WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus has condemned the recent increase in anti-LGBT attacks across the country, from community centers to the recent attack on a Member of Congress’s Pride flag.
Within the first three months of 2017, there have been four attacks on LGBT community centers: Equality Florida’s office in Orlando, Garden State Equality’s headquarters in Asbury Park, NJ, Equality Center in Tulsa, OK, and most recently Casa Ruby LGBT Community Center in Washington D.C. The attacks on LGBT community centers come alongside the murder of seven transgender women within the first seven months of 2017. On March 15th, a man attacked LGBT CaucusVice Chair Representative Alan Lowenthal’s office Pride flag. The rise in anti-LGBT violence joins a rise in violence against Jewish houses of worship, Islamic religious centers, and the murders of three Indian men.
“LGBT community centers across the country are a source of security and connection for members of our community and the Pride Flag is a symbol of our community’s endurance,” said LGBT Equality Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Mark Pocan (WI-02). “I am horrified to hear that they’ve been the recent target of attacks, alongside Jewish centers and mosques. There is no room for violence or intolerance in this country. We call on local and federal law enforcement to do everything in their power to find the perpetrators and bring them to justice. The entire LGBT Equality Caucus stands with the those affected by these attacks.”
“I am proud to have been the first Member of the House to have flown the Pride Flag outside of my DC office,” said LGBT Equality Caucus Vice Chair Rep. Alan Lowenthal (CA-47). “Yesterday’s attack on that flag is the latest in an increase of hatred and intolerance, from bomb threats called into Jewish community centers to hate crimes against minorities and the transgender community. To all our brothers and sisters who endure through these hateful acts: we stand with you, and we will continue to fight for your rights and your equality.”
