In a Capitol Hill press conference June 4, out Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., and Congressman Barney Frank, D-Mass., announced the formation of the House of Representatives LGBT Equality Caucus, according to a press release from Baldwin's office.
Baldwin introduced the bipartisan caucus and its founding members saying, 'We represent different races, different genders, different sexual orientations, different geographic regions, different generations, and different parties, but we share a common mission: to promote lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender ( LGBT ) equality.'
Frank, who is co-chairing the caucus with Baldwin said, 'With a Democratic majority in the House, we now have both the opportunity and the responsibility to move towards legal equality for people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender. This caucus will play an important role in helping shape the strategy by which we do this.'
The caucus' goals are to achieve the extension of equal rights, the repeal of discriminatory laws, the elimination of hate-motivated violence, and the improved health and well being for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity or expression.
Illinois representatives who are members of the caucus include Rep. Jan Schakowsky ( a vice-chair ) as well as Reps. Luis Gutierrez and Phil Hare.