DNC Chair Jaime Harrison and LGBTQ Caucus Chair Earl Fowlkes issued the following statement on the eighth anniversary of the Pulse nightclub shooting:

“Eight years ago today, we witnessed the deadliest attack on the LGBTQ+ community in American history. Forty-nine innocent lives, some as young as 19, were cut short in the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, Florida. This Pride month, as we celebrate love, equality, and inclusion, this anniversary reminds us of the work left to ensure all LGBTQ+ Americans can live their lives without fear of harassment, discrimination, and violence. 

“In the years since this tragic attack, President Biden and Democrats in Congress have championed LGBTQ+ rights and freedoms while ensuring everyone can safely love who they love and be who they are. Under President Biden’s leadership, we passed the Respect For Marriage Act and expanded anti-discrimination protections for LGBTQ+ Americans in health care. Democrats also passed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the first significant piece of federal gun safety legislation in three decades, which strengthened background check requirements, narrowed the “boyfriend loophole,” and made significant investments in mental health.

“Despite decades of senseless gun violence, MAGA Republicans continue to follow Trump’s lead, bow down to the NRA, and block meaningful action that could help prevent another tragedy. Rather than pass common sense gun reform, extreme Republicans would rather put their energy into passing anti-LGBTQ+ laws and erasing LGTBQ+ history. Enough is enough. It’s time for MAGA Republicans to come to the table and protect the lives of all Americans, regardless of gender and sexuality, from hateful acts of violence. This November, the choice is clear. There is only one candidate who will fight for the rights and safety of LGBTQ+ Americans and fight to end gun violence — and that is President Joe Biden.”