Three Openly Gay Congress Members Reelected

November 2, 2004

The three openly gay members of Congress were handily returned to Congress Tuesday night.

Barney Frank (D) had little difficulty defeating his GOP opponent, Chuck Morse, in Massachusetts. Morse's platform included support for amending the US Constitution to bar gay marriage and called for curbs on gay rights laws including hate crimes legislation and job protections.

Democrat Tammy Baldwin, the only out lesbian in the House, beat Republican Dave Magnum. During debate on the proposed federal marriage amendment Baldwin delivered an impassioned speech supporting gay families.

The only gay Republican in the House, Kolbe also won reelection. Kolbe, not unexpectedly, broke from party ranks to vote against amending the Constitution.