Washington, DC – Today Mayor Annise Parker, President & CEO of LGBTQ+ Victory Institute, released the following statement following U.S. Representative David Cicilline’s announcement that he will retire this June.
“David has been a fearless champion for equality for decades, first in the Rhode Island state House, then as Mayor of Providence and now in Congress. He has consistently gone to bat for pro-LGBTQ+ legislation, stood up against homophobic and transphobic policies and passed laws to make our country more equitable for all. During his tenure as Chair of the Congressional LGBTQ Equality Caucus, he was a leader in successful efforts to pass the Jabara-Heyer NO HATE Act and the Respect for Marriage Act, landmark legislation to protect the marriages of millions of LGBTQ+ Americans.
“From speeches on the House floor to conversations with colleagues behind closed doors, David changed the hearts and minds of folks on both sides of the aisle – and our entire community is better because of it.
“David will go down as one of the most groundbreaking LGBTQ+ leaders in American history. We look forward to working with him during his remaining time in Congress and in his new role at the Rhode Island Foundation.”
Representative Cicilline made history in 2010 when he became the first out LGBTQ+ person elected to Congress from Rhode Island. Since then, LGBTQ+ representation in the U.S. House has more than doubled, growing from four to 11.
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LGBTQ+ Victory Institute
LGBTQ+ Victory Institute works to achieve and sustain global equality through leadership development, training, and convening to increase the number, expand the diversity, and ensure the success of openly LGBTQ+ elected and appointed officials at all levels of government.
