Republicans Co-sponsor UAFA in House

By Kathryn Baxter on 12/14/2012 @ 10:27 AM

Today, Republican Congressmen Charlie Dent (PA-15) and Richard Hanna (NY-24) became co-sponsors of the Uniting American Families Act, joining their Republican colleague in the Senate, Susan Collins of Maine. This exciting news means UAFA is once again a bipartisan bill in the House and is now for the first time ever a bipartisan bill in both chambers of Congress. Their co-sponsorship demonstrates the broadening belief that gay and lesbian families should no longer be torn apart by immigration law.

In deciding to co-sponsor this bill, the Congressmen noted the negative impact that current, discriminatory law has on American businesses that are unable to recruit and retain talent. A CNN Money article released Monday showcased the significant corporate support for UAFA.

Pfizer is just one of 30 corporations that are members of the Business Coalition for UAFA. In 2005, Pfizer worked with Gordon Stewart, to find a suitable position for him in the UK 2005 so he could work and live with his partner there, as the UK recognizes same-sex couples for immigration benefits. "It takes a significant commitment from both Pfizer and me to maintain this relationship," says Stewart. "If I didn't have this opportunity, I would've had to choose between my partner and my career."

“I applaud Congressman Hanna for stepping up to support New York families and businesses by cosponsoring this legislation,” said Stewart.

Congressmen Dent and Hanna are both endorsed by the Log Cabin Republicans, the nation's largest organization of Republicans who support fairness, freedom, and equality for LGBT Americans.

If you are a constituent of Congressman Hanna or Dent, please call and thank him for his support. You can reach Congressman Dent’s office at 202-225-6411 and Congressman Hanna’s office at 202-225-3665. If your representatives in Congress are not yet cosponsors, send them a note and ask them to follow Congressmen Dent and Hanna’s lead.