LGBT Community

Today, following the Supreme Court's historic decision to strike down the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act, DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz sent out the following email to supporters:

Friend --

The Supreme Court has just struck down the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act, giving tens of thousands of Americans the federal rights and protections that they've been unfairly denied for years.

It's just the latest step we've made in recent years toward a more equal country where people aren't treated differently because of who they love.

This progress wouldn't have happened without the hard work of activists and people like you -- and we won't finish the fight for equality unless we all step up and finish it.

Commit to standing with the Democrats who are fighting for equality today, and let's make sure we have more days like this to celebrate.

There is no gay agenda or straight agenda. As Democrats, our only agenda is full equality under the law for every American.

For so many Americans, today's decision was personal -- just as it was when President Obama signed the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell, put in place hospital visitation rights for LGBT couples, and established the first comprehensive National HIV/AIDS Strategy.

Of course there is more to do. But today's decision shows how the tide has turned in our favor. By coming together and supporting Democrats across the country who are fighting for equal rights at the federal and state levels, we can make real progress.

Please join me and fight for equal rights for every American:

http://my.democrats.org/DOMA

Equality is not an aspiration, it's a destination we will reach together.

Thanks,

Debbie

Debbie Wasserman Schultz
Chair
Democratic National Committee

As Democrats, we're committed to full equality for every American. In advance of the Supreme Court's decision on the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act, we've created a special "Democrats for Equality" image. Please join us and show your support by changing your social media profile pictures to the image below.

As Democrats, our agenda is full equality under the law for every American.

Last night, I attended the DNC's annual LGBT Leadership Gala — and wow was it a great night!

Not only did we have our fabulous First Lady, Jason Collins, Sara Bareilles, and Andy Cohen in attendance, we had hundreds of Democrats fired up and ready to fight for equality.

There is no gay agenda or straight agenda. As Democrats, our only agenda is full equality under the law for every American. Because this issue isn't about politics, it’s about people's rights.

For so many Americans, when the President signed the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, it was personal. When he put in place hospital visitation rights for LGBT couples, it meant the world to some couples. When his administration established and developed the first comprehensive National HIV/AIDS Strategy, it was life-changing. And when his administration filed a brief with the Supreme Court urging them to strike down Proposition 8, he sent the message that we as Americans will not tolerate inequality.

Of course there is more to do. But by coming together at events like last night's and supporting the President and Democrats in Congress, we can do it.

It is an undeniable fact that after years of dogged determination by LGBT leaders, activists and grassroots supporters, the tide is turning in our favor. But we can’t turn back for a second.

We need to support candidates who are working toward real equality.

Please join us and fight for equal rights for every American.

Fight for equality