| Civil and Human Rights |
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Rep. Ellison is an accomplished civil rights, employment, and criminal defense attorney with a long record of community and civic engagement. His family’s involvement in the Civil Rights struggle between the 1950s through 1970s influenced Keith’s commitment to the cause of justice and creating an inclusive and fair society. As a result he has staunchly supported efforts to protect voting rights, to advance equal rights for women, and to increase healthcare access. His efforts to protect voting rights include introducing legislation that would give voters in federal elections the same rights Minnesota voters have including Election Day voter registration. The congressman also introduced federal bills opposing photo ID requirements for voting and creating a Constitutional amendment to overturn the 2010 U.S. Supreme Court decision in the Citizens United case, which allows corporations to use their general treasury funds to pay for political advertising. Rep. Ellison has shown his support for women and families by cosponsoring bills that provide paid family leave, the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009 also strongly supports a woman’s right to make her own reproductive decisions. In addition, Keith voted to repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy that barred openly gay men and women from serving in the U.S. armed forces.
I am proud to be vice-chair of the Congressional Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Caucus. |
