John: As an Independent, celebrating all Maine people regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation has never been a partisan issue to me.

Let me rewind. Way back in 1997, I signed a simple but profound bill as Governor of Maine — it added “sexual orientation” to the list of protected groups included in the Maine Human Rights Act. This bill made it illegal to deny people rental apartments, jobs, loans, and public accommodations on the basis of their sexual orientation. Maine was only the tenth state to do so!

Since then, I’ve made it a priority to stand up for the LGBTQ+ community every chance I get. Some highlights? I’ve co-sponsored the historic Equality Act — a federal non-discrimination act much like the one I signed in Maine in 1997 — every Congress since 2015. In 2021, I co-sponsored the Respect for Marriage Act so that every American can marry the person they love.

This Pride Month, I want you to know that no matter who you love or what your gender identity is, I'll always protect your right to be exactly who you are. I’ve got your back.

Happy Pride, John! If you’re headed out to any of the events around Maine in the upcoming weeks, I hope you stay hydrated and have fun.

—Angus

P.S. If you’d like to help keep me in the U.S. Senate to continue the much-needed fight for equality, will you consider making a donation of any amount today? I’m up for re-election in November and every dollar helps my team pay for yard signs, campaign literature, and more.