Emphasis on fights for equality at the DNC

The Democratic Naitonal Convention featured caucuses that focused on many issues important to the Task Force this week. At the Women’s Caucus, Lilly Ledbetter, of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, spoke about the importance of continuing to fight for fair pay. The Task Force has been a strong supporter of the Paycheck Fairness Act, to stop wage discrimination. First Lady Michelle Obama followed up her moving speech on Tuesday night with a call to action for women.

Many notable officials spoke at the LGBT Caucus, including Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis, Mayor Cory Booker, Congresswoman and DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Congressman Barney Frank (D-Mass.) and Second Lady Dr. Jill Biden.

Senator Al Franken (D – Minn.) spoke passionately about the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” He explained that through talking to soldiers during USO tours, he realized that all of the soldiers he spoke with were ready for repeal. He also highlighted the need to continue fighting against bullying and urged the LGBT community to help him advocate for passage of the Student Non-Discrimination Act.

Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) spoke about the work being done in her home state, referencing the important conversations happening between family members and neighbors on the freedom to marry. Klobuchar hopes that Minnesota will become the first state to defeat a divisive marriage amendment. She also spoke about the national advocacy happening to repeal the so-called Defense of Marriage Act. You can join the Task Force in this advocacy here.

You can follow Task Force Executive Director Rea Carey and the Task Force on twitter for more updates from the convention.