Civil Rights
In 1964, I marched from Selma to Washington with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. because I was inspired by his vision of racial equality and justice in America.
For a discussion of the Courts or Crime, head to the Justice page.
In 1964, I marched from Selma to Washington with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. because I was inspired by his vision of racial equality and justice in America. Almost half a century later, the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial that proudly stands in Washington reminds us of his dream of a more perfect union, in which all people in America are not judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character. While there is still room for improvement, our nation has taken momentous leaps in promoting civil rights and justice not only in our country, but also throughout the world.
As a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus, ensuring equal opportunity and tolerance in our society is very important to me. I believe we should respect everybody regardless of race, gender, religion, nationality, and sexual orientation.
As a lawyer and a U.S. Representative, I have fought to enhance the integrity and reliability of the democratic process, especially voter protection. Four decades after the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, many Americans are once again in danger of being disenfranchised. In 2011, 34 Republican-controlled state legislatures have either passed or are pushing for restrictive voting laws under the mask of preventing voter fraud. Every single American must be entitled the opportunity to participate in the democratic franchise if we as a country are to fully and accurately express our collective decisions.
These restrictions are far too reminiscent of the poll taxes and literacy tests from a darker period in our nation's history. In 1965, what started out as a march turned into a movement that ultimately cemented our fundamental right to vote. I will continue fighting to preserve civil liberties we guaranteed by through our Constitution.
The first legislation President Barack Obama signed since taking office was the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Restoration Act, which makes sure all Americans receive equal pay for equal work. I applaud the President's commitment to expanding funding for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division to ensure voting rights protection I was also proud to join my Democratic Colleagues in voting to repealthe military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, which prevented gay soldiers from serving openly. Protecting and upholding civil rights laws are fundamental principles of the United States and I am dedicated to fighting for necessary measures that will help end discrimination based on one's identity.
Congressman Charles B. Rangel's Legislation:
Resolution Honoring the Life of A. Philip Randolph 2009, H.Res. 150 - (Sponsor)
Status: 12/15/2009 Passed/agreed to in House
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that A. Philip Randolph should be recognized for his lifelong leadership and work to end discrimination and secure equal employment and labor opportunities for all Americans.
Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010, H.R. 2965
Status: 12/22/2010 Became Public Law No: 111-321
I was proud to join my colleagues in ending the discriminatory law that previously barred open gay and lesbian soldiers from serving their country.
Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009, H.R. 1913
Status: 12/18/09 Adopted and signed into law as part of the 2010 Department of Defense Appropriations Bill, H.R. 3326
This bill expands the definition of a hate crime to include felonies motivated by prejudice based on national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity of the victim.
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