LGBTQ+ Rights
LGBTQ+The promotion of equality and justice is a hallmark of who we are as Americans. Congresswoman Trahan believes everyone should be afforded the rights outlined in our Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. All Americans deserve the same civil liberties regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Recent years have brought extraordinary progress in the fight for full equality for our LGBTQ+ community. Like millions of others across the country, Congresswoman Trahan joined with friends and family to celebrate the numerous Supreme Court rulings that paved the way for same-sex couples to marry. But despite these joyful and historic victories, the fight for full equality under the law continues. Today, LGBTQ+ Americans continue to face discrimination in many states around the country. Congresswoman Trahan believes there is an urgent need to require nationwide protections for LGBTQ+ individuals once and for all.
Legislative Action to Support LGBTQ+ EqualityEquality ActAlthough the United States Supreme Court recently issued a landmark decision extending employment protections to LGBTQ+ Americans in the workplace, Congress still needs to take additional steps to ensure equal protection under the law in other areas of life, including health care, housing, and education. Nearly two-thirds of LGBTQ+ Americans report experiencing forms of discrimination, and existing federal law provides little to no recourse. Congresswoman Trahan proudly cast her vote to pass the Equality Act (H.R. 5). She cosponsored this critical legislation which provides unequivocal protections from discrimination based on an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity in a number of areas, including public spaces and services, housing, education, credit, jury service, and federally funded programs. The bill also explicitly codifies the Supreme Court’s holding regarding employment. Most importantly, the Equality Act extends civil rights protections to sexual orientation and gender identity, meaning states will be unable to pass laws that infringe on LGBTQ+ Americans’ ability to live openly and freely.
Congresswoman Trahan speaking in support of the passage of the Equality Act.
Congressional Equality Caucus Congresswoman Trahan is a proud member of the Congressional Equality Caucus, a group of Congressional lawmakers that work toward the extension of equal rights for LGBTQ+ Americans, 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. Do No Harm Act The Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) was enacted in 1993 to serve as a shield to defend the rights of religious minorities. However, at times, RFRA has been used as justification to discriminate against women and LGBTQ+ Americans. Congresswoman Trahan is an original cosponsor of the Do No Harm Act (H.R. 1450), which would properly narrow the scope of RFRA to end such abuses. Specifically, the bill would clarify that RFRA does not apply in cases involving discrimination, child labor and abuse, workers rights, or access to health care and public accommodations. These are fundamental protections afforded to all Americans and should be treated as such. Transgender Military Ban As a Member of the House Armed Services Committee’s Subcommittee on Military Personnel, Congresswoman Trahan voted to defend our brave transgender servicemembers from the Trump Administration’s discriminatory, and self-defeating ban on their military service.
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