Everyone in Orange County deserves safety and equality, and Congresswoman Porter is fighting to protect the freedom of people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.

Congresswoman Porter continues to stand up to protect the LGBTQI+ community from discrimination. Amidst a national blood shortage, Congresswoman Porter demanded that the Food and Drug Administration end its stigmatizing policy banning gay and bisexual men from donating blood, which is based on an outdated misunderstanding of blood donation risks. During an Oversight Committee hearing on anti-LGBTQI+ discrimination in the federal government, she highlighted the story of an Orange County couple as she called for an end to discriminatory adoption rules that prevent LGBTQI+ couples from starting a family. 

In a majority of states, it is still legal to discriminate based on sexual orientation and gender identity in housing, employment, and public accommodations. To establish national anti-discrimination protections, Congresswoman Porter has been a champion for the Equality Act and was proud to join colleagues from both parties in voting to pass the legislation in the House. To help policymakers pass laws that address issues faced by the LGBTQI+ community, she supports legislation to improve questions on official surveys related to sexual orientation and gender identity. 

No matter where they live, who they love, or who they are, every American should be able to live free from discrimination. As a co-sponsor of the #EqualityAct, which bans discrimination against LGBTQ+ people, I am proud to vote for its passage today. pic.twitter.com/Wfu2lZ4vHk

— Rep. Katie Porter (@RepKatiePorter) February 25, 2021

With the well-being of LGBTQI+ youth continuing to be at risk, Congresswoman Porter continues to be a champion for equality. She supports legislation requiring colleges and universities to implement policies to stop harassment against LGBTQI+ students. She also supports the John Lewis Every Child Deserves a Family Act, which prohibits child welfare program providers from discriminating against LGBTQI+ youth. 

The responsibility to protect the freedom of the LGBTQI+ people to live authentically does not end at our borders. Congresswoman Porter supports efforts to strengthen the Global Equality Fund to provide resources to combat LGBTQI+ discrimination abroad, and to create comprehensive government standards for protecting the rights of LGBTQI+ people around the world. She secured an amendment that would require the government to make public reports on individuals responsible for human rights violations against LGBTQI+ people, which passed the House with bipartisan support as part of the Global Respect Act.

Congresswoman Porter is a proud member of the Congressional LGBTQI+ Equality Caucus and she will continue standing up for the LGBTQI+ community in Orange County. Every American deserves to be treated with respect and without fear of discrimination.