LGBTQ Equality
I am a founding member of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus, because I believe that we must work to prevent and end discrimination against individuals based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. Unfortunately, many people suffer from discrimination throughout their day, whether it is at school, in the workplace, in hospitals or even walking down the street. I have joined with my colleagues in the LGBT Equality Caucus and other members of the House of Representatives to support a number of initiatives addressing discrimination where it is felt.
We must end discrimination in the workplace, in access to benefits like Social Security and health care, and in immigration policies. I am a long-time supporter of the Equality Act, which we passed in 2019 and awaits Senate action, and my own office employment policy includes language that bans hiring discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender self-image or identity.
I am committed to the idea that consenting adult couples should be able to enjoy all of the protections afforded by marriage, regardless of their sexual orientation.
More on LGBTQ Equality
In this week's update, I talk about Ida B. Wells, the American Rescue Plan, and the Equality Act. I also provide some updates on coronavirus and vaccines.
WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, a Senior Chief Deputy Whip and Founding Member of the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus, voted for H.R. 5, the Equality Act, which passed the House by a vote of 224-206. She released the following statement after the vote:
I went to the House Floor today to speak about H.R. 5, the Equality Act, to provide protections from discrimination for the LGBTQ+ community.
Here is my latest weekly video update for my constituents. I discuss the latest on the transition to the Biden Administration and an update on the impact of the Coronavirus. I also discuss Transgender Day of Remembrance.
As Senate Republicans & Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell destroy the institution of the Senate in confirming Amy Coney Barrett, let's remember who has been packing the courts for more than 4 years.