LGBT Issues
I strongly believe that America should guarantee civil rights to all Americans, and that includes lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans.
I supported the 2009 passage of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which expanded the statutory definition of hate crimes from offenses motivated by race, ethnic background, religion and national origin to include those motivated by bias against gender, gender identity, sexual orientation or disability.
In 2010, I worked for successful passage of legislation to repeal “don’t ask, don’t tell,” paving the way to end this policy that unfairly prevented gays and lesbians from serving openly in our armed forces. The policy finally ended in September 2011, proving once again that our nation can remove unfair discriminatory barriers and become, in the process, a stronger and better nation.
I also support passage of the Employee Non-Discrimination Act, which would prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity by employers or labor organizations, and of the Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act, which would ensure federal employees who are in committed same-sex domestic partnerships receive the same benefits as married federal employees.
And because I believe all students deserve a safe learning environment free from bullying and harassment, including discrimination based on their sexual orientation or gender identity, I am a cosponsor of Senator Al Franken’s, D-Minn., Student Non-Discrimination Act. Under this bill, public schools receiving federal dollars would be prohibited from discriminating against students on the basis of their actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity.
I am a cosponsor of the Respect for Marriage Act, which would repeal the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). I believe that when a marriage is legal under state law, federal law should respect the state law's determination, which is what the Respect for Marriage Act would accomplish.
Senator Levin’s Record on LGBT Issues
- December 18, 2010 - Sen. Levin helps end "don't ask, don't tell"
Sen. Levin helps achieve passage of legislation to repeal the military’s discriminatory “don’t ask, don’t tell policy,” allowing the military to responsibly transition to a policy of open service for gay and lesbian service members.
Feedback
Senator Levin appreciates your feedback on this and other issues. Fill out the form below to share your feedback on this issue.