US Representatives Stand Up for Equality

Submitted by ub on

Posing with the NOH8 Campaign’s iconic face tattoo and duct tape, Rep. Joe Crowley (D-Queens, the Bronx) joined nearly 70 of his colleagues in Congress in standing up for marriage equality and equal rights for all Americans by participating in the third annual NOH8 On The Hill photo event.

The portraits were released by NOH8 Campaign co-founders Adam Bouska and Jeff Parshley on Monday.

“Marriage equality is a fundamental right for all families and I’m proud to stand with the NOH8 Campaign in speaking out against hate,” said Rep. Crowley. “Our diversity is what makes us stronger as Americans, and that should always be celebrated.”

This year’s event more than doubled the number of Congressional participants over 2012, when 26 members participated. In 2010, 10 members participated. The class of 2013 brings the total number of Congressional participants over three years to 100 members.

The NOH8 On The Hill portraits feature members of Congress wearing duct tape over their mouths to symbolize the voices of equality being silenced by laws like DOMA and California’s Proposition 8. In addition, the NOH8 face tattoo symbolizes solidarity with others standing up for equality.

The NOH8 On The Hill event comes as the U.S. Supreme Court is expected to rule on the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act and California’s Proposition 8.

“Both DOMA and Proposition 8 have been declared unconstitutional by courts, and now the Supreme Court will have the opportunity to do the same. Sexual orientation discrimination has absolutely no place in the laws and policies of this country,” said Crowley.

Congressman Crowley is the eight-term representative from the 14th Congressional District of New York, which includes sections of Queens and the Bronx. He is a member of the powerful Ways and Means Committee and serves as Vice Chair of the Democratic Caucus in the House of Representatives.