WASHINGTON, DC – Today Congresswoman Lois Capps (D-CA) helped launch a new Congressional Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Equality Caucus.  Capps was invited to serve as a Vice-Chair for the newly formed Caucus by Caucus founders and Co-Chairs Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Congressman Barney Frank (D-MA).  At the press conference Capps discussed the importance of ensuring equality for all Americans and introduced her constituent, Lisa Gilinger, a LGBT advocate who traveled to Washington, D.C. to participate in the formal kickoff of the new Caucus.  A copy of Congresswoman Capps’ comments as prepared for delivery follows:

“I am proud to join Tammy Baldwin and Barney Frank in formally launching the Congressional Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Equality Caucus.

“This is a remarkable time in the history of our nation, and for our Congress.  Americans are crying out for change in the direction of our country.  I believe that this caucus is one more way to respond to that call for change.

“I want to pay special tribute to Rep. Baldwin and Rep. Frank.  I deeply appreciate their leadership in our country’s ongoing struggle to meet its promise of equality for all Americans.

“Despite important progress, the fight for equality in the workplace, the school and our society at large continues for too many LGBT Americans and their families.  And, unfortunately, we still have too many sad and tragic reminders—like the recent murder of my young constituent, Lawrence King— of the struggle that LGBT Americans face everyday.

“It is my hope that this caucus will provide the leadership and inspiration to help realize this dream of true equality for all Americans.  All LGBT Americans, and particularly our young people, should be able to take heart in who they are and in who they aspire to be without fear of physical harm or discrimination.  And certainly all of our children deserve acceptance and happiness.

“I look forward to working with this caucus to continue our march toward equality for all Americans.”