At DNC Meeting, Democrats Reaffirm Support for LGBTQ People

This weekend, Democratic National Committee members passed historic new rules expanding the definition of gender in delegate selection and caucus participation rules to include gender non-binary Democrats. Members also passed a resolution condemning the Trump administration’s acceptance, empowerment, and promotion of anti-LGBTQ discrimination.

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New rules, passed first by the Rules and Bylaws Committee and subsequently by the full body of the Democratic National Committee, will update the existing DNC rules and bylaws to be inclusive of gender non-conforming Democrats. Prior rules required an equivalent number of self-identified men and women in DNC membership, committees, Vice Chairs, and presidential delegations. Additionally, some state caucuses required caucus-goers to declare male or female upon voting. The language adopted expands the definition of gender to ensure that gender non-conforming Democrats have the opportunity to freely identify without risk of being wrongly identified.

“At the root of our diverse party is a commitment to inclusion and opportunity,” said DNC Chair Tom Perez. “By adopting this amendment, the Democratic National Committee is ensuring every Democrat feels welcomed and embraced for who they are. This action reaffirms our solidarity with the LGBTQ community and challenges governments, employers, and organizations across the country to do the same.”

“This decision is not just significant for the DNC but the entire LGBTQ community,” said DNC Secretary and Rules and Bylaws Committee Member Jason Rae. “We wanted to make sure that when people came to participate in our process that they felt included and free to express their identity. We still have work to do, but I’m excited for the step forward that we’re making to show that we are the party that welcomes all members of the LGBTQ community.”

The Democratic National Committee also passed a resolution condemning discrimination against LGBTQ people in the name of religious freedom. The resolution specifically targeted recent efforts by the Department of Justice’s Religious Liberty Task Force and was unanimously passed by both the DNC’s Resolution Committee and the full DNC membership.

“Republicans at every level of government continue to push forward an anti-LGBTQ agenda completely out of step with the American people and our values,” said DNC Chair Tom Perez. “This resolution shows that Democrats refuse to stand on the sidelines and allow anti-LGBTQ extremists to attack the rights of our fellow citizens.”