Ex-Marine lawmaker joins LGBT caucus

Freshman member and Marine Corps veteran Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) is joining the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus as its vice-chair.

The former member of the Arizona House of Representatives has been a champion for LGBT rights, fighting against anti same-sex marriage constitutional amendments and a state Senate bill that would have allowed business owners to assert their religious beliefs and deny service to gay and lesbian customers.

"Congressman Ruben Gallego is new to Congress this year, but he is not new to championing lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality," JoDee Winterhof, Vice President for Policy and Political Affairs at the Human Rights Campaign, said in a news release.

Gallego said he's proud to join the caucus as one of the new vice-chairs.

"LGBT people deserve equal rights and protections and I am committed to continuing to work for that goal.

"Since it was established in 2008, the LGBT Equality Caucus Members have been leaders in advancing issues important to the LGTB Community and I look forward to continuing that work while bringing a diverse perspective as we fight for issues that affect LGBT Americans."