LGBT rights

LGBT rights

• Opposed the Trump Administration’s attempts to ban transgender individuals from openly serving in the military.
• Introduced a bill to nullify President Trump’s “Free Speech and Religious Liberty” Executive Order to prevent discrimination against LGBT individuals, women and religious minorities. (2017)
• Co-sponsored the Equality Act, which would prohibit discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity in places of public accommodation. (2017)

• Voted for the Student Non-Discrimination Act, which would prohibit public schools from discriminating against students based on actual or perceived gender identity or sexual orientation. (Amendment defeated in 2015)

• Led a congressional delegation in filing an amicus brief in support of marriage equality in Obergefell v. Hodges. (2015)

• Repeatedly introduced the Respect for Marriage Act to repeal the discriminatory DOMA law and recognize same-sex marriages. (2011, 2013, 2015)

• Voted for the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, known as ENDA, which would ban employers from firing, refusing to hire, or discriminate against workers or applicants based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. (2013)

• Led a congressional delegation in filing an amicus brief in support of marriage equality in United States v. Windsor. (2013)

• Chaired the first congressional hearing on the repeal of DOMA. (2011)

• Voted to repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. (2010)

• Voted no on the Marriage Protection Amendment to create a constitutional amendment prohibiting same-sex marriage. (2006)

• Voted yes on an amendment that would expand the definition of hate crimes to include sexual orientation, gender, and disability. (2000)

• One of only 14 Senators to vote against the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act. (1996)

• Voted for the nomination of Roberta Achtenber to be Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity at HUD, the first openly LGBT federal appointee to be confirmed. (1993)