What a Difference a Year Makes
Rick Stafford, chair of the Democratic National Committees LGBT Caucus, today marked PRIDE Month by applauding the strong leadership of Democrats across America, who have demonstrated our Party's commitment to equality for all Americans by working to end hate crimes, eliminate discrimination in the workplace and promote equality for all of our families.
Last year, as part of the Democratic Party's 50 State Strategy, Democrats stood up for their values and asked people for their votes in every part of the country. As a result, Democrats now control both the House and Senate, won majorities in 10 new state legislatures around the country, and control a majority of Americas governorships. At each of these levels, newly-elected Democratic leaders have made real progress toward promoting equal rights and protections under the law for all Americans.
DNC LGBT Caucus chair Rick Stafford issued the following statement:
"As we celebrate PRIDE Month this year, Democrats across America are putting our commitment to a more fair and just America into action. Last year, President Bush marked PRIDE month by using the Rose Garden to launch a divisive and discriminatory federal marriage amendment that targeted the LGBT community for political gain. But this year, Democrats up and down the ticket and all across the country are working to create an America that respects the rights and dignity of every American.
All across our country--from Alabama to Arkansas, Iowa to Oregon, Massachusetts to Colorado, etc.--we see how the debate and legislative agenda has been positively changed for LGBT Americans. Democrats in state houses, governors mansions and in Congress are working to ensure a nation based on fairness and equality for all Americans. Together, their record shows that the best way to stand up for the LGBT community is to elect Democrats.
The following is a DNC fact sheet on the Democratic Party's leadership in promoting equal rights and protections under the law for all Americans: What a Difference A Year Makes!
Last year, as part of the Democratic Party's 50 State Strategy, Democrats stood up for their values and asked people for their votes in every part of the country. As a result, Democrats now control both the House and Senate, won majorities in 10 new state legislatures around the country, and control a majority of Americas governorships. At each of these levels, newly-elected Democratic leaders have made real progress toward promoting equality for all Americans. Together, their record shows that the best way to stand up for the LGBT community is to elect Democrats!
Newly Elected Democratic Governors Leading on LGBT Issues:
In Iowa, new Democratic Governor Chet Culver signed a state Employment Nondiscrimination Act (ENDA) into law.
In Colorado, new Democratic Governor Bill Ritter signed a second parent adoption bill and is expected to sign a state ENDA bill.
In Ohio, new Democratic Governor Ted Strickland signed an executive order prohibiting discrimination against state employees based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
In Oregon, newly-reelected Governor Democratic Ted Kulongoski signed domestic partner and state ENDA bills.
In New Hampshire, newly-reelected Democratic Governor John Lynch signed a civil unions bill into law.
In Massachusetts, new Democratic Governor Deval Patrick led the successful effort to keep an anti-marriage amendment off the ballot.
FLASHBACK: Governor Patricks predecessor, Mitt Romney, used the issue to scapegoat the LGBT community as part of his White House run.
New Democratic State Legislatures Are Promoting Equality:
In Oregon, Democrats took control of the State House and passed domestic partner and state ENDA bills.
In Indiana, the new Democratic majority in the legislature defeated a proposed constitutional amendment to bar same-sex marriage.
In New Hampshire, state Democratswho won a majority in the state Senate and the first Democratic majority in the State House since the Civil Warpassed a civil unions bill and defeated a proposed constitutional amendment that would have barred same-sex marriage.
Democrats in the Alaska legislature defeated a proposed constitutional amendment to prohibit domestic partner benefits for state employees, while Democratic state legislatures in Maryland and North Carolina defeated proposed constitutional amendments prohibiting same-sex marriage.
The Democratic legislature in Vermont passed a bill prohibiting discrimination based on gender identity, while the Democratic legislature in Washington State passed a domestic partner bill.
Democratic Congress Promoting Equality:
In its first six months, the Democratic Congress has passed the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Act, which would allow the Department of Justice to assist local authorities in investigating and prosecuting hate crimes, including hate-motivated violence against LGBT Americans.
Democrats in Congress have introduced the 2007 Employment Non-Discrimination Act, which would make it illegal to fire, refuse to hire or refuse to promote an employee based on the persons sexual orientation or gender identity.
Democrats in Congress have introduced the Military Readiness Enhancement Act (H.R. 1246), which would repeal the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" ban on lesbian, gay and bisexual personnel.
FLASHBACK: One year ago this month, President Bush used the Rose Garden to promote a federal anti-marriage amendment. On June 7, 2006, GOP Majority Leader Bill Frist forced a vote in the Senate, and the GOP-controlled House followed suit on July 18, 2006.
Democratic Presidential Candidates are Standing Up for LGBT Americans:
At the June 2007 Democratic candidate debate, every single Democratic Presidential candidate endorsed repealing the militarys dont ask, dont tell policy.
At their June 2007 debate, not a single Republican candidate agreed to end dont ask, dont tell, even if that policy led to the dismissal of openly gay Arab language translators in a time of war.
In their responses to the Human Rights Campaign candidate questionnaire, every Democratic presidential candidate backed federal recognition for LGBT couples, inclusion of sexual orientation and gender identity in the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, and passage of the hate crimes prevention bill.
The DNCs Investments in State Parties Helped Make the Difference In 2006:
In 2006, 22 of the 31 newly elected Democratic House members were elected in non-traditionally Democratic districts, including states like Kansas, Indiana, Kentucky, and Minnesota where the DNCs 50 State Strategy has been highly effective.
In 2006, the DNC fielded pilot microtargeting programs in Montana, Minnesota, Nebraska, Massachusetts, Virginia and Arkansas, helping pick up seats up and down the ticket.
Pilot programs tested in Virginia governor's race in 2005 helped pick up a close Senate seat there.
The DNC Is Working To Expand LGBT Participation in Party Affairs:
The DNC adopted new Delegate Selection Rules requiring state parties to adopt inclusion plans for increasing LGBT participation at the convention and in party affairs.
Early indications are that roughly 45 states will set numeric goals as part of their LGBT inclusion rules. In 2004, only 16 states had LGBT inclusion rules.
The DNC has sponsored first of their kind delegate selection trainings to educate LGBT activists across the country on how to be Convention delegates and become more engaged in Party affairs
