A Democratic candidate running for Congress in Washington has expressed hesitance in openly supporting LGBTQ+ rights out of fear of upsetting Muslim constituents, despite their small presence in her district.
Melissa Chaudhry, 34, is seeking election again in Washington’s 9th Congressional District after a previous defeat in 2024. She made her comments in a recent interview with a local Seattle newspaper, where she was pressed about the absence of LGBTQ+ rights on her campaign website despite her professed support for such issues.
“Unfortunately, many Muslims don’t feel that way,” she remarked during the interview.
Data from a 2025 poll indicated that only 41% of American Muslims believe homosexuality should be accepted in society, contrasting with 57% of Christians and 82% of Jews.
Additionally, the Pew Research Center’s survey highlighted that Muslims represent roughly 2% of the Seattle metropolitan area, which is predominantly part of Chaudhry’s district. In contrast, about 17% of adults in Seattle identify as LGBTQ+, according to recent U.S. Census figures.
Still, Chaudhry insisted on being “careful about Muslim members” in her public statements.
Her campaign has not responded to requests for comment and is reportedly trying to manage backlash from LGBTQ+ activists after the interview.
Andrew Asioff, chairman of the Washington Stonewall Democratic Party, criticized her stance, stating, “Our community is not disposable. LGBTQ+ rights are not optional.” In response, Chaudhry offered reassurances, saying, “If you are gay and wondering if you and your rights are safe for me, I assure you from the bottom of my heart, you are, always have been, and always will be.”
Chaudhry also noted that her sister is in a same-sex relationship and mentioned friendships with members of the LGBTQ+ community. However, this claim elicited skepticism from Asioff, who likened her defense to a common excuse used in discussions about race.
