Video: Kerry Praises Ugandan Gay Activist

Speaking at a Capitol Hill ceremony on Thursday, Nov. 10, U.S. Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) praised Frank Mugisha for his activism on behalf of LGBT Ugandans who continue to suffer systematic discrimination, violence and even death.

Kerry delivered his remarks after Ethel and Kerry Kennedy presented Mugisha with the 2011 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award.

Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Ban Anti-LGBT Discrimination in Housing and Credit Markets

Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry earlier today introduced a bill that would ban discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity and expression in the housing and credit markets.

The Housing Opportunities Made Equal (HOME) Act would amend both the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Credit Act to ban anti-LGBT discrimination.

"Housing discrimination against LGBT Americans is wrong, but today in most states there isn't a thing you can do about it," said Kerry. "This legislation would end discrimination that continues to hurt people."

New York Congressmen Jerrold Nadler, Steve Israel and Edolphus Towns and U.S. Reps. John Conyers (D-Mich.,) Bobby Scott (D-Va.,) Alcee L. Hastings (D-Fla.) and Jared Polis (D-Colo.) introduced a companion bill in the House.


“LGBT Americans, non-traditional families, and the disabled should not be subjected to housing discrimination at the hands of the unscrupulous or bigoted,” said Nadler. “This legislation will ensure that the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act are actually protecting all Americans and guaranteeing people of any sexual orientation, gender identity, marital and familial status, and source of income the right to the housing they choose.”