Rep. Schiff Announces Almost 40 Members of Congress Have Participated in NOH8 Campaign

Press Release

Last month, Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) hosted a photo shoot with the NOH8 Campaign titled, "NOH8 on The Hill." At the event, Members of Congress and their staffs were invited to pose for a photograph in support of the NOH8 Campaign and lend their voice towards LGBT rights and marriage equality.

During the event, Schiff commented on his support of the campaign saying, "Two people that love each other--regardless of their gender--should be able to make the same lasting commitment of marriage. That's why I am proud to participate in and support the NOH8 campaign. Through NOH8, over 25,000 participants have voiced their belief that everyone should have the same rights, regardless of their race, religion or sexual orientation. Our friends, neighbors and family members deserve to have their commitment recognized and the NOH8 campaign is on the forefront of that important battle."

Joining eleven other Members who had previously participated in the NOH8 campaign, the following Members of Congress took part: Rep. Gwen Moore (D-WI), Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA), Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Rep Michael Capuano (D-MA), Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Rep. Jim McGovern (D- MA), Rep. John Yarmuth (D-KY), Rep. Joe Baca (D-CA), Rep. Lois Capps (D-CA), Rep. Sam Farr (D-CA), Rep. Nydia Velázquez (D-NY), Rep. Ted Deutch (D-FL), Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Rep. Peter Welch (D-VT), Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX), Rep. Charles B. Rangel (D-NY), Rep. Chaka Fattah (D-PA), Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), Rep. Mike Quigley (D-IL), Rep. Rush D. Holt (D-NJ), Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ), Rep. Janice Hahn (D-CA), Rep. Mike Honda (D-CA), Rep. Al Green (D-TX), Rep. Danny K. Davis (D-IL), and Rep. Susan A. Davis (D-CA). Previously posing for NOH8 were Adam Schiff (D-CA), Dennis Kucinich (D-OH), William Keating (D-MA), Judy Chu (D-CA), Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Nicki Tsongas (D-MA), Barbara Lee (D-CA), Lynn Woolsey (D-CA), Jared Polis (D-CO), and Jackie Speier (D-CA).

The NOH8 Campaign is a global art protest project conceived by photographer Adam Bouska and Jeff Parshley in opposition to California's Proposition 8, that banned gay marriage. Past participants include Meghan McCain, Cindy McCain, Dr. Drew, Marlee Matlin, Kathy Griffin, Jane Lynch, Lt. Dan Choi and more.

Rep. Peter Welch (D-VT) said, "We're all the same. This campaign reminds us that we have much more in common and that we ought to embrace diversity and love one another."

Read below for quotes from the other members who participated.

Rep. Gwen Moore (D-WI)

"Love is love. Whether heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual or transgender, no one should be denied the opportunity to express this love through marriage. I stand strong in my support of the LGBT community and marriage equality."

Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA)

"Projects like NOH8 are ensuring that marriage equality continues to be in the forefront of our fight for equality. I am proud to participate in the NOH8 Campaign to help draw attention to this ongoing civil rights battle in our state," said Congresswoman Roybal-Allard.

Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR)

"There is no place on Capitol Hill or in our society for hate or discrimination. I'm proud to be part of NOH8's campaign for equality."

Rep Michael Capuano (D-MA)

"I have long believed in marriage equality and am proud to participate in the NOH8 Campaign. Discrimination has no place in our society, and I hope the US Supreme Court will soon recognize that Proposition 8, and other attempts like it, are contrary to the freedoms granted in the Constitution."

Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL)

"I'm so proud to be part of the NOH8 effort. I think this education campaign is really going to help raise awareness and stop hate."

Rep. Jim McGovern (D- MA)

"I'm Congressman Jim McGovern and I'm happy to be a part of this campaign. I believe we need to work together to create a more tolerant, equal society."

Rep. John Yarmuth (D-KY)

"Our commitment to equality is a reflection our nation's character and its strength. That is why I am proud to join the tens of thousands of participants in the NOH8 campaign and the millions of Americans across the country who are standing up for marriage equality and fairness for all our citizens."

Rep. Joe Baca (D-CA)

"We've got to make sure that we vote no because we believe in equality, and we believe that everybody should have a choice. That's what our Constitution requires and what we, the people of the United States, affirmed when we aimed to form a more perfect union, establish justice and promote equality."

Rep. Lois Capps (D-CA)

"This is a great campaign. I'm from California and the tragic fight we had over Prop 8 is still fresh in my mind. So this just comes full circle. NOH8 is a huge statement and I'm honored to be a part of it."

Rep. Sam Farr (D-CA)

"I'm Congressman Sam Far, a Democrat representing California's Central Coast. I'm very excited about this campaign because it's sad that a vocal minority has been able to deny a group of citizens their rights. We've got to fight for justice for everyone in this country."

Rep. Nydia Velázquez (D-NY)

"This is a very important issue for America and is a collaboration that is conducive to make our nation a more perfect union. It is a great day when there are efforts to promote peace, togetherness and respect and dignity for all human beings."

Rep. Ted Deutch (D-FL)

"I'm excited to participate in the NOH8 campaign and to stand up against hatred and bigotry of all kinds."

Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA)

"I'm proud to support the NOH8 Campaign. I support equal rights for everyone in America and I've been active in the support for equal rights and marriage in California."

Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX)

"The world needs more NOH8. NOH8 speaks about love, tolerance and respect for human dignity. I'm delighted, not to have to be here because people are treated differently, but I'm delighted to be here to be a part of the world humanity who stands in the majority against hate. And the recognition that the LGBT community deserves all the human dignity of every other person in this wonderful family called the world."

Rep. Charles B. Rangel (D-NY)

"Hatred of any kind has no place in America. Period."

Rep. Chaka Fattah (D-PA)

"I support the NOH8 campaign and what we need is to have everyone step up and speak out and support the NOH8 campaign."

Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL)

"I'm so proud to support the NOH8 campaign. Marriage equality and equal opportunity are one of the most important issues of our time, and this campaign is an important step toward this goal."

Rep. Mike Quigley (D-IL)

"I've always been a strong supporter of marriage equality for all, so I consider it an honor and a responsibility to draw attention to this cause through unique opportunities like the NOH8 Campaign."

Rep. Rush D. Holt (D-NJ)

"The NOH8 campaign is great because you've taken it beyond just opposition to some legislation to a much more positive and inclusive message that should appeal to everyone."

Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ)

"We've seen too much policy driven by hate in this country. Laws made by hate never expand liberties or protect rights. This NOH8 campaign is about the fact that civil rights and basic liberty extend to all human beings in our nation regardless of any factor in their life, including who they love. This is why this campaign's important."

Rep. Janice Hahn (D-CA)

"I believe marriage equality is a civil rights issue. Love deserves celebrating, not shaming, and no one should feel harassed or unsafe because of who they are. I am proud to stand with NOH8 on the side of love."

Rep. Mike Honda (D-CA)

"The passage of Proposition 8 was a very sad moment for not only for the LGBT community, but allies as well. We're supposed to be a country of equality, that honors and celebrates the love of all committed couples. My wedding day was among the happiest in my life, and these beloved memories are experiences I wish for all couples, regardless of sexual orientation. The NOH8 photographs are all about keeping the conversation going, so that no voice is silenced, and our country can have a vibrant and meaningful discussion about the values we all share."

Rep. Al Green (D-TX)

"I believe that Dr. King was right when he indicated life is an inescapable network of mutuality tied to a single garment of destiny - what impacts one directly, impacts all indirectly. Hate, indirectly, affects every person. We have to eradicate hate in all its forms and I am proud to be associated with this campaign."

Rep. Danny K. Davis (D-IL)

"I believe, and I think that people in America, as well as across the world should have the opportunity to love, to care, to be with, to marry, whoever it is they feel comfortable with. I think this campaign is a good one and it's a decision whose time has come."

Rep. Susan A. Davis (D-CA)

"Inequality has no place in the United States. The NOH8 campaign depicts the importance of never being silent in the face of discrimination."

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