Issue Position: LGBT Rights

Issue Position

David believes discrimination of any kind is wrong. Under our constitution all people are created equal. No person should be discriminated against based on race, gender, ethnic background or sexual orientation.

Throughout his first term in, David Cicilline (D-RI) has been a consistent, determined advocate for legislation that would guarantee full equality for the LGBT community. David joined Representatives Barney Frank (D-MA) Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Jared Polis (D-CO) as a co-chair of the Equality Caucus, providing leadership on a wide range of legislative issues.

David is a strong supporter of marriage equality, and he has fought hard in Congress on this important issue. He is a co-sponsor of the Respect for Marriage Act, which would forever repeal the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and he has been a vocal critic of Speaker John Boehner's efforts to defend DOMA in court. In addition, David joined his colleague from Rhode Island, Representative James Langevin (D-RI), in urging the Rhode Island General Assembly to pass marriage equality legislation last year.

In addition, as a Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, David has spearheaded efforts to ensure that American foreign policy leaders stand up for victims of violence abroad who are targeted because of their sexual orientation.

Cicilline has also been a strong voice for LGBT students, immigrants, and members of the military. David is an original co-sponsor of the Student Non-Discrimination Act which would prohibit discrimination or harassment in public schools based on student's actual or perceived sexual orientation, and has urged the U.S. Secretaries of Defense and Veteran Affairs to restore full benefits for service members discharged under Don't Ask Don't Tell policy.

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