As some in the Democratic Party continue to call for President Joe Biden to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race, Texas Stonewall Democrats this week issued a press release calling for “party unity in support of Biden-Harris.”
The press released, dated July 9 and time-stamped 5:06 p.m., reads:
“The Texas Stonewall Democratic Caucus proudly calls for party unity and stands with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris to defeat Donald Trump and the extreme Republican agenda in November.
“ ‘No presidential administration has been more supportive of the LGBTQ+ community, the cause of equality and for societal inclusivity for all than the Biden-Harris administration,’ said Robert Vargas III, president of the Texas Stonewall Democrats. ‘We must unite as a party and collaborate and partner together across caucuses and organizations within the Democratic Party in order to defeat right-wing extremists in this election.’
“Here are important accomplishments by the Biden-Harris administration for the LGBTQ+ community since taking office in 2021:
“•Signed the Respect for Marriage Act which guarantees federal rights, benefits and obligations of marriages in the federal code for same-sex and interracial couples including those living in Texas.
“•Fighting for the Equality Act legislation to provide federal civil rights protections to LGBTQ+ Americans, Texans and their families.
“•Rescinded the discriminatory ban on transgender service members and strengthened services and supports for LGBTQ+ veterans in Texas and nationwide including by removing the outdated ban on comprehensive gender-affirming care for transgender veterans.
“•Issued pardons for thousands of former U.S. service members wrongfully convicted of violating a now-repealed military ban on consensual gay sex.
“•Eliminated the Trump-era ‘License to Discriminate’ federal regulation.
“•Created a nationwide crisis hotline for LGBTQ+ youth — anyone who needs help can call 988 and then press 3 to be connected to a professional counselor.
“•Making progress in reducing LGBTQ+ youth homelessness.
“•Moved the Food and Drug Administration to end the disgraceful practice of banning gay and bisexual men from donating blood.
“•Worked to make our community safer by launching the LGBTQI+ Community Safety Partnership with the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Justice and the Department of Health and Human Services.
“As a nation, we are at a crossroads with democracy in jeopardy, and dangerous and divisive policies through Project 2025 that are poised to be enacted if Donald Trump and Republicans win in November. President Biden and Vice President Harris have delivered for the LGBTQ+ community and will continue to deliver when re-elected to a second term. We call on our LGBTQ+ brothers, sisters, and siblings, as well as our allies, to stand with us in our commitment to unite the party and re-elect President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.”
— Tammye Nash