LGBTQ+ Equality
As a member of the Congressional Equality Caucus, I am immensely proud of our progress toward ensuring equal rights for LGBTQ+ Americans. In my first term, I joined my colleagues in ending the discriminatory “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy so that our men and women in uniform can serve openly in our Armed Forces.
In the years since, the Supreme Court’s rulings in Obergefell v. Hodges and Bostock v. Clayton County have brought us closer to realizing the goal of equality for all under the law. But there is still much we can do to make our country more inclusive.
In many states, it is still legal for public housing officials, education administrators, jurors, and businesses open to the public to discriminate against people because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Here in Connecticut, we are one of only 23 states that has enacted legislation to explicitly prohibit discrimination based on gender and sexual orientation regarding employment. While I’m proud of our state, there is still much work to be done on the federal level to protect all LGBTQ+ Americans from prejudice.
The Equality Act, which I am a cosponsor of, would address this by guaranteeing anti-discrimination protections for LGBTQ+ individuals in instances of public accommodations, housing, employment, federal funding, education, credit, and jury service.
Sadly, since taking office for the second time in January 2025, President Trump has issued a litany of Executive Orders and policies targeting the civil rights, health care, and safety of the LGBTQ+ community.
I anticipate the Trump Administration will continue to attack the LGBTQ+ community. I will not waver in my commitment to protect the rights of all Americans – regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation.
As we navigate what’s to come, please know you are always welcome to contact my office via phone at (203) 333-6600 or electronically through my website here.