Since his first term in Congress, Jim has been an unfailing advocate of equal rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered (LGBT) Americans. In the past 50 years, the LGBT community has made great strides toward its ultimate goal of equality, but much remains to be done. Today, the community still faces discrimination in the workplace, unequal tax treatment, harassment and lack of federal marriage recognition. Jim firmly believes that civil marriage is a fundamental right – the privileges and protections of which should be enjoyed by all Americans, regardless of sexual orientation. Throughout his time in Congress, Jim has authored and voted for major legislation in support of the LGBT community. Jim is a member of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus – a group committed to achieving the full enjoyment of human rights for LGBT people in the U.S. and around the world.
Repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA)
Jim is a cosponsor of legislation to repeal the “Defense of
Marriage Act” (DOMA), which became law in 1996 and granted states the right to
refuse to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states. It also
created a federal definition of the word “marriage,” defining it as between a
man and a woman for federal law purposes. DOMA has far-reaching discriminatory
effects that go well beyond marriage. Under DOMA, not only are LGBT couples
precluded from federal marriage recognition, they also experience unequal
Social Security, health, and veterans benefits. Jim has long opposed DOMA, and
he is committed to its repeal.
Tax Fairness for Health Plan Beneficiaries
Jim authored and introduced the bipartisan “Tax
Parity for Health Plan Beneficiaries Act” with Representatives Earl
Blumenauer (D-OR), Richard Hannah (R-NY) and Nan Hayworth (R-NY). First
introduced in the 106th Congress, this legislation eliminates the
disparate tax burden of same-sex and opposite-sex couples who receive domestic
partner benefits from their employers. On average, domestic partners pay an
additional $2,000 in federal taxes that is not imposed on their married
co-workers. Today, more than 80% of all Fortune 100 companies provide domestic
partner benefits. Jim’s legislation has received strong support in the past and was
highlighted in the Wall Street Journal in 2011. It is also supported by a coalition of 77
major U.S. companies.
LGBT Couples' Taxes
In 2011, Jim authored
a bipartisan letter to IRS Commissioner Schulman, signed by dozens of
members of the Ways and Means Committee and other Members of Congress. Under
the “Defense of Marriage Act” (DOMA), the federal government has not been able
to keep up with the growing number of states that recognize same-sex marriage
and domestic partnerships. As a result of this, many LGBT married and partnered
couples face serious difficulty in filing even the simplest of tax returns, and
that causes significant issues for couples living in states with community
property laws like Washington
State. Jim recognizes the
need for clear guidance from the IRS that could provide significant tax filing
relief for these couples. Although true equality cannot be reached without
repeal of DOMA, this letter, and its strong bipartisan support, urges the IRS
to provide as much relief to these couples as possible.
Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA)
Jim is a cosponsor of this legislation, which revises
federal law to prohibit job discrimination on the basis of race, gender,
religion, national origin or disability. The bill adds the categories of
"sexual orientation" and "gender identity and expression"
to the law as protected against workplace discrimination. Jim has been working
with the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA), to secure its passage, and
he is confident it will be passed.
The Military Readiness Enhancement Act
At the end of 2010, Congress passed the “Military Readiness
Enhancement Act,” which effectively ended the ban on gays and lesbians openly
serving in the military. Passage of this bill ends the discriminatory “Don’t
Ask, Don’t Tell” policy responsible for forcing countless American soldiers to
conceal their sexual orientation from their commanding officers and fellow
soldiers or else face discharge or harassment. Jim has long supported repealing
the ban on gay and lesbian service, and he welcomes the recent repeal as yet
another step towards full equality under the law for all LGBT Americans.
Safe
School Improvement Act
In 2010, the country experienced a rash of LGBT youth
suicides. These youths were the victims of severe harassment and
bullying. Many young students feel unsafe at school because they are
harassed about their sexual orientation. Jim has been a strong supporter of the
"Safe Schools Improvement Act," which amends "No Child Left
Behind" regulations to require schools and districts receiving federal
funds to adopt codes of conduct prohibiting harassment based on sexual
orientation or gender expression. Now, more than ever, Jim believes we must
focus on ensuring that all youth are able to learn and grow in a safe and
supportive environment. If you, or someone you know, are the victim of
bullying, please visit The Trevor
Project dedicated to suicide prevention for LGBT youth.
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