While Members of Congress are back in their districts through April 23, HRC is urging its members and supporters to make sure their opinions on LGBTQ equality are heard. HRC members and supporters are attending town halls and requesting meetings with their representative and senators in their district offices.

This week, HRC Greater New York Steering Committee members Andrew Zibell and Dolores Covrigaru met with Republican Congressman Dan Donovan (NY-11). They discussed a range of issues, including the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the Equality Act.

Zibell and Covrigaru thanked him for stating publically that he would not support the repeal of the Affordable Care Act, which provides healthcare for millions of LGBTQ people.

They also discussed the Equality Act, which establishes explicit, permanent protections against discrimination based on an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity in matters of employment, housing, access to public places, federal funding, credit, education and jury service. In addition, it would prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in federal funding and access to public places.

Covrigaru spoke about her personal experience as a mother who travels frequently with her young child and shared a copy of the Equality Act with him. She is concerned about the patchwork of different/lacking non-discrimination laws from state-to-state and how that puts her family in danger. Donovan said he is a father himself and would "take that story with him” and that "no one should be discriminated against at all. Period." Rep. Donovan promised to review the Equality Act and consider cosponsoring.

Zibell and Covrigaru invited him to attend Staten Island and Brooklyn Pride and discussed possible community projects HRC members could be involved with in his district.

Never underestimate the power of your voice to effect change. Join HRC in our fight to protect and expand the rights of LGBTQ people everywhere! Here are a few ways to make a difference during this congressional recess:
Look up your reps here: hhttp://www.hrc.org/your-elected-officials
Ask HRC questions here: field@hrc.org
Text "HRC" to 30644 to get updates on actions you can take.