Civil Rights and Judiciary Issues

Every individual should have the right to live free from discrimination and pursue their dreams regardless of race, sexual orientation, or gender identity. As the son of a Civil Rights lawyer who wrote much of the enforcement language of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, this issue is a top priority for me. 

In recent years, I’m proud that Congress has passed a number of historic pieces of legislation that are helping to build a more equal nation, including the Respect for Marriage Act, which was recently signed into law by President Biden. This legislation enshrines protections for same-sex and interracial marriage into federal law, repeals the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act, and ensures every state respects the marriages performed in other states regardless of the couple’s genders or races. 

However, there’s still work to be done. I’m proud to be an original co-sponsor of the Equality Act, which would update the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to give the LGBTQ+ community equal protections under the law. We must also bring the Equal Rights Amendment over the finish line to ensure men and women are equal in the eyes of the law. 

I’ll continue fighting in Congress to honor the sacrifices of those who contributed to our progress, stand up against hate, and achieve equality and justice for all.