Greetings from Keith Ellison
by Keith Ellison
Greetings, Rainbow Rumpus parents!
Once more, it is an honor to address the Rainbow Rumpus parents. As my first term in Congress comes to a close, I am excited to report that it has been a productive two years in the promotion of equal rights and treatment for our gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people. Since coming to Congress, I have been working hard to advance my policy agenda based on four key priorities: peace, prosperity for working families, environmental sustainability, and support for human and civil rights.
In the promotion of LGBT issues, you will be pleased to know that I voted for, and the House passed, new hate crime legislation that specifically provides for the prosecution of hate crimes based on a victim’s sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, and disability. This sends a strong message from Congress that crimes motivated by prejudice are simply unacceptable.
Additionally, I voted for, and the House passed, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), which extends prohibitions on workplace discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. Though I am disappointed that the final ENDA bill did not include job protections on the basis of gender identity, the passage of ENDA represents the most far-reaching expansion of civil rights legislation since the landmark 1964 Civil Rights Act. ENDA will allow our gay and lesbian colleagues to stand equally before the law by extending the current civil rights law protections that bar workplace discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, and sexual orientation. Please know that I intend to continue advocacy for the full inclusion of transgender people.
Lastly, I am excited to report that I recently joined the newly formed Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus. The caucus is co-chaired by the two openly gay members of Congress—Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin and Barney Frank of Massachusetts. I was asked to serve as a vice chair of this caucus. The mission of the LGBT Equality Caucus is to achieve the extension of equal rights, the repeal of discriminatory laws, the elimination of hate-motivated violence, and the improved health and well-being for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity or expression. The Caucus will mainly serve as a resource for members of Congress, their staffs, and the public on LGBT issues.
As you know, LGBT people are more visible in today’s society than ever before, and the census reports that there are LGBT families in virtually every community in the United States. I am excited to be a part of this caucus and I look forward to continuing to raise awareness about LGBT issues and LGBT families.
I look forward to working with you in the near future. Together, we can achieve a future where the common good is the driving force behind how we govern in Washington and in Minnesota.
Please know that I always want to hear from you. If you know of a community event that I can attend, please call my office, or just call to tell us whatever is on your mind!
