A generational struggle

This isn't hard: LGBTQIA+ Americans deserve equity, safety, and respect.

In 1995, as Congress – Republicans and Democrats alike – supported and passed the homophobic Defense of Marriage Act, I was proud to be one of the first members of the United States Senate to support marriage equality. And my position today remains what it was then: the freedom to love is a matter of human rights, and shouldn't be diminished or marginalized in any way.

We've come a long way since then, but we still have so much more to do. The House has passed the Equality Act, and – as with every law that would move our country forward – Mitch McConnell and Senate Republicans are doing everything they can to block it.

I want us to celebrate Pride Month together, but at the same time, we can never forget this isn't about one month per year: this is a generational struggle, one that we can't ever take for granted.

Our movement has always been fighting on the frontlines alongside the LGBTQIA+ community, in Oregon and across America. Like you, I'm committed to this for the long haul, and I refuse to let Republican hate or cowardice stand in the way of people's fundamental rights.

More soon. To a brighter future for all of us.

Ron