Home > The Issues > Civil & Human Rights
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Equality

I am working to advance Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender (GLBT) equality in Congress by ending existing discrimination written in federal laws, giving law enforcement tools to pursue perpetrators of hate crimes, and extending marriage rights and responsibilities to same-sex couples and families.

Marriage Equality

I believe in expanding marriage rights and responsibilities to same-sex couples and to have those marriages recognized by other states and the federal government. I strongly support repealing the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act, which actively denies marriage rights and recognition to same-sex couples.

Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell

I also believe that men and women in our armed services should be able to serve their country openly, regardless of their sexual orientation and I am fighting to end the unjust “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy.

Hate Crimes

I am proud that we expanded hate crime laws to extend protections to victims of crimes committed against them on the basis of  their sexual orientation and gender identity. After more than a decade of work, the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act was signed into law by President Obama on October 28th, 2009.

Employment Non-Discrimination

I am a strong supporter of legislation called the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), which prohibits discrimination in employment based on a worker’s sexual orientation or gender identity -- similar to protections we offer based on age, gender, religious affiliation, and race.

I am proud to be vice-chair of the Congressional Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Caucus.
Keith Calls For An End To "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Print

Today Congressman Keith Ellison joined 76 of his colleagues and urged President Barack Obama to suspend the investigation and discharging of service members in the Armed Forces because of their sexual orientation. Under the misguided and discriminatory law known as “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” openly gay and lesbian service members and those suspected of “homosexual conduct” may not serve their country in the military.

Keith supports legislation in Congress to rescind this policy, but in the meantime the administration could stop enforcing this discriminatory policy hinders our military’s readiness and undermines our national security.
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Letter to End Don't Ask Don't Tell Print

Don't Ask Don't Tell Letter to President Obama
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