LGBT Equality
I believe all Americans, regardless of gender, race, creed or sexual orientation, should have access to the same opportunities and responsibilities. It is based on this principle that I believe that they should enjoy the same rights in their jobs and careers as each of their coworkers, and that they should be able to commit to a lifelong marriage to the person they love. Anything less is simply wrong. And yet, for many LGBT Americans, equality is not yet a reality. We can and must do better as a nation to ensure America’s promise of equality to all our citizens.
Life can be challenging. Everyone deserves to be able to have a partner to share it with—good times and bad. If two people want to make a lifetime commitment to each other, then they should be able to do so, and it should be called marriage—plain and simple.
Member of the Equality Caucus
Congressman Schneider proudly joined other equality advocates as a member of the Congressional Equality Caucus.
Fighting for Marriage Equality
Congressman Schneider joined equality advocates in sending the Supreme Court an amicus brief in support of repeal of the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). When the Court struck down provisions of DOMA in June 2013, Congressman Schneider praised the decision and helped introduce the Respect for Marriage Act, which would completely repeal DOMA. He also urged President Obama to implement the Court’s decision quickly. You can read Congressman Schneider’s statement on the Supreme Court’s decision here.
Congressman Schneider helped introduce the Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act, which would extend family benefits—the same benefits enjoyed by opposite-sex spouses—to gay and lesbian federal employees.
He also strongly supported Illinois’s passage of marriage equality. You can read his statement here.
Ending Workplace Discrimination
Congressman Schneider helped introduce the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA). This bill would extend workplace protections already in effect for gender, race, ethnicity and religion to include sexual orientation. During these difficult economic times, no one should have to face discrimination in the workplace simply for being honest about who they are. You can read Congressman Schneider’s reaction to the Senate’s passing ENDA here.
Keeping Schools Safe and Equal
Congressman Schneider helped introduce the Student Non-Discrimination Act, which would prohibit public schools from discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Congressman Schneider also cosponsored the Safe Schools Improvement Act to combat bullying and harassment and ensure that all students feel safe and secure in our schools.
More on LGBT Equality
U.S. Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) applauded the Obama Administration’s announcement today that most federal benefits would be extended to same sex couples throughout the United States, and Schneider called on Congress for further action on behalf of same sex couples who are still denied equal access to Social Security benefits.
U.S. Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) released the following statement after it was announced today that President Obama will sign an Executive Order prohibiting federal contractors from discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.
Illinois Governor Pat Quinn and Representative Brad Schneider on Sunday applauded the start of a law allowing gay and lesbian couples to marry in Illinois.
Quinn, a Democrat, signed the Religious Freedom and Marriage Act – which went into effect on Sunday – on November 20.
The law's official start is being eclipsed by a federal judge's February ruling which opened the door to marriage equality in 15 counties, including Illinois' largest county, Cook County.
Rep. Schneider released the following statement marking the first day that the Religious Freedom and Marriage Equality Act (SB10) takes full effect and ensures marriage equality across Illinois.
Earlier this week, nearly 200 lawmakers signed a letter to President Barack Obama urging him to use executive authority to ban workplace discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees of federal contractors.
Forty-eight senators and 149 members of the House have signed a letter putting pressure on President Barack Obama to sign an executive order providing workplace protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans.
After the U.S. Senate passed the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) by a bipartisan vote of 64-32, U.S. Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) released the following statement:
“Today, the Senate made crystal clear that no one should fear losing their job simply for being honest about whom they love. This vote is a tremendous victory for equality and fundamental fairness. I commend the leadership of my colleagues in the Senate for passing this bill, and I urge the House to quickly follow the Senate's bipartisan example and pass ENDA now.”
The Illinois House of Representatives approved Senate Bill 10, the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act, on Tuesday by a vote of 61-54-2.
The right to marry is on its way to becoming a reality for thousands of same-sex couples in Illinois following the House's narrow passage of the marriage equality bill, which garnered 61 votes Tuesday afternoon. (See a roll call of the House vote here).
Rep. Schneider sent out his reaction to the same-sex marriage bill being passed by the Illinois House:
In response to the Illinois General Assembly voting in favor of marriage equality, U.S. Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) released the following statement in support of the vote: