Kamala Harris’ Complete Track Record on LGBTQ Issues
Kamala Harris’ Complete Track Record on LGBTQ Issues
When it comes to LGBTQ rights, Vice President Kamala Harris has talked the talk and walked the walk for decades.
District Attorney of San Francisco
2003
In her first race for District Attorney of San Francisco, Kamala Harris receives campaign advice from Jim Rivaldo, a veteran LGBTQ activist who previously worked on the first campaign of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay man to be elected to public office in California in 1978.
2003
One of Harris’ first acts as DA establishes a hate crimes unit to prosecute anti-LGBTQ violence and provide assistance for its victims.
Feb. 14, 2004
On Valentine’s Day, Harris officiates same-sex marriages two days after Mayor Gavin Newsom authorizes issuing licenses to same-sex couples.
June 24, 2005
Harris speaks at the beginning of the Trans March in 2005.
July 2006
Four years after transgender teen Gwen Araujo was murdered by a man who cited her gender identity as his motive, an outraged Harris convenes a national conference for law enforcement officers and prosecutors to discuss options to counter the “gay and transgender panic” defenses used in courtrooms to gain acquittals or reduced punishments for violent crimes. This seminar was the first of its kind in U.S. history.
Attorney General of California
June 10, 2012
On June 10th, Harris receives the George Moscone Ally Award by Christopher Street West and rides in the LA Pride parade.
2013
After being elected California Attorney General, Harris files an amicus brief, arguing Proposition 8—which banned gay marriage in her state—is unconstitutional and that the initiative's sponsors did not have legal standing to represent California's interests by defending the law in federal court. In June of that year, the proposition was struck down.
2014
Legislation co-sponsored by Harris that bans the gay and trans panic defense, which excused violent behavior against members of the LGBTQ community, becomes law in California.
July 28, 2016
Harris joins two amicus briefs in North Carolina and Texas that defend transgender people’s right to use the bathroom that matches their gender identity.
“I urge the courts to strike down hateful and degrading laws that perpetuate fear and intolerance and to uphold policies—like those in California—that protect transgender people from discrimination.”
U.S. Senate
2017
Harris calls Trump’s transgender military ban “discriminatory, wrong and un-American.”
Feb. 28, 2019
Harris introduces the Do No Harm Act, which would stop religious beliefs from being used to discriminate against the LGBTQ community.
June 2019
Harris introduces a bill that would require all insurance providers to cover PrEP and related HIV prevention services.
Oct. 10, 2019
During CNN’s 2019 LGBT Town Hall, Harris spoke out to end unequal treatment on the basis of sexual orientation.
“How can we defend that our LGBTQ brothers and sisters are treated differently under the law when they walk into their place of work? I will fight for equality.”
Vice Presidency
June 2021
Harris makes history as the first sitting U.S. vice president to attend a Pride march and begins hosting LGBTQ Pride events at the V.P. residence
March 2023
Harris travels to Ghana, where she discusses the importance of “fighting for equality among all people.” While Harris is there, a bill which would imprison LGBTQ people is gaining momentum. The bill later passes into law.
June 2023
Harris slams lawmaking 'extremists' at her annual Pride Month celebration.
Harris visits the Stonewall Inn, celebrating its place in gay rights history and warning that many queer Americans live in fear due to draconian anti-LGBTQ laws and hostile rhetoric from right-wing legislatures and Republican leaders.
Feb. 12, 2024
Harris reunites with a couple she married 20 years ago and reflects on the progress of the LGBTQ movement.
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