Every person deserves to live freely, safely, and with dignity, no matter who they love or how they identify. Connecticut has been a leader in protecting basic rights for LGBTQ+ Americans, but across the country, those rights are under attack.

As mayor, I worked to make city government more inclusive, and Hartford earned one of the highest LGBTQ+ equality scores in the country.

In Congress, I’ll fight to pass the Equality Act, because we must ensure that LGBTQ+ Americans are protected from discrimination under federal law. I’ll also fight to enshrine protections for marriage quality and I’ll support the Global Respect Act to help protect LGBTQ+ people around the world who face physical harm and persecution.

Equality shouldn’t depend on your zip code, and no American should be denied a job, a home, health care, or basic dignity because of who they are.