“LGBTQ rights are human rights and civil rights, and I’m committed to ensuring that America lives up to its promise to treat all of its citizens with dignity, love and respect.” — Senator Sherrod Brown
Senator Sherrod Brown fights everyday for equal rights and opportunities for all Americans — regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. He’s spent his career standing with the LGBTQ community. A long-time supporter of marriage equality and an advocate for LGBTQ Americans, Sherrod believes hate and discrimination have no place in our laws or hearts. He has a proud record of demanding justice and equality for Ohio’s LGBTQ community.
Senator Brown Fought For Marriage Equality
Long before it was a politically popular position, Sherrod stood with LGBTQ families and couples to fight for full recognition under the law. He opposed the Defense Of Marriage Act in the 1990’s and has consistently fought against legislative efforts to deny LGBTQ Americans the right to marry whomever they love. And when the day finally came, he rejoiced with millions of Americans as the Supreme Court recognized the rights of LGBTQ couples and families across the nation.
Senator Brown Stands With LGBTQ Servicemembers
Any American who honorably serves our country in uniform should be treated like the patriots they are. Since the beginning of his career, he’s opposed the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy — and helped repeal the policy in 2010. But he’s also pushed to correct the injustices of the past. Recently, he co-sponsored legislation to correct military records and reinstate benefits of service members discharged on the basis on their sexual orientation. When President Trump pushed to ban transgender individuals from the armed services, Sherrod forcefully responded, “I have deep respect and gratitude for anyone who volunteers to serve in our military. We should not turn away anyone who is willing and able to serve this country and help keep America safe.”
Senator Brown Is Committed To Combating Anti-LGBTQ Discrimination
While progress has been made, it’s still legal in many states to discriminate against someone based solely on their sexual orientation or gender identity. That’s why Sherrod’s led the charge on legislation that would expand federal civil rights protections and backed other bills to fight LGBTQ discrimination in housing, the workplace and around the world.
Senator Brown Advocates For LGBTQ Youth
Sherrod knows LGBTQ youth are especially at risk to harassment and discrimination, which is why he’s fought to protect them. Not only has he called “conversion therapy” a “fraudulent, unfair, and deceptive” practice, he’s repeatedly moved to outlaw it. And he’s partnered with national and local groups to support LGBTQ youth against hate. Building a more free and equal society begins with helping those who will inherit it, which is why Sherrod has so vigorously advocated for LGBTQ youth.
Senator Brown Is A Reliable Partner Of LGBTQ Organizations And Leaders
Regularly meeting with Ohio and national LGBTQ groups allows Sherrod to listen and discuss important issues, which makes him a more effective advocate for the LGBTQ community in the U.S. Senate.
