Lambda Legal Praises Congressman Gutierrez's Commitment to Same-Sex Couples and their Families in Comprehensive Immigration Reform

(Chicago, May 24, 2010) -- At a press conference today, Congressman Luis Gutierrez, the sponsor of the Comprehensive Immigration Reform for America's Security and Prosperity Act, announced his support of including same-sex couples and their families in the comprehensive immigration reform bill.

Lambda Legal issued the following statement from Francisco Dueñas, Lambda Legal Proyecto Igualdad Coordinator:

"We are pleased to see an outspoken leader like Rep. Gutierrez announce a plan to include same-sex couples and their families in a comprehensive immigration reform bill.

"Rep. Gutierrez's recommitment to the LGBT community is progress in the right direction, but it is time for Congress to finish the job and protect families. At least 36,000 same-sex couples are having their families torn apart as a result of this discriminatory policy; any immigration reform that neglects these families is not comprehensive.

"LGBT people and people living with HIV are disproportionately affected by our country's discriminatory immigration system. Many inhabit a double closet, afraid of disclosing their sexual orientation and/or gender identity and afraid of disclosing that they are undocumented.

"We need comprehensive immigration reform that includes, at a minimum, an end to the unequal treatment of same-sex bi-national couples, revision of unfair restrictions on asylum, respect for the due process rights of those held in detention, and a path to legalization."

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