Statement From National LGBTQ Task Force Re: Freedom to Vote, John R. Lewis Act Loss

The following statement can be attributed to Kierra Johnson, Executive Director of the National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund:

"The failure to enact the Freedom to Vote, John R. Lewis Act is a profound blow to our Democracy. The inability to ensure voting rights for Black and Brown people and other vulnerable groups like LGBTQ people lays at the feet of those who voted "nay." These are the votes of political extremists, whose fear of losing power has become a justification for carving out LGBTQ+ folks, People of Color, women, poor people and other already marginalized groups from the political process.

Senators who voted for the right of all to participate in our Democratic process have our appreciation. To the rest - shame on you. Nineteen states have passed 34 laws that undermine voting rights, rights that are the threshold of our democratic values and civic responsibility - the very heartbeat of our Democracy. We pledge to do all in our power to Queer the Vote in the 2022 midterm elections and beyond, and we will continue to advocate to restore voting rights to all our nation's people."

The National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization affiliated with the National LBGTQ Task Force. The Task Force Action Fund is the oldest grassroots LGBTQ network in America advancing the LGBTQ liberation on both local and national landscapes to promote more vibrant and livable communities for LGBTQ people throughout the country. The Task Force Action Fund's goal is to enlist and mobilize citizen activists that will help ensure that LGBTQ inclusive public policies are adopted at the federal, state, and local levels.