Discussion focused on Senate Democrats’ efforts to expand opportunities for the LGBT community

Washington, D.C.- Addressing shared legislative priorities and strengthening legislation that protects and expands the rights of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community were the priorities of a meeting attended yesterday by more than a dozen LGBT community leaders at the invitation of the Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee (DSOC). Senators Mark Begich (AK), Chair of the DSOC, and Tammy Baldwin (WI) hosted the meeting.

“Yesterday’s meeting was an important discussion in our overall effort to create the same opportunities for all Americans,” said Sen. Begich. “I want to thank all the groups who attended and I look forward to continuing to work with them as we promote more common sense policies to eliminate discrimination.

During the forum, Senate Democrats highlighted several pieces of legislation they plan to reintroduce or expand on this congress that ensure that all Americans, regardless of who they are or who they love, have access to equal rights and opportunities including the Employment Non-Discrimination Act and the Student Non-Discrimination Act. They stressed their commitment to providing more inclusive language in their legislation and to promoting equality.

“Throughout my career in public service I’m proud to have worked alongside most of the leaders who joined us today, said Sen. Baldwin. “Thanks in no small part to their hard work and dedication, we have moved our shared values forward, equality, fairness, and opportunity for everyone. And over time, we have all seen that our nation is moving forward on issues of equal opportunity and fairness with a growing number of Americans supporting marriage equality, including now, fifty four United States Senators. One thing is clear; people’s views are changing because they believe that gay family members, friends, and neighbors deserve to be treated like everyone else in the United States. In America we are guided by our founding belief that all citizens are created equal under the law, and that progress is defined by our country becoming more equal, not less.

Yesterday’s meeting was part of Senate Democrats ongoing efforts to reach out to diverse communities, and engage in dialogue with community leaders from across the country. Each year, the DSOC hosts meetings with advocates, policy experts, and elected officials to discuss key priorities and enlist their support in the development on the Democratic agenda.

Photos from the event can be found here.