Elizabeth Warren announces support for LGBT rights

United States Senate hopeful Elizabeth Warren in a Dec. 15 blog post on Blue Mass Group announced her support of LGBT rights, including legalized same-sex marriage, anti-discrimination legislation, and programs that combat bullying.

"I've had the chance to say it in living rooms and school auditoriums, but I'm glad to have the chance to say it here," Warren wrote. "No one -- no one -- should be discriminated against because of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or religion."

Warren lauded the passage of the Transgender Equal Rights Bill and the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT), the military's ban on gay men and lesbians serving openly. She made clear in the post, however, that the work for full equality is by no means finished.

"We've made extraordinary progress, but there is still much to do," Warren wrote, specifying a repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) -- which bans federal recognition of same-sex marriage -- passage of a fully inclusive Employee Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), and safer school environments for students who identify or are perceived to be LGBT.

"This week, Elizabeth Warren announced her support for marriage equality; repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act, which discriminates against married same-sex couples; passage of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act with full protections for transgender residents; safe schools for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth; and full support for LGBT families," MassEquality Executive Director Kara Suffredini said. "These positions are consistent with the history of the US Senate seat for which she is running, as well as the values of Massachusetts voters. Her thoughtful and comprehensive positions raise the bar on support for LGBT equality for every candidate in the race.

"MassEquality does not endorse in federal elections. But we are pleased to see Warren's support for full equality, and we will be educating voters, particularly LGBT voters, on where all of the candidates stand on LGBT issues. We will also be releasing a comprehensive voters guide in advance of the elections."

Warren closed her piece by noting the importance of building a nation that supports all families.

"This is our moment in history. From marriage equality to investing in public education, from sensible financial regulations to environmental protections, we must decide what kind of people we are and what kind of nation we are going to build," Warren wrote. "All across the Commonwealth and the country, people want to create a better future for their children and their grandchildren. They want an America in which every kid has the opportunity to succeed."