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LGBT Equality Caucus

MEDIA CENTER

House LGBT Caucus Calls on Senate to Reject Ben Carson Nomination

January 13, 2017

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LGBT Caucus

1727 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515

Date: January 12, 2017 Contact: Roddy Flynn, (202) 226-7572

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

House LGBT Caucus Calls on Senate to Reject Ben Carson Nomination

Washington D.C. -- The Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus called on the Senate to reject Ben Carson's nomination for Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

"Carson has long made repugnant and ignorant statements regarding the LGBT community, particularly transgender individuals," said LGBT Equality Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Mark Takano (CA-41). "Transgender people are more likely to be homeless and need affordable housing, and the next HUD Secretary must ensure that they along with other vulnerable communities can access life-saving programs. Carson's statements show he will not protect transgender people, and thus disqualify him."

Ben Carson has long made public, often inflammatory statements about LGBT people including; comparing gays and lesbians to pedophiles, calling the transgender community the "height of absurdity", and supporting discriminatory bathroom bills. As HUD Secretary, Carson would be responsible for ensuring that HUD's programs reach all Americans, not just the straight and cisgender communities. According to the recent US Trans Survey, nearly one in three respondents had experienced homelessness at some point in their life.

The mission of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus is to promote lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) equality. The bi-partisan LGBT Equality Caucus is strongly committed to achieving the full enjoyment of human rights for LGBT people in the U.S. and around the world. By serving as a resource for Members of Congress, their staff, and the public on LGBT issues, the Caucus works toward the extension of equal rights, the repeal of discriminatory laws, the elimination of hate-motivated violence, and the improved health and wellbeing for all regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression.