LGBT Rights

All couples – gay or straight – should have the right to marry who they love. And, every couple should have the right to receive the benefits that come along with marriage.

Laws that deny marriage equality are immoral, unjust and unfair. That is why I was pleased that the U.S. Supreme Court overruled the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) which denied federal benefits to same sex couples, and issued a decision on California’s Proposition 8 that cleared the way for same sex marriage to resume in California.

I have coauthored the Respect for Marriage Act (H.R. 2523), legislation to overturn DOMA, have cosigned multiple legal briefs in cases across the country urging courts to strike down DOMA, including the Supreme Court case that overturned portions of DOMA, and have coauthored the Uniting American Families Act 2013 (H.R. 519), legislation to provide immigration benefits to same-sex couples.

In addition, all individuals should feel safe in their workplace and school environments. I have coauthored the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (H.R. 1755) and the Student Non-Discrimination Act (H.R. 1652), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity.
As a combat veteran, I am also proud to have worked to send the discriminatory policy of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” to the history books. The repeal of this policy strengthens and enhances America’s Armed Forces.

I have supported and will continue to support legislation that gives state and local law enforcement the tools to prosecute hate crimes based on sexual orientation.

While we have come a long way in securing equal rights for same-sex couples, we still have a long way to go. I will not stop working until every American is truly treated with equal justice under the law.