House LGBT Caucus Responds to Refugee Executive Order
1727 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515
Date: March 6, 2017 Contact: Roddy Flynn, (202) 226-7572
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
House LGBT Caucus Responds to Refugee Executive Order
Washington, D.C.- The Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus responded to President Trump's new executive order suspending the U.S. refugee program and restricting travel from certain countries.
"This latest version is no different than the same anti-refugee, anti-Muslim policy the President signed in January," said LGBT Equality Caucus Executive Director Roddy Flynn. "This executive order will endanger LGBT refugees who are seeking nothing more than a place where they can live as themselves without fear of violence or persecution. The President promised that he would look out for the LGBT community, but this executive order is a death penalty for LGBT refugees, including LGBT Muslim refugees, seeking to escape to a better, safer life in the United States."
LGBT refugees often face additional violence and persecution due to their sexual orientation and gender identity. Even after resettlement, LGBT refugees are often isolated from other refugees from their home country due to their sexual orientation and gender identity. In August 2016, a gay Syrian refugee was murdered in Istanbul while seeking resettlement in another country.
Please contact Roddy Flynn at 202-257-8416 or roddy.flynn@mail.house.gov with press inquiries.
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.