Founded 2008 Political position Social liberalism | Ideology LGBT rights Seats in the House 115 / 435 | |
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The Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus formation was announced on June 4, 2008, by openly gay representatives Tammy Baldwin and Barney Frank. The caucus currently has 115 members (112 Democrats and 3 Republicans) in the 115th United States Congress, and previously had 104 members (101 Democrats and 3 Republicans) in the 112th Congress and 91 members (90 Democrats and 1 Republican) during the 111th Congress. The caucus is co-chaired by the United States House of Representatives' six openly LGBT members: Representatives Jared Polis, David Cicilline, Sean Patrick Maloney, Kyrsten Sinema, Mark Pocan, and Mark Takano. Roddy Flynn serves as Executive Director.
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Mission
The mission of the caucus is to work for LGBT rights, the repeal of laws discriminatory against LGBT persons, the elimination of hate-motivated violence, and improved health and well-being for all persons, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity or expression. The caucus serves as a resource for Members of Congress, their staffs, and the public on LGBT issues. Unlike the Congressional Black Caucus, famous for admitting only black members, the LGBT Equality Caucus admits any member who is willing to advance LGBT rights, regardless of their sexual identity or orientation.
Equality PAC
In February 2016 the caucus formed the Equality PAC to support candidates running for federal office who are LGBT or seek to advance LGBT rights. Equality PAC has endorsed Hillary Clinton in the 2016 Presidential election.
History
On March 14, 2016, the board of the Equality PAC voted to endorse Hillary Clinton for president of the United States.
Membership
List of Caucus members in the 113th Congress: