Senator Markey takes a stand for equality with NOH8 On The Hill

 

Washington (February 14, 2014) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), standing with a majority of Americans, has taken his own symbolic stand for marriage equality as a participant of the fourth NOH8 On The Hill photo event. The Senator, posing with NOH8’s iconic face tattoo and duct tape, joined 20 members of Congress in this year’s event in support of marriage equality and equal rights for all Americans. The portraits were released by NOH8 Campaign co-founders Adam Bouska and Jeff Parshley on Valentine’s Day.

 

“There can be NOH8 in a just and free society,” said Senator Markey. “We have made great progress toward equality, but much work remains to be done. I stand with the NOH8 Campaign in the fight against discrimination wherever it is found.”

 

The lawmakers, including Sen. Markey, now join more than 120 members of Congress who have participated in NOH8 On The Hill events over the past three years. Last year’s event saw 70 members of Congress participate, while 26 members participated in 2012 and ten members participated in the first event in 2010.

 

“This year’s event really showed how far we have come in so short a time,” NOH8 co-founder and photographer Adam Bouska said. “Equality and freedom appear to be highly contagious.”  

 

The NOH8 On The Hill portraits feature members of Congress wearing duct tape over their mouths to symbolize the voices of equality being silenced by laws like DOMA and California’s Proposition 8, both of which were overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court last year. In addition, the NOH8 face tattoo symbolizes solidarity with others standing up for equality.

 

Throughout his career, Senator Markey has been proud to stand up for equality for all Americans regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. He has consistently stood with the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender community through some of the biggest fights for global equality. Senator Markey co-sponsored the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) in every Congress it was been introduced. Senator Markey was one of only 67 members of the House of Representatives to oppose the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) when it passed in 1996.