Pascrell Joins Congressional Equality Caucus

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Reps. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-09) today announced that he has proudly joined the Congressional Equality Caucus in the 118th Congress.

“The true test of leadership is to stand for those of our neighbors who are marginalized or face enduring discrimination,” said Rep. Pascrell. “The Congressional Equality Caucus exists for just that purpose of leadership: to protect all Americans regardless of gender or sexual preference. Amid threats that tragically persist, it is important for our national leaders to stand publicly with our fellow Americans. We have made so many strides for equality in recent years I think we can make many more. That is what we’re trying to do in the Equality Caucus and I am proud to be a member.”

“The Equality Caucus begins this Congress with 190 members, its largest membership in history, demonstrating how many members of Congress are ready to stand up and fight for the rights of LGBTQI+ people,” said Equality Caucus Chairman Mark Pocan (D-WI-02). “As extremist politicians continue to attack the LGBTQI+ community, the work of the Equality Caucus is more important than ever. Our community deserves equal protection under the law, and that is what our members will fight for every single day. We welcome Congressman Pascrell to help carry on this vital work.”

Rep. Pascrell was proud to be an original cosponsor and vote in favor of the Respect for Marriage Act, which became law on December 13, 2022, to require the U.S. federal government and all U.S. states and territories recognize the validity of same-sex and interracial civil marriages. Rep. Pascrell was also an original cosponsor and enthusiastically voted for H.R.5, the Equality Act, which would have prohibited discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity in areas including public accommodations and facilities, education, federal funding, employment, housing, credit, and the jury system.

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