The Washington Blade: on Civil Rights
Anthony Gonzalez:
Allow transgender people in the military
The House delivered a stinging rebuke to President Trump's transgender military ban, adopting an amendment that would bar the use of U.S. funds to pay for the policy. The vote on the amendment, introduced by Reps. Anthony Brown (D-MD) and Jackie Speier
(D-CA), was 243-183 and largely along party lines. The amendment passed with bipartisan support. Anthony Gonzalez voted "yes" on the measure.[Voting yes would overturn the Trump Administration's ban on military service by people with gender
dysphoria; voting no would maintain the ban on transgendered military service.]
Before April, transgender people could enlist and serve openly in the military thanks to a policy change during the Obama administration.
But under the new Trump administration policy, a diagnosis of gender dysphoria disqualifies potential enlistees, and a diagnosis of gender dysphoria--with the exception of transgender people already serving in the armed forces--is cause for discharge.
Source: Washington Blade on 2019 OH-16 House incumbent
Jun 18, 2019
Barbara Bollier:
College groups "religious freedom" means LGBT discrimination
Legislative Summary: SB 175 enacts law prohibiting a postsecondary educational institution from taking any action that would deny a religious student association any benefit available to any other association due to the association's
requirement that leaders or members of the association adhere to or comply with the association's sincerely held religious beliefs.Analysis by Washington Blade: Consistent with his record in opposition to LGBT rights, Gov. Sam Brownback
signed into law a "religious freedom" bill seen to enable discrimination against LGBT students in his state's public universities. Brownback didn't sign the bill quietly: The governor signed the measure during a ceremony surrounded by lawmakers and
lobbyists for the Kansas Catholic Conference and the Family Policy Alliance of Kansas.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 30-8-2 on Mar/19/15; Passed House 81-41-3 on Mar/16/16; State Rep. Barbara Bollier voted NO; Signed on Mar/22/16
Source: Washington Blade analysis of Kansas voting records SB175
Mar 16, 2016
Benjamin Cardin:
Supports civil unions, no comment on gay marriage
Congressman Ben Cardin told the Blade last fall that he supports civil unions but he would not say his position on gay marriage.
The Post reported yesterday that Cardin supports legal protection for gay couples and opposes an amendment to the state’s constitution banning gays from marrying. He did not take a position on the issue [of gay marriage] itself.
Source: Elizabeth Weill-Greenberg, Washington Blade
Jan 23, 2006
Brian Fitzpatrick:
Allow transgender people in the military
The House delivered a stinging rebuke to President Trump's transgender military ban, adopting an amendment that would bar the use of U.S. funds to pay for the policy. The vote on the amendment, introduced by Reps. Anthony Brown (D-MD) and Jackie Speier
(D-CA), was 243-183 and largely along party lines. The amendment passed with bipartisan support. Nine Republicans--including Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick--voted "yes" on the measure.[Voting yes would overturn the Trump Administration's ban on military
service by people with gender dysphoria; voting no would maintain the ban on transgendered military service.]
Before April, transgender people could enlist and serve openly in the military thanks to a policy change during the Obama administration.
But under the new Trump administration policy, a diagnosis of gender dysphoria disqualifies potential enlistees, and a diagnosis of gender dysphoria--with the exception of transgender people already serving in the armed forces--is cause for discharge.
Source: Washington Blade on 2018 Congressional PA-1 election
Jun 18, 2019
Catherine Cortez Masto:
Let Nevada ban same-sex marriage; it's will of the people
In a 55-page brief, Nevada Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto urges the US Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals to uphold the state's constitutional ban on same-sex marriage on the basis that it reflects the will of the people: "The interest of the State
in defining marriage in this manner is motivated by the state's desire to protect and perpetuate traditional marriage," Masto writes. "In establishing this criterion and others--e.g., age, consanguinity, unmarried status, etc.--the state exercises its
prerogative as a State, and that exercise is entitled to respect."Notably, Masto argues at length that the Ninth Circuit shouldn't apply heightened scrutiny to the ban: "Under an objective application of due process and equal protection analyses,
there is no basis for heightened review of the State's purpose in defining marriage by its traditional meaning," Masto writes. "There exists neither fundamental right, nor suspect or quasi- suspect class, justifying a different standard of review."
Source: Washington Blade on 2016 Nevada Senate race
Jan 23, 2014
Catherine Cortez Masto:
States ban bigamy & incest, so why not same-sex marriage?
Ask the attorney general of Nevada about the definition of marriage, and she'll tell you it doesn't include the union of a same-sex couple. But in the same breath, she'll tell you it also doesn't include incest or bigamy either. In a 55-page brief,
Nevada Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto, in a section titled "Marriage Defined," explains "what marriage is" and "what marriage is not." Masto reminds the court that in addition to not being for same-sex couples under Nevada law, marriage is also
not for those engaging in bigamy or incest. The invocation of bigamy and incest in Nevada's brief before the Ninth Circuit recalls the first legal brief the Obama administration filed in support of the Defense of Marriage Act when it was still
defending the law in court. That brief invoked bigamy and pedophilia to assert the constitutionality of the ban on federal recognition of same-sex marriage, which riled LGBT advocates.
Source: Washington Blade on 2016 Nevada Senate race
Jan 23, 2014
Colin Bonini:
Opposed same-sex marriage for Delaware
The Washington Blade has learned seven of the 12 Delaware state senators who had previously not stated their position on the state's same-sex marriage bill plan to vote against it next week. Aides for state Sen. Colin Bonini (R-Dover) [and six others]
said the lawmakers will vote against House Bill 75 when the state Senate considers the measure on May 7. Eleven of Delaware's 21 senators need to vote for HB 75 in order for it to pass.Equality Delaware's President reiterated to the
Blade she remains optimistic HB 75 will pass. "I am confident we will have the votes to pass marriage equality in Delaware," she said.
Neighboring Maryland is among the nine states and D.C. that currently allow same-sex marriage. The Delaware Senate
vote on HB 75 is scheduled to take place five days after Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee signed his state's same-sex marriage bill into law. Gov. Jack Markell has said he will sign HB 75 into law if lawmakers approve it.
Source: Washington Blade on 2016 Delaware Gubernatorial debate
May 3, 2013
Collin Peterson:
Allow transgender people in the military
The House delivered a stinging rebuke to President Trump's transgender military ban, adopting an amendment that would bar the use of U.S. funds to pay for the policy. The vote on the amendment, introduced by Reps. Anthony Brown (D-MD) and Jackie Speier
(D-CA), was 243-183 and largely along party lines. The amendment passed with bipartisan support. Nine Republicans voted "yes" on the measure. One Democrat voted against it: Rep. Collin Peterson.[Voting yes would overturn the ban on military service
by people with gender dysphoria; voting no would maintain the ban on transgendered military service.]
Before April, transgender people could enlist and serve openly in the military thanks to a policy change during the Obama administration.
But under the new Trump administration policy, a diagnosis of gender dysphoria disqualifies potential enlistees, and a diagnosis of gender dysphoria--with the exception of transgender people already serving in the armed forces--is cause for discharge.
Source: Washington Blade on 2018 Congressional MN-7 election
Jun 18, 2019
Deb Haaland:
I have this wonderful lesbian daughter who I adore
Q: Please describe how an LGBTQ person in your life has affected your worldview.Haaland: "That would be my daughter, who is a lesbian. Sometimes I think about how I have this beautiful, wonderful lesbian daughter who I adore, and who
I want to have every opportunity for success. I just feel that every single American, regardless of where they are, what community they belong to, deserves to have opportunities to succeed."
Source: The Washington Blade on Biden Cabinet
Mar 16, 2021
Deb Haaland:
Was Vice Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus
Haaland was also Vice Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus, a group of lawmakers that serves as a resource for Members of Congress, their staff, and the public on LGBTQ+ issues at the federal level.
The caucus works toward 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 of gender identity and expression.
Source: The Washington Blade on Biden Cabinet
Mar 16, 2021
Donald Rumsfield:
Give gays right to serve in the military
The former defense chief who served under President George W. Bush has endorsed repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and said open service in the U.S. military is "an idea whose time has come.""First of all,
we know that gays and lesbians have been serving in the military for decades with honorable service," Rumsfeld said. "We know that [repeal of a ban on gays serving openly] is an idea whose time has come."
Source: Chris Johnson in Washington Blade
Feb 14, 2011
Gene Truono:
Constitution's inferred rights cover LGBT rights
Truono's website says that if elected he "will fight for equality and justice," but it doesn't specifically mention LGBT rights. "Mr. Truono believes that the LGBT community is currently protected under the enumerated rights of the Constitution,"
Truono's campaign manager said. "He believes the safeguards under the Constitution protect all individuals. Therefore Mr. Truono would not become a cosponsor of the Equality Act as currently written and pending in the U.S. Senate."
Source: Washington Blade on 2018 Delaware Senate race
Mar 5, 2018
Hillary Clinton:
Pledged to sign Employment Non-Discrimination Act
Eight years ago, LGBT voters were hungry for Hillary Clinton to make major change on their behalf when she ran for president following two terms of anti-gay attacks under the Bush administration.Pushing her along in making commitments to advance
LGBT rights was her bruising primary with then-Sen. Barack Obama, who ultimately bested her to win the Democratic nomination.
Both were largely on the same page with major requests from the LGBT community, pledging to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and sign the Employment Non-Discrimination Act into law.
But as she begins her second attempt to win the White House,
most of those requests have been accomplished after more than six years of the Obama administration, which gives her less to talk about in terms of LGBT issues.
Source: Washington Blade coverage of 2016 presidential hopefuls
Apr 15, 2015
Jack Markell:
Supported same-sex marriage for Delaware
The Washington Blade has learned seven of the 12 Delaware state senators who had previously not stated their position on the state's same-sex marriage bill plan to vote against it next week. Aides for state Sen. Colin Bonini (R-Dover) [and six others]
said the lawmakers will vote against House Bill 75 when the state Senate considers the measure on May 7. Eleven of Delaware's 21 senators need to vote for HB 75 in order for it to pass.Equality Delaware's President reiterated to the
Blade she remains optimistic HB 75 will pass. "I am confident we will have the votes to pass marriage equality in Delaware," she said.
Neighboring Maryland is among the nine states and D.C. that currently allow same-sex marriage. The Delaware Senate
vote on HB 75 is scheduled to take place five days after Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee signed his state's same-sex marriage bill into law. Gov. Jack Markell has said he will sign HB 75 into law if lawmakers approve it.
Source: Washington Blade on 2016 Delaware Gubernatorial debate
May 3, 2013
Jake LaTurner:
Allow college groups to discriminate for religious reasons
Legislative Summary: SB 175 enacts law prohibiting a postsecondary educational institution from taking any action that would deny a religious student association any benefit available to any other association due to the association's
requirement that leaders or members of the association adhere to or comply with the association's sincerely held religious beliefs.Analysis by Washington Blade: Consistent with his record in opposition to LGBT rights, Gov. Sam Brownback
signed into law a "religious freedom" bill seen to enable discrimination against LGBT students in his state's public universities. Brownback didn't sign the bill quietly: The governor signed the measure during a ceremony surrounded by lawmakers and
lobbyists for the Kansas Catholic Conference and the Family Policy Alliance of Kansas.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 30-8-2 on Mar/19/15; State Sen. Jake LaTurner voted YES; Passed House 81-41-3 on Mar/16/16; Signed on Mar/22/16
Source: Washington Blade analysis of Kansas voting records SB175
May 19, 2015
John Katko:
Allow transgender people in the military
The House delivered a stinging rebuke to President Trump's transgender military ban, adopting an amendment that would bar the use of U.S. funds to pay for the policy. The vote on the amendment, introduced by Reps. Anthony Brown (D-MD) and Jackie Speier
(D-CA), was 243-183 and largely along party lines. The amendment passed with bipartisan support. Nine Republicans--including Rep. John Katko--voted "yes" on the measure.[Voting yes would overturn the Trump Administration's ban on military service by
people with gender dysphoria; voting no would maintain the ban on transgendered military service.]
Before April, transgender people could enlist and serve openly in the military thanks to a policy change during the Obama administration.
But under the new Trump administration policy, a diagnosis of gender dysphoria disqualifies potential enlistees, and a diagnosis of gender dysphoria--with the exception of transgender people already serving in the armed forces--is cause for discharge.
Source: Washington Blade on 2018 Congressional NY-24 election
Jun 18, 2019
Justin Amash:
Allow transgender people in the military
The House delivered a stinging rebuke to President Trump's transgender military ban, adopting an amendment that would bar the use of U.S. funds to pay for the policy. The vote on the amendment, introduced by Reps. Anthony Brown (D-MD) and Jackie Speier
(D-CA), was 243-183 and largely along party lines. The amendment passed with bipartisan support. Nine Republicans--including Rep. Justin Amash--voted "yes" on the measure.[Voting yes would overturn the Trump Administration's ban on military service
by people with gender dysphoria; voting no would maintain the ban on transgendered military service.]
Before April, transgender people could enlist and serve openly in the military thanks to a policy change during the Obama administration.
But under the new Trump administration policy, a diagnosis of gender dysphoria disqualifies potential enlistees, and a diagnosis of gender dysphoria--with the exception of transgender people already serving in the armed forces--is cause for discharge.
Source: Washington Blade on 2018 Congressional MI-3 election
Jun 18, 2019
Ketanji Brown Jackson:
Served on board for school that condemned LGBTQ people
She once worked as an adviser for a Baptist school in the Maryland suburbs that had a mission statement against LGBTQ people and abortion. Jackson said. "I was not aware that the school had a public website or that any statement of beliefs was
posted on the school's website at the time of my service. My service on the advisory school board primarily involved planning for school fundraising activities for the benefit of enrolled students."
Source: Washington Blade on 2022 SCOTUS Confirmation Hearings
Feb 25, 2022
Kevin Zeese:
Supports full marriage rights for gay couples
Independent candidate Kevin Zeese told the Blade last fall that he backs full marriage rights.
Source: Elizabeth Weill-Greenberg, Washington Blade
Jan 23, 2006
Kweisi Mfume:
Supports full benefits & rights of gay marriage
Maryland has been pushed into the national spotlight since the Baltimore Circuit Court ruled Friday that it was unconstitutional to prohibit gays and lesbians from marrying. The decision is being appealed. "As someone who
was raised to believe in traditional marriage, it does not mean others cannot have different beliefs," Mfume said. "I recognize [civil union] laws don't cover all the benefits and all the rights that could and should be accrued to same sex couples."
Source: Elizabeth Weill-Greenberg, Washington Blade
Jan 23, 2006
Kweisi Mfume:
No constitutional Amendment defining traditional marriage
Mfume has in the past supported civil unions and opposed efforts to amend the federal constitution to block states from marrying gay couples. "Gay marriage is a difficult religious and philosophical issue," Mfume said. "However, governments must respect
equal protection for all people regardless of race, gender or sexual orientation. Are we prepared to give that equal protection to all people?" he said. "I don't know how the courts could have come up with any decision than what they did."
Source: Elizabeth Weill-Greenberg, Washington Blade
Jan 23, 2006
Kyrsten Sinema:
Co-chair Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus
"On behalf of the co-chairs, I thank my colleagues in both parties who have joined the LGBT Equality Caucus and pledged to stand for and with the LGBT community," Sinema said in a statement. "While we've made significant
process in recent years, we still have more work to do and must protect the progress we've made. Our caucus continues to work to ensure every American has the fundamental freedom and opportunity to pursue the American Dream."
Source: Washington Blade on 2018 Arizona Senate race
Feb 7, 2017
Larry Hogan:
I evolved and will not repeal same-sex marriage law
Republican Maryland gubernatorial candidate Larry Hogan said his position on marriage rights for same-sex couples has "evolved." In response to a question about whether he voted for the state's same-sex marriage law in a 2012 referendum on it that he
was "originally for civil unions," Hogan responded, "I was a supporter of traditional marriage. It's an issue that I fully understand. The voters have made their decision. I support their decision and will uphold the law. I've evolved, I guess, on the
issue."Hogan said marriage rights for same-sex couples, extending in-state tuition to undocumented immigrants and other social issues "are really decided in Maryland. They have no part in this campaign whatsoever. We've been completely focused on the
issues that all Marylanders are focused on right now, and that's economic issues."
"Hogan's evolution on marriage equality reflects the reality of many Marylanders who have kept an open heart and open mind on this issue," one pundit noted.
Source: Washington Blade AdWatch on 2014 Maryland gubernatorial race
Aug 8, 2014
Larry Hogan:
Opposes a transgender rights bill
Hogan, who was a member of former Gov. Bob Ehrlich's administration, told the Washington Post in June he would not seek to repeal
Maryland's same-sex marriage law if elected governor. Hogan told the Baltimore Sun editorial board ahead of the June 24 primary that he opposes a transgender rights bill that Gov. Martin O'Malley signed into law earlier this year.
Source: Washington Blade AdWatch on 2014 Maryland gubernatorial race
Aug 8, 2014
Laura Kelly:
College groups "religious freedom" means LGBT discrimination
Legislative Summary: SB 175 enacts law prohibiting a postsecondary educational institution from taking any action that would deny a religious student association any benefit available to any other association due to the association's
requirement that leaders or members of the association adhere to or comply with the association's sincerely held religious beliefs.Analysis by Washington Blade: Consistent with his record in opposition to LGBT rights, Gov. Sam Brownback
signed into law a "religious freedom" bill seen to enable discrimination against LGBT students in his state's public universities. Brownback didn't sign the bill quietly: The governor signed the measure during a ceremony surrounded by lawmakers and
lobbyists for the Kansas Catholic Conference and the Family Policy Alliance of Kansas.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 30-8-2 on Mar/19/15; State Sen. Laura Kelly voted NO; Passed House 81-41-3 on Mar/16/16; Signed on Mar/22/16
Source: Washington Blade analysis of Kansas voting records SB175
May 19, 2015
Lawrence Lessig:
LGBT rights secured constitutionally; now work on statute
Lessig, whose immediate goal is to boost his poll numbers to qualify to make his case on stage at the debates, made his pitch to the LGBT community in an interview with the Washington Blade. A campaign that "celebrates and rallies around the importance
of equality," Lessig predicted, would have a positive effect for those who are pushing in a particular area of equality rights, such as LGBT people."Obviously, the community has earned an extraordinary victory over the course of the last 20 years,"
Lessig said. "It's the most successful equality movement in the history of equality movements in just the sense of the speed with which attitudes were reversed and the law brought about to recognize the importance of granting equal status as
a constitutional matter. And now, the fight is going to be as a statutory matter, to secure the same kind of equality protections that other groups such as women and people discriminated on the basis of race have."
Source: Washington Blade 2015 coverage of 2016 presidential hopefuls
Oct 7, 2015
Lawrence Lessig:
Aggressively support transgendered social recognition
Asked what should be done about the rash of anti-trans violence in this country that has left 20 transgender people dead this year alone, Lessig said, "I think it makes sense to have the hate crime law focus on transgender as a category of hate that
could trigger higher penalties."Lessig said the issue of transgender rights hits close to home because he has a transgender person in his family: His wife's cousin is married to a transgender man. "This is something that's very present in our life as
they raise their own family and have to live in a world which doesn't quite understand them," Lessig said. "I think we should be as aggressively supportive of achieving social recognition of the equality of all humans regardless of these
characteristics." Lessig said his wife's female cousin was in a same-sex relationship with a woman before he knew her family, but was around for this family decision to transition. "He was not yet a 'he' when it began," Lessig said.
Source: Washington Blade 2015 coverage of 2016 presidential hopefuls
Oct 7, 2015
Lise Van Susteren:
Supports full marriage rights for gay couples
Lise Van Susteren told the Blade last fall that she backs full marriage rights for gay couples.
Source: Elizabeth Weill-Greenberg, Washington Blade
Jan 23, 2006
Mario Diaz-Balart:
Allow transgender people in the military
The House delivered a stinging rebuke to President Trump's transgender military ban, adopting an amendment that would bar the use of U.S. funds to pay for the policy. The vote on the amendment, introduced by Reps. Anthony Brown (D-MD) and Jackie Speier
(D-CA), was 243-183 and largely along party lines. The amendment passed with bipartisan support. Nine Republicans--including Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart--voted "yes" on the measure.[Voting yes would overturn the Trump Administration's ban on military
service by people with gender dysphoria; voting no would maintain the ban on transgendered military service.]
Before April, transgender people could enlist and serve openly in the military thanks to a policy change during the Obama administration.
But under the new Trump administration policy, a diagnosis of gender dysphoria disqualifies potential enlistees, and a diagnosis of gender dysphoria--with the exception of transgender people already serving in the armed forces--is cause for discharge.
Source: Washington Blade on 2018 Congressional FL-25 election
Jun 18, 2019
Michael Steele:
Affirms marriage is between one man and one woman
Lt. Gov. Michael Steele has avoided taking a position [on full marriage rights for gay couples], saying gay marriage is a state issue and he is seeking federal office. He did attend a Defend Maryland
Marriage rally a year ago that called for a state constitutional ban on gay marriage. "We are here to affirm that marriage is only between a man and a woman. We need to make it clear where Maryland stands," Steele was quoted as saying at the event.
Source: Elizabeth Weill-Greenberg, Washington Blade
Jan 23, 2006
Pete Buttigieg:
Supports Equality Act; need better legislation
I think one of the big things that we're looking at, of course, is the Equality Act. I live in a state where it is still--not in South Bend because we took local action, but in most parts of my state it's still perfectly
legal to be fired for who you are, and I think we need better legislation, civil rights legislation that takes care of that.
Source: Washington Blade on 2020 Democratic primary
Feb 5, 2019
Pete Buttigieg:
Trans members of the military deserve presidential support
Trans members of the military who are willing to put their lives on the line in order to defend this country deserve to be supported by their commander in chief. It's extremely disturbing, especially for someone who portrayed himself as somebody who
might change the way the Republican Party related to the LGBT community, to turn around and do this demonstrates that he was never serious about that, not to mention the elevation of Mike Pence to one heartbeat away from the presidency.
Source: Washington Blade on 2020 Democratic primary
Feb 5, 2019
Rand Paul:
Gay contracts ok, but gay marriage is offensive
Rand Paul said that affording the distinction to marriage to same-sex couples "offends myself and a lot of other people." In an interview with Fox News, the Kentucky Republican, who described himself as a "libertarian conservative," made the remarks when
asked about his views on gay rights: "I'm for traditional marriage," Paul said. "I think marriage is between a man and a woman. Ultimately, we could have fixed this a long time ago if we just allowed contracts between adults. We didn't have to call it
marriage, which offends myself and a lot of people."Paul continued, "I think having competing contracts that would give them equivalency before the law would have solved a lot of these problems, and it may be where we're still headed."
For Paul's vision of equal rights for same-sex couples through contracts to become a reality, the first step would be have to be a ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court in June upholding state prohibitions on gay nuptials.
Source: Washington Blade 2015 coverage of 2016 presidential hopefuls
Mar 7, 2015
Sam Brownback:
Allow college groups to discriminate for religious reasons
Legislative Summary: SB 175 enacts law prohibiting a postsecondary educational institution from taking any action that would deny a religious student association any benefit available to any other association due to the association's
requirement that leaders or members of the association adhere to or comply with the association's sincerely held religious beliefs.Analysis by Washington Blade: Consistent with his record in opposition to LGBT rights, Gov. Sam Brownback
signed into law a "religious freedom" bill seen to enable discrimination against LGBT students in his state's public universities. Brownback didn't sign the bill quietly: The governor signed the measure during a ceremony surrounded by lawmakers and
lobbyists for the Kansas Catholic Conference and the Family Policy Alliance of Kansas.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 30-8-2 on Mar/19/15; Passed House 81-41-3 on Mar/16/16; Signed on Mar/22/16
Source: Washington Blade analysis of Kansas voting records SB175
May 22, 2016
Susan Wagle:
Allow college groups to discriminate for religious reasons
Legislative Summary: SB 175 enacts law prohibiting a postsecondary educational institution from taking any action that would deny a religious student association any benefit available to any other association due to the association's
requirement that leaders or members of the association adhere to or comply with the association's sincerely held religious beliefs.Analysis by Washington Blade: Consistent with his record in opposition to LGBT rights, Gov. Sam Brownback
signed into law a "religious freedom" bill seen to enable discrimination against LGBT students in his state's public universities. Brownback didn't sign the bill quietly: The governor signed the measure during a ceremony surrounded by lawmakers and
lobbyists for the Kansas Catholic Conference and the Family Policy Alliance of Kansas.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 30-8-2 on Mar/19/15; State Sen. Susan Wagle voted YES; Passed House 81-41-3 on Mar/16/16; Signed on Mar/22/16
Source: Washington Blade analysis of Kansas voting records SB175
May 19, 2015
Tom Emmer:
Allow transgender people in the military
The House delivered a stinging rebuke to President Trump's transgender military ban, adopting an amendment that would bar the use of U.S. funds to pay for the policy. The vote on the amendment, introduced by Reps. Anthony Brown (D-MD) and Jackie Speier
(D-CA), was 243-183 and largely along party lines. The amendment passed with bipartisan support. Nine Republicans--including Rep. Tom Emmer--voted "yes" on the measure.[Voting yes would overturn the Trump Administration's ban on military
service by people with gender dysphoria; voting no would maintain the ban on transgendered military service.]
Before April, transgender people could enlist and serve openly in the military thanks to a policy change during the Obama administration.
But under the new Trump administration policy, a diagnosis of gender dysphoria disqualifies potential enlistees, and a diagnosis of gender dysphoria--with the exception of transgender people already serving in the armed forces--is cause for discharge.
Source: Washington Blade on 2018 Congressional MN-6 election
Jun 18, 2019
Tom Reed:
Allow transgender people in the military
The House delivered a stinging rebuke to President Trump's transgender military ban, adopting an amendment that would bar the use of U.S. funds to pay for the policy. The vote on the amendment, introduced by Reps. Anthony Brown (D-MD) and Jackie Speier
(D-CA), was 243-183 and largely along party lines. The amendment passed with bipartisan support. Nine Republicans--including Rep. Tom Reed--voted "yes" on the measure.[Voting yes would overturn the Trump Administration's ban on military service by
people with gender dysphoria; voting no would maintain the ban on transgendered military service.]
Before April, transgender people could enlist and serve openly in the military thanks to a policy change during the Obama administration.
But under the new Trump administration policy, a diagnosis of gender dysphoria disqualifies potential enlistees, and a diagnosis of gender dysphoria--with the exception of transgender people already serving in the armed forces--is cause for discharge.
Source: Washington Blade on 2018 Congressional NY-23 election
Jun 18, 2019
Trey Hollingsworth:
Allow transgender people in the military
The House delivered a stinging rebuke to President Trump's transgender military ban, adopting an amendment that would bar the use of U.S. funds to pay for the policy. The vote on the amendment, introduced by Reps. Anthony Brown (D-MD) and Jackie Speier
(D-CA), was 243-183 and largely along party lines. The amendment passed with bipartisan support. Nine Republicans--including Rep. Trey Hollingsworth--voted "yes" on the measure.[Voting yes would overturn the Trump Administration's ban on military
service by people with gender dysphoria; voting no would maintain the ban on transgendered military service.]
Before April, transgender people could enlist and serve openly in the military thanks to a policy change during the Obama administration.
But under the new Trump administration policy, a diagnosis of gender dysphoria disqualifies potential enlistees, and a diagnosis of gender dysphoria--with the exception of transgender people already serving in the armed forces--is cause for discharge.
Source: Washington Blade on 2019 IN-9 House incumbent
Jun 18, 2019
Wilbur Ross:
LGBT protections omitted, then reinstated following scrutiny
Ross issued a new non-discrimination policy this week omitting explicit assurances LGBT workers won't face discrimination in his department, prompting an outcry that resulted in an updated version of the document making clear the prohibition on
anti-LGBT discrimination. The "Statement on Equal Employment Opportunity" initially found on the Commerce Department's website declares it won't tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age or disability.
Source: Washington Blade on 2017 Trump Cabinet
Jun 16, 2017
Will Hurd:
Allow transgender people in the military
The House delivered a stinging rebuke to President Trump's transgender military ban, adopting an amendment that would bar the use of U.S. funds to pay for the policy. The vote on the amendment, introduced by Reps. Anthony Brown (D-MD) and Jackie Speier
(D-CA), was 243-183 and largely along party lines. The amendment passed with bipartisan support. Nine Republicans--including Rep. Will Hurd--voted "yes" on the measure.[Voting yes would overturn the Trump Administration's ban on military service by
people with gender dysphoria; voting no would maintain the ban on transgendered military service.]
Before April, transgender people could enlist and serve openly in the military thanks to a policy change during the Obama administration.
But under the new Trump administration policy, a diagnosis of gender dysphoria disqualifies potential enlistees, and a diagnosis of gender dysphoria--with the exception of transgender people already serving in the armed forces--is cause for discharge.
Source: Washington Blade on 2018 Congressional TX-23 election
Jun 18, 2019
Ralph Northam:
Backs marriage rights for same-sex couples
Northam publicly backs marriage rights for same-sex couples. The lieutenant governor in February cast the tie-breaking vote in the state Senate that allowed the passage of a bill that sought to ban discrimination against government employees because of
their sexual orientation or gender identity. The measure later died in a Virginia House of Delegates subcommittee. "Employment discrimination in any form is truly unacceptable," said Northam after voting in support of the anti-discrimination bill.
Source: Washington Blade on 2017 Virginia governor's race
Nov 17, 2015
Corey Stewart:
Transgenderism is despicable
Corey Stewart said he would sign a bill that is equivalent to North Carolina's House Bill 2. "As governor, I will absolutely prohibit any locality from doing any such thing and promoting transgenderism in any way,
shape or form," he said at a forum the Amherst County Republican Party sponsored. "It's absolutely horrendously despicable."
Source: Washington Blade on 2018 Virginia Senatorial race
Apr 5, 2017
Adam Schiff:
Introduced PERIOD Act to protect trans student athletes
Necessitated by Republican legislators' invasion of students' privacy to enforce anti-trans and anti-choice laws, Schiff and Ilhan Omar will introduce the Privacy in Education Regarding Individuals' Own Data (PERIOD) Act. Allies close to Florida Gov.
Ron DeSantis have proposed tracking student athletes' menstrual cycles, which Schiff characterized as "a not-at-all disguised effort to discriminate against trans students" that would be "incredibly invasive of students' private medical data."
Source: Washington Blade on 2024 California Senate race
Feb 9, 2023
Mike Ramone:
Only Republican co-sponsor of state same-sex marriage bill
The only Republican co-sponsor of Delaware's same-sex marriage bill supports the measure because it's "the right thing" to do. He noted he has a gay son and several of those who have worked at the six flower shops and floral warehouse they own
throughout Delaware are out. "Gay people have become very close to us. We just don't believe that they shouldn't be treated equally like everyone else and have the opportunity to get married."
Source: Washington Blade on 2024 Delaware Gubernatorial race
Apr 18, 2013
Pete Snyder:
Left is pushing transgender bathrooms in our schools
We're in a global pandemic and the ridiculous policies that the left is pushing at us to try to have transgender bathrooms in our schools. I missed my daughter's lacrosse practice today. First time ever.
There is no way I'm going to come home to her three years from now and have to see her crying because she got cut from the team or isn't even starting because someone two weeks ago used to be a dude. I'm sorry. Not going to happen on my watch.
Source: The Washington Blade on 2021 Virginia Governor race
Mar 9, 2021
Deb Haaland:
Everyone deserves to love without discrimination
As a member of the U. S. House, Haaland was a committed ally of the LGBTQ community. In May of 2019, Haaland was awarded the prestigious Vanguard Award by the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR). The Vanguard Award is given to an outstanding
ally who uses their platform to further LGBTQ+ equality. Accepting the award she stated; "Everyone deserves to love who they love and be who they are without facing discrimination or violence."
Source: The Washington Blade on 2026 New Mexico Governor race
Mar 16, 2021
Elon Musk:
Banned the word "cisgender" from X.com
Musk's relationship with his transgender daughter is nonexistent, as Vivian Wilson, the daughter, states that he was an absent parent who harassed her as a child.
Musk's transphobia has been on full display: he banned the word "cisgender" from X.com, which led many LGBTQ rights groups away from the platform.
Source: Washington Blade on 2025 Trump Cabinet
Mar 13, 2025
Page last updated: Aug 14, 2025