BOSTON, November 28, 2011— Statement by MassEquality Executive Director Kara Suffredini on Congressman Barney Frank’s Announcement of Retirement:
“Congressman Barney Frank is a national leader and his decision to retire, while understandable, will be a tremendous loss not just for residents of the Commonwealth, but for the country. Congressman Frank’s contributions span the important issues of the day, and his leadership on LGBT causes has been particularly critical. During the fight to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” Frank was instrumental in working to ensure that the House voted to lift the ban on openly gay servicemembers. During the fight for marriage equality in Massachusetts, Frank lobbied local lawmakers to vote to protect the Goodridge decision. And he showed the same leadership on the Transgender Equal Rights Bill, which was signed into law by Gov. Deval Patrick just last week. His leadership and commitment to justice will be sorely missed.”
