Senator Coons stood with countless individuals, schools, organizations, and corporations in honoring Spirit Day Thursday by wearing the color purple as a sign of solidarity with those who stand against bullying. Recognized by the Human Rights Campaign and supported by GLAAD, Spirit Day was started in last October by a teenager in response to a rash of widely publicized bullying-related suicides by gay students. The name, “Spirit Day,” comes from the purple stripe of the Rainbow Flag defined as representing “spirit.”
Chris is a longtime advocate for civil rights. Earlier this year, Chris enlisted twelve of his colleagues to encourage lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender young people not to give up hope. As a part of the, “It Gets Better Project,” the team of Senators reassured LGBT youth that they are working hard in the Senate to fulfill the promise of equality for all. Since being elected to the Senate, Chris has cosponsored and fought to pass the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell and has emerged as a leader in the repeal of the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act. Additionally, Chris has cosponsored gay equality legislation, including: the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, the Student Non-Discrimination Act, the Uniting American Families Act, and the Family and Medical Leave Inclusion Act.
“Equality is what America is about,” says Senator Coons, “Liberty and justice for all means for all.”
Click here to learn more about Senator Coons’ work advocating for civil rights.
Click here to watch the Senators’ “It Gets Better” video.