LGBTQ+ Rights

Congresswoman Trahan believes all Americans deserve the same civil liberties regardless of their sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Recent years have brought extraordinary progress in expanding the rights of our LGBTQ+ community, yet nearly two-thirds of LGBTQ+ Americans still report experiencing forms of discrimination. Current federal law provides little to no recourse, and as GOP states ramp up their anti-trans and anti-gay agendas, Congresswoman Trahan believes there is an urgent need to require nationwide protections for LGBTQ+ individuals once and for all.

Equality Act 

Congresswoman Trahan voted for the Equality Act, a bill she cosponsored to provide unequivocal protections from discrimination based on an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity in a number of areas, including public spaces and services, housing, education, credit, jury service, and federally funded programs. The bill also explicitly codifies the Supreme Court’s holding regarding employment.

Most importantly, the Equality Act extends civil rights protections to sexual orientation and gender identity, meaning states will be unable to pass laws that infringe on LGBTQ+ Americans’ ability to live openly and freely.

Congresswoman Trahan speaking in support of the passage of the Equality Act.

Congressional Equality Caucus 

Congresswoman Trahan is a proud member of the Congressional Equality Caucus, a group of Congressional lawmakers that work toward the extension of equal rights for LGBTQ+ Americans, 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. 

Do No Harm Act 

The Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) was enacted in 1993 to protect and defend the rights of religious minorities. However, too often, RFRA has been used as justification to discriminate against women and LGBTQ+ Americans. Congresswoman Trahan is an original cosponsor of the Do No Harm Act (H.R. 1450), which would properly narrow the scope of RFRA to end such abuses. Specifically, the bill would clarify that RFRA does not apply in cases involving discrimination, child labor and abuse, workers rights, or access to health care and public accommodations. These are fundamental human rights and should be afforded to each and every American. 

Transgender Military Ban 

As a Member of the House Armed Services Committee’s Subcommittee on Military Personnel, Congresswoman Trahan voted to defend our brave transgender servicemembers from the Trump Administration’s discriminatory and self-defeating ban on their military service.