November 28, 2011 - For Immediate Release
We are saddened by the news of Rep. Barney Frank's retirement from Congress.
Barney Frank was instrumental in the formation of our organization and as such, his contributions to LGBT equality will continue to build long after his retirement from Congress. Even so, his legacy in terms of the LGBT community is an important one. He blazed a trail for the LGBT community in many ways - most especially for the openly gay Representatives who followed him into the halls of Congress.
"From the first time I met Rep. Frank at a Stonewall Democrats function in Indianapolis, I have always respected his ability to cut through the malarky and move the standard forward," said Jerame Davis, National Stonewall Democrats' Interim Executive Director.
"Not only is he full of searing ripostes and witty bon mots, he has been a tireless advocate for LGBT equality for decades. He has been an original co-sponsor of almost every pro-LGBT piece of legislation introduced in the House and he strongly championed the Hate Crimes Act and the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell, both of which are now law.
"As a founder of our organization, he holds a special place place in our hearts and we wish him all the best in whatever comes next."