT Equality Caucus is one result of those successful efforts. The Caucus will address not only U.S. domestic policies, but our nation’s foreign policy to safeguard the human rights of LGBT people in all parts of the world.
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