An Equality Illinois delegation spent Thursday, January 9 in Washington, DC meeting with leaders to discuss a wide range of issues and emphasizing that despite great gains in 2013, the agenda remains full and there should be no complacency.
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley and the Obama administration officials in attendance were very receptive and welcomed the input.
The issues included the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, stronger anti-bullying measures, full implementation of the Supreme Court decision recognizing the validity of same-sex marriages, immigration reform, ending the automatic ban on MSM blood donations, an executive order requiring government contractors to codify non-discrimination and opposing LGBT discrimination abroad.
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi meets with the EQIL delegation, including CEO Bernard CherkasovThe meeting with House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi also included U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley.U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (center) poses with the Equality Illinois delegation.The Equality Illinois team meeting with Sen. Dick Durbin included (l-r) Director of Development Michael Nordman, CEO Bernard Cherkasov, Sen. Durbin, and Director of Public Policy Randy Hannig
The Equality Illinois delegation also met with a group of Obama Administration officials in the Eisenhower Old Executive Office Building, including Dr. Matt Heinz, Director of Provider & LGBT Outreach Office of the Secretary US Department of Health & Human Services, special advisor to the president Michael Gottlieb, and White House advisor on public engagement Gautam Raghavan
