HRC has high marks for Md. lawmakers

both U.S. Senators— Barbara Mikulski and Ben Cardin who are Democrats—received a perfect score of 100 from HRC (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

HRC released its Congressional Scorecard for the 112th Congress last week, which rates members of Congress on their support for issues of LGBT equality. A final scorecard will be released at the conclusion of the lame duck session following the election.

The average score for House members was 40 percent and 35 percent for senators, down significantly from the 111th Congress.

In Maryland, both U.S. Senators—Barbara Mikulski and Ben Cardin who are Democrats—received a perfect score of 100 from HRC.

In the House of Representatives, Republican Andy Harris received a zero. Republican Roscoe Bartlett garnered a 15.

Democratic Reps. John Sarbanes, Donna Edwards and Chris Van Hollen received perfect 100 scores. Rep. Steny Hoyer was awarded a score of 95, Elijah Cummings a 90, and Dutch Ruppersberger received a 75.

“While we continue to make advancements toward equality in Washington, the 112th Congress has more anti-equality members set on halting our progress,” said HRC President Chad Griffin.

The full report can be viewed at hrc.org.