Biden on lgbtq rights
The Biden-Harris administration’s record of enhancing protections for LGBTQ people suggests that Kamala Harris would be a champion for the people if elected.
ACLU
August 13, 2024The Biden-Harris administration’s record of advancing protections for LGBTQ people suggests that Kamala Harris would be a champion for the group if elected.
For the past four years, the Biden-Harris administration has made LGBTQ rights a cornerstone of its policy agenda. Among other efforts, the Biden-Harris administration has consistently sued states to block anti-trans laws and policies, including asking the Supreme Court to lift bans on medically-necessary health nurture for trans adolescents.
While there remains perform to be done to protect the LGBTQ community, we have seen significant progress under the Biden-Harris administration in undoing the anti-trans and anti-LGBTQ policies of Donald Trump’s administration. Given this strong record, should Harris win in November, we’re calling on her administration to continue to ensure that the rights and freedoms of LGBTQ people are protected and prioritized across the federal government.
Learn more in our breakdown.
Harris on LGBTQ Rig Biden signs foreign policy memo putting U.S. at 'forefront' of global LGBTQ rights
President Joe Biden has issued a historic memorandum committing the United States to promoting LGBTQ rights on the international stage.
Released to the public Thursday evening, the Memorandum on Advancing the Human Rights of Queer woman , Gay, Bisexual, Gender nonconforming, Queer, and Intersex Persons Around the World directs American agencies operating abroad “to ensure that United States diplomacy and foreign assistance promote and defend the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons.”
It calls for agencies to combat criminalization of LGBTQ self or conduct, shield LGBTQ refugees and asylum-seekers, address human rights abuses affecting LGBTQ people and work with like-minded nations and international organizations to combat discrimination. There are approximately 70 countries around the nature that currently possess laws criminalizing gay relations between consenting adults, according to the Human Rights Watch.
Barack Obama issued the first presidential memorandum directing U.S. agencies abroad to promote LGBTQ rights globally in 2011. Biden indicated his order “builds upon that historic legacy.”
Joe Biden helped a movement when he changed his mind on LGBTQ issues. Who advises him now?
WASHINGTON – Joe Biden wasn’t prepared to answer a question about gay rights when he walked into a meeting of the North Star Civic Association that Monday evening in Delaware.
The state’s junior U.S. senator, Biden was just a few months into the job. He’d been invited to speak to a small group of constituents and listen to whatever was on their mind. But Biden was startled when Robert Vane, a gay rights activist, demanded to know where he stood on employment and military regulations that were discriminatory against lgbtq+ Americans.
“My gut reaction is that they (homosexuals) are security risks,” Biden responded, according to an account published in The Morning News, a Delaware newspaper.
Five decades pass. On the White House South Lawn, hundreds of gay men and women gather with their family and friends on a sweltering June afternoon. Some proudly wave rainbow flags. Others hoist small children on their shoulders to get a better view. All are there for a celebration, reportedly the largest lgbtq+ Pride event ever held at the White House.
Their host: Joe Biden, president of the United States
HRC’s Accountability Tracker
This timeline breaks down the federal legal and policy threats —from the Trump-Vance Administration, Congress, and federal courts— to the autonomy, equality, and dreams of countless LGBTQ+ Americans and others nationwide to serve provide oversight and accountability.
Our fight continues, and we’re not backing down. We will track the threats to equality and clutch those who threaten our rights accountable. Be ready to show up, preserve our progress, and remain informed.
First 100 Days - Trump Administration’s Attacks on LGBTQ+ Health
On the 100 day label of the Trump Administration, the Human Rights Campaign has released a short to spotlight their attacks on LGBTQ+ health intended to erase identities and eliminate resources for our community. Get informed and spread awareness on the real-world impact happening now.
Read the Issue Brief
07/11/2025
Anti-Transgender, Department of Justice, Health Care
DOJ subpoenas clinics that provide trans care to minors
The Department of Justice (DOJ) says it sent more than 20 subpoenas to doctors and clinics “involved in performing transgender medical procedures on children,” furthering
‘Historic’: Biden signs law protecting LGBTQ marriage rights
President Joe Biden has signed legislation that protects same-sex and interracial marriage in the United States, a relocate welcomed by rights advocates as an important step amid fears of a potential rollback and threats against marginalised communities.
Biden signed the landmark bill, recognizable as the Respect for Marriage Act, into regulation during a ceremony on the White House lawn on Tuesday afternoon that drew thousands of supporters, including top Democratic legislators.
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end of list“Today is a good day. A day America takes a vital step towards equality, towards liberty and justice not just for some, but for everyone – everyone,” Biden said, thanking those who pushed for “equality and justice” in the US for years.
“This law and the like it defends strike a blow against hate in all its forms, and that’s why this commandment matters to every available American, no matter who you
Biden signs foreign policy memo putting U.S. at 'forefront' of global LGBTQ rights
President Joe Biden has issued a historic memorandum committing the United States to promoting LGBTQ rights on the international stage.
Released to the public Thursday evening, the Memorandum on Advancing the Human Rights of Queer woman , Gay, Bisexual, Gender nonconforming, Queer, and Intersex Persons Around the World directs American agencies operating abroad “to ensure that United States diplomacy and foreign assistance promote and defend the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons.”
It calls for agencies to combat criminalization of LGBTQ self or conduct, shield LGBTQ refugees and asylum-seekers, address human rights abuses affecting LGBTQ people and work with like-minded nations and international organizations to combat discrimination. There are approximately 70 countries around the nature that currently possess laws criminalizing gay relations between consenting adults, according to the Human Rights Watch.
Barack Obama issued the first presidential memorandum directing U.S. agencies abroad to promote LGBTQ rights globally in 2011. Biden indicated his order “builds upon that historic legacy.”
Joe Biden helped a movement when he changed his mind on LGBTQ issues. Who advises him now?
WASHINGTON – Joe Biden wasn’t prepared to answer a question about gay rights when he walked into a meeting of the North Star Civic Association that Monday evening in Delaware.
The state’s junior U.S. senator, Biden was just a few months into the job. He’d been invited to speak to a small group of constituents and listen to whatever was on their mind. But Biden was startled when Robert Vane, a gay rights activist, demanded to know where he stood on employment and military regulations that were discriminatory against lgbtq+ Americans.
“My gut reaction is that they (homosexuals) are security risks,” Biden responded, according to an account published in The Morning News, a Delaware newspaper.
Five decades pass. On the White House South Lawn, hundreds of gay men and women gather with their family and friends on a sweltering June afternoon. Some proudly wave rainbow flags. Others hoist small children on their shoulders to get a better view. All are there for a celebration, reportedly the largest lgbtq+ Pride event ever held at the White House.
Their host: Joe Biden, president of the United States
HRC’s Accountability Tracker
This timeline breaks down the federal legal and policy threats —from the Trump-Vance Administration, Congress, and federal courts— to the autonomy, equality, and dreams of countless LGBTQ+ Americans and others nationwide to serve provide oversight and accountability.
Our fight continues, and we’re not backing down. We will track the threats to equality and clutch those who threaten our rights accountable. Be ready to show up, preserve our progress, and remain informed.
First 100 Days - Trump Administration’s Attacks on LGBTQ+ Health
On the 100 day label of the Trump Administration, the Human Rights Campaign has released a short to spotlight their attacks on LGBTQ+ health intended to erase identities and eliminate resources for our community. Get informed and spread awareness on the real-world impact happening now.
Read the Issue Brief
07/11/2025
Anti-Transgender, Department of Justice, Health Care
DOJ subpoenas clinics that provide trans care to minors
The Department of Justice (DOJ) says it sent more than 20 subpoenas to doctors and clinics “involved in performing transgender medical procedures on children,” furthering
‘Historic’: Biden signs law protecting LGBTQ marriage rights
President Joe Biden has signed legislation that protects same-sex and interracial marriage in the United States, a relocate welcomed by rights advocates as an important step amid fears of a potential rollback and threats against marginalised communities.
Biden signed the landmark bill, recognizable as the Respect for Marriage Act, into regulation during a ceremony on the White House lawn on Tuesday afternoon that drew thousands of supporters, including top Democratic legislators.
Recommended Stories
list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3LGBTQ communities in the US face ‘rising threat of violence’
list 2 of 3These Supreme Court cases could kill what remains of US democracy
list 3 of 3US Supreme Court hears arguments challenging LGBTQ rights law
end of list“Today is a good day. A day America takes a vital step towards equality, towards liberty and justice not just for some, but for everyone – everyone,” Biden said, thanking those who pushed for “equality and justice” in the US for years.
“This law and the like it defends strike a blow against hate in all its forms, and that’s why this commandment matters to every available American, no matter who you