Beto O’Rourke Unveils Comprehensive List of LGBTQ+ Campaign Promises

Just in time for Pride month, Democratic candidate Beto O'Rourke unveiled what appears to be a comprehensive list of pro-LGBTQ+ policies that he promises to pursue if he is elected president in 2020.

The former Texas representative, who nearly unseated Republican Sen. Ted Cruz in the 2018 midterm elections, published a three-pronged "Plan to Pursue Equality for LGBTQ+ People and Ensure They Can Live Openly Without Fear of Discrimination or Violence" on his campaign website on Wednesday morning.

The first part of O'Rourke's series of proposals deals with executive action, like overturning the Trump administration's restrictive policy on trans military service, reinstating the Obama-era Department of Education guidelines that protect LGBTQ+ students in public schools, and modernizing "outdated" blood donation policies that prevent queer men and trans women from donating. The second part of the candidate's proposals tackle legislative action like passing the Equality Act and expanding access to health insurance and health care, "including hormones and gender-affirming treatments." The third section sets its sights internationally, aiming to improve the treatment of LGBTQ+ refugees and asylum seekers, among other proposals.

"LGBTQ+ Americans have made incredible progress over the past decade, thanks in large part to the tireless efforts of activists and advocates -- but too many LGBTQ+ people still lack protection under many states' laws and the current administration is encouraging rather than stamping out discrimination," said O'Rourke in a statement to CNN. "We must ensure all Americans are treated equally no matter who they are or who they love."

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