Press Releases

Today, Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon announced she has joined the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus and signed on as a cosponsor of the Equality Act, legislation that will bring full, legal civil rights protections to the LGBTQ community. 

“Members of the LGBTQ community deserve the same rights, protections, and opportunities as any other American,” said Congresswoman Scanlon.  “While the fight for equality has seen rapid progress in the past decade, we are still a long way from full legal and social equality for LGBTQ people.  From ensuring equal access to health care and employment to fighting direct attacks by the Trump Administration on the few existing federal nondiscrimination protections that exist, now more than ever allies must stand strong with the community.  I am proud to join the Equality Caucus and pledge to fight for the passage of the Equality Act.”

The Equality Act would amend existing civil rights laws to protect Americans from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity across key areas of life, including employment, housing, credit, education, public spaces and services, federally funded programs, and jury service.

“We are thrilled to welcome Congresswoman Scanlon to the LGBT Equality Caucus,” said LGBT Equality Caucus Co-Chair Rep. David Cicilline (RI-01).  “Throughout her long legal career, Congresswoman Scanlon has used her position and skills to fight for the civil rights of LGBT people in Pennsylvania and across the country.  For us to bring full, legal equality to America, we will need tireless allies like Congresswoman Scanlon to fight alongside the LGBTQ community."

Today, Congresswoman Scanlon also announced she also has joined the Transgender Equality Task Force of the Equality Caucus.

“From her representation of transgender litigants seeking access to name changes to her work counseling athletic organizations on inclusive policies for transgender athletes, Congresswoman Scanlon has long been on the front lines of the fight for transgender equality,” said Transgender Equality Task Force Chair Rep. Joseph P. Kennedy III (MA-04).  “As we reject the Trump Administration’s bigotry towards the trans community, we need relentless advocates like Mary Gay not just in the fight but leading it. In the months ahead, this Task Force will continue to dismantle barriers to opportunity and equality for transgender Americans, and we will be counting on Mary Gay’s leadership as we stand by their side.”

“Transgender people face increased levels of discrimination,” Congresswoman Scanlon said.  “I have been proud to represent transgender litigants fighting for civil rights, and I will continue this fight in Congress.  To my transgender constituents, I want you to know:  we see you, we value you, and we will fight for your rights in Congress.”

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