Area supporters of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender, or LGBT, rights rallied at U.S. Rep. Timothy Johnson’s Champaign office Friday, urging him to support legislation on LGBT issues.
About 23 people gathered at Johnson’s office, holding signs and chanting phrases in support of pieces of legislation that prohibit hate crimes against LGBT individuals, permit same-sex marriage and put an end to “Don’t ask, don’t tell” policies.
“I don’t know what I’ve been told, ‘Don’t ask, don’t tell’ is getting old,” the group chanted. “I don’t know but it’s been said, who cares what people do in bed.”
The rally was organized by members of eQuality-CU, a registered student organization advocating for LGBT rights.
“We’re here because Tim Johnson, representative for the 15th district of Illinois, has not been a friend of LGBT rights in any sense,” said Steven Wyatt, co-founder of eQuality-CU and senior in LAS. “But this is less about what he’s done and more about what he can do for us now.”
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Members of the International Socialist Organization, Graduate Employees’ Organization and Students for Sensible Drug Policy were also present.
Organizers said they are hoping to gain momentum with this rally, the first coordinated by the group.
“We were hoping for more (people),” said Paul Nolan, co-founder of eQuality-CU and employee of the Champaign Unit 4 School District. “But we are happy with the turnout we got.”
A member of Johnson’s staff allowed three ralliers to come into the office and discuss their message.
Members of the press were informed that there was only enough room for the three individuals.
According to Johnson’s voting record in the House, he has not voted in favor of any legislation promoting LGBT rights. Phil Bloomer, spokesman for Johnson, confirmed this over the phone Friday.
One piece of legislation that the rally asked Johnson to support is the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, which was introduced in the House earlier this year. The act prohibits employer discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Johnson voted against a similar act in 2007, which did not pass through the Senate.
Johnson also voted in favor of a House joint resolution in 2006 proposing an amendment to the Constitution defining marriage on the national level.
“Marriage in the United States shall consist only of the union of a man and a woman,” the proposed amendment stated.
Johnson’s staff said he will continue voting as he has in the past.
“His stance has not changed on those issues,” Bloomer said.
