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Civil Rights

"I am proud to represent one of the most multi-ethnic and diverse congressional districts in the country, and I am committed to protecting the civil rights of all my constituents and all Americans. From my seat in Congress, I will continue fighting to end discrimination and to ensure fair and equal treatment for everyone.”

Crowley is Working to Ensure and Uphold the Rights of All Americans:

• Joe is a Vice Chair of the LGBT Equality Caucus formed in the House of Representatives on June 4, 2008 by Congressman Barney Frank and Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin.

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• Vocal opponent of attempts to pass a divisive constitutional amendment that would write discrimination into the Constitution, and helped lead opposition to passage of the amendment in Congress.
• Supported the decision of Governor David Paterson to recognize under New York state law same-sex unions performed outside of New York State.
• Lead cosponsor of the Uniting American Families Act, which would allow U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to sponsor their permanent partners for residence in the United States.
• Received a 100% score from the Human Rights Campaign, the largest national lesbian and gay political organization, for his support of LGBT issues, and was 2006 Grand Marshal of the Queens LGBT Pride Parade.

Crowley Supports Ending Discrimination in the Workplace:

• Strongly supports and worked for passage of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), which would prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.
• Opposed efforts to block implementation of programs to allow domestic partners to participate in employer health plans.
• Joined in objecting to U.S. Special Counsel Scott Bloch’s refusal to defend the rights of LGBT Federal employees, as mandated by Federal Executive Order.
• Cosponsor of Paycheck Fairness Act to ensure women and men are paid equal amounts for equal work.
• Voted to reverse the Supreme Court's 2007 decision in Ledbetter v. Goodyear that a victim of pay discrimination only has 180 days from an employer’s original pay decision to file a charge, instead ensuring that employees can file a charge whenever they receive a discriminatory paycheck.

Crowley Combating Hate Crimes and Acts of Intolerance:

• Original cosponsor and supporter of Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which passed the House of Representatives in May 2007, mandating harsher penalties for those guilty of crimes motivated by racial and ethnic bias.
• Supporter of expanding the Federal definition of a hate crime to include violence motivated by prejudice against the victim’s sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability status.
• Urged Attorney General to create task force for fighting hate crimes in response to increase in bias crimes throughout New York City.
• Honored New York subway hero Hassan Askari, who in December 2007 stepped in to defend fellow subway passengers from a religiously motivated attack, by inviting him to be his special guest at the President’s 2008 State of the Union address.

Crowley on Protecting the Rights of Americans with Disabilities:

• Opposed changes that would undermine the Americans with Disabilities Act.
• Proposed a “Bill of Rights” for users of Access-a-Ride, the city’s transportation service for the disabled, to ensure a more reliable and accountable system.
• Worked to make the Jackson Heights Post Office more accessible to seniors, disabled and those with baby carriages.
• Supports full funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Crowley Believes we Must Maintain Investments in Proven Programs:

• Leader in fight for Federal funding for Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA).

• Successfully worked within the New York delegation to secure support for the New York City Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center’s teen suicide prevention programs and programs to combat crystal meth.
• Demands full funding for the Ryan White CARE Act, the AIDS Drug Assistance Program, and other provisions to both combat and treat those suffering from AIDS and support those communities like New York City that provide services above and beyond the Federal role.