Rep: Polis: Don't Let the US Sacrifice LGBT People for Profit
Representative Jared Polis, the senior openly gay Member of Congress, is a key leader in human and civil rights for women and LGBT people. Right now, his leadership is needed more than ever to prevent lives from being sacrificed for profit.
Congress is considering whether or not to give President Obama "Fast Track" trade promotion authority to swiftly enact a massive international trade agreement that would include two countries, Brunei and Malaysia, with laws that punish LGBT people with prison, beating or (in Brunei) death by stoning. The dictator of Brunei, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, is also the owner of luxury hotels worldwide, including two iconic Hollywood hotels that have been under long-standing boycott for the Sultan's poor treatment of workers and anti-LGBT laws and policies.
Congressman Polis is the only LGBT member of Congress not on record as opposing "Fast Track" legislation that would sweep this horrible trade agreement into law. Rep Polis' vote could result in Brunei and Malaysia gaining privileged trade status with the United States, if we don't act now.
Sign our petition urging Representative Polis to publicly declare his opposition to "Fast Track" and tell the Congressman to put people before profits.
Dear Representative Polis:
As the most senior openly gay Member of Congress and a champion of LGBT rights legislation, you are seen as a key leader in human and civil rights for women and LGBT people. Right now, your leadership is needed more than ever to prevent their lives from being sacrificed for corporate profit.
As you know, Congress is considering whether to give the President "Fast Track" trade promotion authority to enact the Trans-Pacific Partnership. I'm concerned that this massive international trade agreement would include two countries, Brunei and Malaysia, with laws that punish LGBT people with prison, beating or (in Brunei) death by stoning.
[Your comment will be added here]
You are the only LGBT member of Congress not on record opposing the "Fast Track" legislation that would sweep this trade agreement into law and give the nations of Brunei and Malaysia privileged trade status with the United States. I urge you to publicly state your opposition to Fast Track legislation so that you and your colleagues can address the many issues with TPP - especially the inclusion of Brunei and Malaysia.
We need your help to ensure those countries are not rewarded for abusing human rights. We're counting on you, Congressman.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
