I’d like to start by addressing the stalled Equality Act. If passed, this legislation would strengthen existing civil rights protections by explicitly including sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity as protected categories. It would prohibit discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, jury service, and education. For far too long, LGBTQ+ Americans have faced barriers to fully participating in our democracy and our communities. As a Nation, we must pass the Equality Act to ensure that all Americans are afforded the freedoms and liberties promised by our Constitution and by the ideals of our democracy.

To make this legislation meaningful, we must also reverse the long-standing erosion of funding for the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division so that hate crimes and discriminatory actions are fully investigated and prosecuted.

I have also spoken extensively about the need to improve the affordability, reliability, and accessibility of healthcare in Northern New York. Unfortunately, the weaknesses in our healthcare systems are often felt even more acutely by our LGBTQ+ neighbors. Discrimination, intolerance, and social stigma contribute to higher rates of mental health challenges, including depression and anxiety. While mental health concerns affect people from all backgrounds, we must ensure that LGBTQ+ individuals have reliable access to culturally competent care from providers who understand the unique challenges and trauma this community faces.

There are, however, certain areas where my position may not align fully with all LGBTQ+ individuals or advocacy organizations. While I firmly believe in ending discrimination and ensuring that every person can enjoy the full liberty and freedom our Nation promises, we must also respect the rights of others. For example, although I do not believe religious freedom should generally be used as a justification for discrimination, I do believe there are limited exceptions. Most importantly, religious sacraments and rites must be considered distinct from “public accommodations” as defined under the Equality Act. While I sincerely hope that faith communities continue to become more inclusive, I do not believe the Government should impose doctrinal mandates on religious institutions.

Lastly, I recognize that the questions surrounding gender identity and competitive fairness in sports are complex and sensitive. I believe that athletic organizations and governing bodies should retain the ability to develop policies that balance inclusion with fairness and competitive integrity.

I hope this provides a clear understanding of where I stand on issues affecting our LGBTQ+ neighbors. If you have any follow-up questions or would like to discuss further, please do not hesitate to reach out.