Nearly 100 members of the U.S. Congress have now taken a stand for equality by participating in the No H8 campaign by photographer Adam Bouska. No H8's third installment of "No H8 on the Hill," which released photos of 67 members of Congress today, includes several out gay and bisexual congresspeople, the campaign's first senators, and the first Republican to call for LGBT equality.
"The growth of No H8 on the Hill in so short a time — from ten participating members of Congress to 98 members of Congress and two U.S. senators — proves that hearts and minds are changing across the country," said No H8 Cofounders Bouska and Jeff Parshley. "We're on the cusp of marriage equality, and we're proud to have these elected officials sending a strong, clear message of support: No Hate."
New Mexico's Martin Heinrich formally became the first U.S. senator to participate in the campaign, which now also includes Florida representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, the first Republican member of Congress to come out in support of marriage equality, also making her the first Republican to pose for the NOH8 campaign.
The latest batch of "No H8 on the Hill" photos also features a striking image from Arizona representative Kyrsten Sinema, the first openly bisexual person elected to Congress, as well as California representative Mark Takano, the first openly gay person of color elected to Congress.
Keep reading to see a collection of the latest photos, in addition to each member's statement about why they chose to participate in the campaign.
Arizona Democratic representative Kyrsten Sinema is the first openly bisexual person elected to the U.S. Congress.
"I am proud to join my colleagues in supporting and participating in the No H8 on the Hill campaign," said Rep. Donna Edwards. "Maryland took a great step forward by joining a small group of states and the District of Columbia to support the freedom to marry, but we cannot stop there. Marriage equality is a civil rights and social justice issue that must not be limited by state borders. Let’s continue the fight for equality and fairness for all Americans."
“Our nation is based on the principle of equality. That is what this is all about," said Florida representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, a Republican.
"The LGBT community is entitled to the same rights afforded to everyone else," said Illinois representative Tammy Duckworth. "My view on LGBT equality is rooted in love. While I was recovering at Walter Reed after being shot down in Iraq, my husband, Bryan, was at my bedside every day. Not only was he offering love and support during such a difficult time, but he was also making critical decisions for me that improved the quality of my life to this day. Often, those decisions were contrary to what my mother would have decided, but as my life partner, my husband knew me better and made the correct choices for me when I could not. I support the freedom to marry because everyone deserves the same level of access, support, and love."
"Get over it," said California representative Grace Napolitano. "We are all human beings, entitled to live our lives without fear of discrimination or violence. Times have changed; we need to move forward, and we must replace hatred with love and acceptance. I am proud to support marriage equality and equal rights for all Americans."
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