HRC Celebrates Election of Kyrsten Sinema to U.S. House

First Openly-Bisexual Member of Congress Will Join Largest-Ever Class of LGB Federal Lawmakers

11/12/12

Washington– Today, Kyrsten Sinema was declared the victor in the election to represent Arizona's Ninth District in the U.S. House of Representatives.  When she is sworn in early next year, Sinema will be the first openly-bisexual Member of Congress and join the largest-ever class of openly lesbian, gay and bisexual lawmakers on Capitol Hill, including the first openly-gay Senator, Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin.  In the 113th Congress, Sinema will join incumbent Congressmen David Cicilline (D-RI) and Jared Polis (D-CO), as well as newcomers Sean Patrick Maloney (D-NY), Mark Pocan (D-WI) and Mark Takano (D-CA), who will be the first openly-gay person of color in Congress.  The 113th Congress will have a total of seven openly lesbian, gay and bisexual Members, an increase from only four in the last Congress. 

 

"We are thrilled that Kyrsten Sinema will be bringing her passion for the needs of the people of her district, as well as those of LGBT people nationwide, to Washington," said HRC President Chad Griffin.  "In January, Kyrsten will make history as she joins the largest-ever class of LGB Members of Congress, including the first openly-gay U.S. Senator, Tammy Baldwin.  I know that this incredible group of LGBT leaders will make tremendous strides toward our goal of full equality and HRC looks forward to working with them every step of the way."  

Kyrsten Sinema served in both the Arizona House and Senate, where she was a standout leader on issues of LGBT equality, including in fighting against efforts to amend the Arizona Constitution to ban marriage for gay and lesbian couples.  She has also served as a member of HRC's Arizona Steering Committee. 

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

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