Rangel Celebrates Landmark Cases in Favor of LGBT Progress

Statement

Congressman Charles B. Rangel, who represents the 13th Congressional District of New York that includes Upper Manhattan and parts of the Bronx, released the following statement celebrating landmark cases that helped affirm the rights of the LGBT community:

"Not long ago, our country denied LGBT couples the rights to marry, receive federal benefits, and serve their country. "Love is love' has become a powerful expression in our nation, as we work towards inclusion of all people no matter their sex, gender, or sexual orientation.

Many of the freedoms the LGBT community has today have been guaranteed by landmark Supreme Court cases, such as US v. Windsor, which repealed Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and Obergefell v. Hodges, which declared same-sex marriage a constitutional right. I co-sponsored H.Res. 549 designating June 26 as LGBT Equality Day to support equal rights, regardless of perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. As an original co-sponsor of H.R. 3068, Restore Honor to Service Members Act, I work to ensure that our LGBT service members, who were dishonorably discharged for their sexual preference, are able to receive timely, consistent and transparent review of their records so they are granted the rightful status of their service. As a veteran, I know that our men and women in uniform give all to serve our country with great honor and the uniform does not discriminate against color, religion, gender or sexual orientation.

Although our nation has made tremendous strides in securing LGBT rights, there is still more to be done to ensure we end bigotry. We must continue to build a country that embraces all individuals and their right to be who they are, and love whom they love. This is especially evident in the recent tragedy in Orlando, which showed that there is still work to do to protect the LGBT community from hate, intolerance, and discrimination. On this anniversary of the pivotal decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, we celebrate one year of love by law. Still, we do so in the understanding that the battle for equality is not over. Let us ensure that love continues to be beautiful."

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