WASHINGTON — Massachusetts Congressman Barney Frank announced on Nov. 28th that he will not seek reelection to Congress. Coming out in the 1980s, Rep. Frank became the second openly gay Member of Congress and the first to do so voluntarily.
“Barney Frank has exemplified true leadership over his more than 30 years in the U.S. House of Representatives,” said Joe Solmonese, President of The Human Rights Campaign “As the first openly gay Member of Congress, Barney defied stereotypes and kicked doors open for LGBT Americans. Repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ and passage of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act would never have happened without his leadership. But it goes beyond that. His service as chairman of the House Financial Services Committee during a time of great economic upheaval made a gay man one of the most powerful people in the country and he used that power for great good. America, Massachusetts and LGBT people are better off for Barney Frank’s service.”
In a press conference announcing his decision, Rep. Frank said he will continue to advocate for public policy and added he looks forward to debating Newt Gingrich on the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). He also said he would consider doing pro bono work in a gay rights case.
“Rep. Frank is a national leader of unparalleled stature when it comes to fighting for what is right - not just for the LGBT community, but for all Americans,” said Army Veteran and Servicemembers Legal Defense Network Executive Director, Aubrey Sarvis. "His determined leadership, unwavering commitment for more than two decades, and tireless advocacy were key to bringing about the repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell.' The team of Barney Frank, Nancy Pelosi, and Steny Hoyer ensured a successful House repeal vote and put tremendous pressure on the Senate and White House to act in the closing days of the last Congress. We at SLDN will miss Rep. Frank terribly as we press forward, but we know that wherever his journey takes him next, he will be fighting alongside us until we reach the day when all service members are treated equally.”
A proud and unapologetic liberal, Frank, 71, was first elected to the House in 1980. He is the senior Democrat on the House Financial Services Committee, a panel he chaired when Democrats held a majority for four years beginning in early 2007.
Frank is the second LGBT congressional member not seeking reelection for a House seat next year. Rep. Tammy Baldwin, who was first elected to represent Wisconsin’s second congressional district in 1998, is now running to fill retiring U.S. senator Herb Kohl’s seat. The other openly gay members of Congress are David Cicilline of Rhode Island and Jared Polis of Colorado.
