Now more than ever we must stand with LGBTQ+ Americans

It's June, which means it's officially Pride Month. This month, as we celebrate how far this movement has come, it's important to remember how far we still have to go. LGBTQ+ Americans deserve equity, safety, and respect. Full stop.

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 be your authentic self is a human right and shouldn't be diminished or marginalized in any way.

We have come a long way since 1995, but the LGBTQ+ community continues to face discrimination, which is mounting in many parts of our country.

This year there have already been nearly 500 bills introduced in legislatures across the country – including Oregon – that aim to roll back the rights of LGBTQ+ Americans. Republicans are desperate to turn the clock back.

The far-right has launched an all-out attack on the LGBTQ+ community. It's divisive, and it's wrong.

Now more than ever, we need to stand up for what is right and speak out against the GOP's hateful rhetoric.

This month, and every month, I'm committed to fighting for the rights of LGBTQ+ Americans.

Together we can create a world where everyone is free to be themselves.

Ron