Hoyer to LGBTQ Americans: We Are With You

Press Release

Today, on the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) joined the LGBT Equality Caucus in a video message to the LGBT community to share messages of solidarity and support. At a time when many federal, state and local leaders are advancing discriminatory policy proposals, Whip Hoyer and the LGBT Equality Caucus released videos reminding the LGBT community that they stand with them. In Whip Hoyer's video message, which was included in a compilation video released by the LGBT Equality Caucus, he reiterated his support for the LGBT community.

"Since last year's marriage equality ruling, the opponents of equality have stepped up efforts to demean, denigrate, and discriminate against LGBT Americans through new laws and policy proposals," stated Whip Hoyer. "But let no one be mistaken: those efforts do not reflect the view of a majority of Americans, who strongly support LGBT rights and equality."

"If you're feeling alone or threatened, there are resources available to help," Whip Hoyer continued. "My Democratic colleagues and I in Congress are going to keep fighting for you and for equality and justice for all. We are with you."

The Supreme Court's ruling last year in Obergefell v. Hodges recognized same-sex marriage in all 50 states. While the ruling was a crucial step forward for the LGBT community, barriers to equality still exist. North Carolina's anti-transgender legislation, and the addition of anti-LGBT legislation to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 are just some of the anti-LGBT policies recently put forward.

Source