Superbowl Champion Scott Fujita Speaks Out in Support of LGBT Immigrant Families

By Steve Ralls on 11/04/2010 @ 09:17 AM

Writing that "It is time to reunite America. No family excluded," NFL linebacker and Superbowl champion Scott Fujita (pictured) joins Congressman Mike Honda (D-CA) in calling for passage of LGBT-inclusive immigration reform in today's San Francisco Chronicle.

Fujita, who now plays with the Cleveland Browns and is also a member of the NFL Players Association's executive board, offers a strong endorsement of Honda's Reuniting Families Act - the first multi-issue immigration bill to include LGBT binational families.

"The Reuniting Families Act, which I will reintroduce in the 112th Congress," Honda writes, "allows all Americans to be reunited with their families. That includes lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender permanent partners."

"We are both of Japanese American descent," Fujita and Honda note. "I was raised (and Scott's father was raised) in World War II-era internment camps for Japanese Americans. Thus we are keenly aware of the need for our society to be more inclusive."

"In the wake of Tuesday's election," they add, "political analysts are busily predicting what the outcome means for Congress and the country. With Republicans now in the majority in the House of Representatives, many policies will probably change radically. What must not change, however, is work on immigration reform. "

The benefits of passing inclusive reform, the two write, "cannot be overstated."

"American workers with their families by their side are happier, healthier and more able to succeed than those living apart from loved ones for years on end," their joint op-ed states. "By pooling resources, families can do together what they can't do alone - start family businesses, create American jobs and contribute more to this country's welfare."

To read the full op-ed, click here.