Equality Caucus Urges Continued Inclusion of LGBTQ Concerns in Vice President’s Work in Guatemala
DATE: June 7, 2021
CONTACT: laura.brantley@mail.house.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Equality Caucus Urges Continued Inclusion
of LGBTQ Concerns in Vice President's Work in Guatemala
Washington, D.C. – The Congressional LGBT+ Equality Caucus in partnership with the House Foreign Affairs Committee has sent a letter to the Office of the Vice President expressing concern over the situation in Guatemala and encouraging Vice President Harris to continue her inclusive approach as she engages in the region.
"Guatemala, and the neighboring countries of El Salvador and Honduras, are countries of great concern to the Equality Caucus. We are pleased to see renewed attention on the issues impacting LGBTQ+ people in the region. Violence and discrimination, particularly against transgender women, are significant factors in the increased flow of asylum seekers from the Northern Triangle," said Equality Caucus Chair David N. Cicilline (RI-01). "We are grateful that Vice President Harris is including these issues in her outreach to Guatemala's leadership and civil society. We hope that this engagement will continue as there is much to be done to make these countries safe for our community. The Caucus stands ready to assist as she tackles this important assignment."
"Addressing human rights and rule of law as part of the root causes of out-migration in Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras is a top priority. I am pleased that Vice President Harris will visit Guatemala and encourage her to meet with local civil society leaders, including LGBTQI human rights defenders who often face multiple forms of discrimination at the intersection of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender identity," said House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Gregory Meeks (NY-05).
Please contact Shawn Gaylord at 202-257-8416 or shawn.gaylord@mail.house.gov with press inquiries.
Founded in 2008, the mission of the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus is to promote equality for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. The Caucus, which is led by the nine openly LGBTQ+ members of the House of Representatives, is strongly committed to achieving the full enjoyment of human rights for LGBTQ+ people in the U.S. and around the world.