Pelosi Statement in Support of LGBT Equality in the U.S. Foreign Service

Contact: Drew Hammill, 202-226-7616

Washington, D.C.– Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement today in support of alettersigned by 125 Members of Congress urging Secretary of State John Kerry to institute equal treatment for LGBT Foreign Service Officers:

"The Supreme Court's landmark LGBT marriage equality decision honors the sacred American promise of ‘life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness' for all. By ensuring justice for all married couples, we strengthen our great democracy. Yet, the very people charged with communicating our values to the world, LGBT Foreign Service Officers, often lack the resources and support needed to enjoy equality while serving abroad.

"As President Obama said during his recent trip to Kenya, ‘when a government gets in a habit of people treating people differently, those habits can spread.' So, we must lead the world in asserting that all people are created equal and should be treated with dignity. Foreign Service Officers who so ably and proudly represent our nation should be encouraged to serve wherever their expertise and language skills are needed. By supporting equality for LGBT FSOs and their families, we have an opportunity to demonstrate our values to the world.

"Discrimination has no place in any branch of our federal government. Rather than deter LGBT FSOs from applying for certain assignments, we should deter governments from practicing discrimination. Our government has an obligation to provide adequate assistance that empowers LGBT FSOs to have the resources needed to do their jobs. That's why I'm proud to support this letter urging the State Department to fulfill this obligation to support LGBT FSOs and their families."

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