70% of Illinoisans support adding nondiscrimination protections for the 425,000 LGBTQ people in the state

Lipinski’s opposition to Equality Act continues long trend of the Congressman opposing LGBTQ acceptance

NEW YORK – GLAAD, the world’s largest LGBTQ media advocacy organization, today called on Democratic Congressman Dan Lipinski (IL-03) to reverse course and support the Equality Act, which would provide protections for LGBTQ people in Illinois at their workplace, in their schools, and in their homes. In a brief statement, Lipinski cited concerns about so-called “religious liberty” as a reason for his immediate opposition for the bill. A House vote on the Equality Act is expected next week.

GLAAD launched a digital campaign asking Illinoisans to demand the Congressman support the Equality Act that would protect more than 425,000 people who identify as LGBTQ in the state. The campaign on Lipinski comes as GLAAD also urged U.S. Senator Joe Manchin in March to also reverse course and support the bill, which would help solidify protections for 58,000 West Virginians identifying as LGBTQ.

“Congressman Dan Lipinski’s concerns about the balance between religion and government are a false flag. Religion is an American value that’s treasured in this country – including for the LGBTQ community – and is not compromised in any way by ensuring equal rights and dignity for all people,” said Zeke Stokes, Chief Programs Officer of GLAAD. “There are 425,000 LGBTQ Illinoisans whose safety and quality of life are on the line while Congressman Lipinski parrots the misguided anti-LGBTQ activists who use religion as a weapon against them. Rep. Dan Lipinski should listen to his constituents – not anti-LGBTQ extremists.”

Congressman Lipinski’s opposition to the Equality Act continues a long history of the Democratic member of Congress opposing LGBTQ acceptance, including opposing marriage equality to supporting the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).

BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Rep. Dan Lipinski’s Anti-LGBTQ Record

·         Opposed marriage equality.

·         Campaigned on support for a nationwide ban on marriage equality.

·         Sponsored the so-called First Amendment Defense Act, which is an attempt to allow businesses to discriminate against LGBTQ consumers.

·         Supported and voted to reaffirm the discriminatory and unconstitutional Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).

·         Voted against the Employment Discrimination Act (ENDA).

·         Does not support the Equality Act (only House Democrat with this distinction).

·         Supported the so-called Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), a conservative effort to allow businesses to avoid LGBT nondiscrimination ordinances.

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