CONGRESSIONAL SUPPORT: #NOH8OnTheHill

Wednesday, February 22nd, 2012

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Last week, we announced NOH8 Co-Founders Adam Bouska and Jeff Parshley would be hosting a special photo shoot in Washington, D.C. for any and all Members of Congress in the US Senate and House of Representatives who were willing to show their support for the LGBT community and take a stand against bullying and discrimination. This unique initiative was geared toward engaging more elected officials and encouraging them to participate in the cause, communicating their advocacy of equal human rights to their constituents.

Today, we are excited to follow-up that announcement with the news that ten members of congress participated in the NOH8 ON THE HILL photo shoot; all of them being Democrats from the House of Representatives, including a Delegate to Congress from the District of Columbia. Representatives from Ohio, Massachusetts, California, Oregon, and Colorado took a few minutes away from the floor to pose for their NOH8 photo - making it known where they stand on equality.

"Our nation was founded upon the principle of equality. It is imperative that we work for equal rights for all in order to make that principle a reality. Love isn't gay or straight, tall or short, black or white, it is for everyone," said Rep. Dennis Kucinich of Ohio's 10th District (Pictured Above/Right). Each and every member of Congress who participated also included a statement to be paired with their NOH8 portrait about why they posed.

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Rep. William Keating (Massachusetts' 10th District), Rep. Judy Chu (California's 32nd District), and Rep. Earl Blumenauer (Oregon's 3rd District).

"The reason why I support the NOH8 Campaign is simple: our country rests on the principle that all people are equal, regardless of their gender or sexual orientation. If we deny that fact then we are no longer the Land of the Free. The most important freedom is the freedom to be the person you truly are and embrace the life you want to live. It’s my hope that LGBT youth across the country and in Massachusetts feel our encouragement and support. They are not alone. I stand firmly behind them, and the important message that NOH8 is spreading." - Rep. William Keating

"I’m proud to join over 20,000 participants who’ve posed in NOH8 photos depicting the silencing of equality by California’s Prop 8 and similar legislation around the world.   These pictures speak volumes about the will of the American people to be treated the same, regardless of race, religion or sexual orientation." - Rep. Judy Chu

"On the same week that Maryland and Washington stepped up for marriage equality, I stood with NOH8 in solidarity with those who are fighting Prop 8 in California. Gay and lesbian Americans are part of the fabric that makes this country strong. The notion that we could ask these men and women to do everything from paying taxes to serving our country in uniform while denying them the right to marry is offensive to everything I believe in as a public servant. I won’t stop working for equal rights in Congress until they have been extended to every American." - Rep. Earl Blumenauer

 

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Rep. Niki Tsongas (Massachusetts' 5th District), Rep. Barbara Lee (California's 9th District), and Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (District of Columbia at-large).

“In 2004 I rallied on the steps of the Massachusetts State House in support of same-sex marriage and I was proud that Massachusetts was the first state to recognize marriage equality.  Consenting individuals throughout the country though should have the ability to have their monogamous, long-term relationships recognized and celebrated.  Our nation will be stronger when all Americans enjoy this right.” - Rep. Niki Tsongas

"Hate does not belong in our communities, families, schools, the workplace and certainly not in our government.” - Rep. Barbara Lee

“Don’t be fooled, I’ll never be silenced about marriage equality.” - Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton

 

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Rep. Lynn Woolsey (California's 6th District), Rep. Jared Polis (Colorado's 2nd District), and Rep. Jackie Speier (California's 12th District).

“I’m proud to participate in this extraordinary campaign, to make this statement of protest against the treatment of LGBT Americans as second-class citizens.  I believe this is the defining civil rights struggle of our time -- where you stand today on marriage equality will determine how you are judged by history.  What’s at stake is the human dignity of LGBT people.  To deny equal rights and freedoms based on sexual orientation does violence to American values.” - Rep. Lynn Woolsey

"Equality before the law is an American value articulated in our Constitution and it’s at the heart of the NOH8 Campaign. With a focus on our nation’s value of freedom and an unflagging insistence on equality for all, we can look forward to a time when equal rights for all is a given.” - Rep. Jared Polis

"NOH8 because we are a country of equality and inclusion, not hate and segregation. NOH8 because the state should not dictate love or marriage. I proudly join with the NOH8 campaign to stand up for marriage equality and oppose laws that suppress it." - Rep. Jackie Speier


We thank these politicians for their support, and encourage our supporters to continue reaching out to their elected officials and asking them to take part in the NOH8 Campaign!


How can you help? Take a few minutes to write or call your representatives and tell them you want to see them participate in the NOH8 Campaign. We've even found an easy way for you to find their information! Click here to find the contact information for your Representative (House of Representatives: https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml), and click here to contact your US Senator: http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm.

What should you tell them? Let us give you an example (below). Feel free to say whatever you'd like! When providing the contact information, please remember to spell out the e-mail address (ie: "n-o-h-8" instead of "no 'hate'").

"Hi, my name is _____________.

As one of your constituents, I respectfully and enthusiastically encourage you to participate in the NOH8 Campaign; a silent photographic protest to promote marriage, gender and human equality through education, advocacy, social media, and visual protest.

By posing for a NOH8 photo, you would send a clear, critical message of support to the LGBT community, its allies, and most importantly, its youth. Please join over 20,000 faces, including political figures like Cindy and Meghan McCain, Dennis and Elizabeth Kucinich, and other Members of Congress in taking part in this historic movement. Please e-mail press@noh8campaign.com for more information. Thank you for your time."


With 2012 being such an important year for civil rights, we want to remind you that it's so important to make your voice heard by taking the time to VOTE. If you haven't registered to vote, it's easy: all you have to do is click the button below, fill out the short form to register, and you'll be ready to vote!

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Like every single face that makes up the NOH8 Campaign, every vote counts and you have the right and the responsibility to tell our government how you feel.



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