On Feb. 5, U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Illinois) was named as a vice chair of the Equality Caucus—the premier Congressional Caucus fighting for LGBTQ+ rights and combating discrimination at the federal level.
Although President Joe Biden quickly reversed the discriminatory executive actions of the Trump administration and provided further protections to the LGBTQ+ community through executive orders, it is the responsibility of Congress to codify and expand upon this progress through legislation that cannot be overturned by the stroke of a pen.
"It's an honor and responsibility to take on this role at the Equality Caucus, and I look forward to continuing our work on the legislative priorities of the LGBTQ+ community," said Krishnamoorthi in a statement. "There is so much to do in this next Congress to ensure that LGBTQ+ rights are protected and expanded upon. The executive actions of President Biden are a welcome first step. That said, Congress must pass legislation such as my STOP Bullying Act to protect all young people including LGBTQ+ youth and, more generally, to permanently enshrine LGBTQ+ protections in law."
Krishnamoorthi has worked to protect LGBTQ+ rights through introducing legislation such as the STOP Bullying Act, which would establish a federal grant program through the Department of Education to fund state and local anti-bullying task forces. He worked closely with GLSEN and other leading civil and human rights advocacy organizations on this bill, saying that he looks forward to pursuing more innovative solutions through his new leadership role in the Equality Caucus.
The LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus serves as a resource for members of Congress, their staff and the public on LGBTQ+ issues at the federal level. The Caucus works toward 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 and expression.
According to the U.S. House website, there are nine co-chairs of the Equality Caucus (all of whom are members of the LGBTQ community), including U.S. Reps. David Cicilline (D-Rhode Island), Sharice Davids (D-Kansas) and Mondaire Jones (D-New York). There are 20 vice chairs, including fellow Illinois Congressman Mike Quigley.
