State of Pennsylvania Archives: on Civil Rights

Everett Stern: Affirmative action is unconstitutional

A: Oppose. I do not believe affirmative action is constitutional.

Everett Stern: Federal government out of gay rights issues

A: Strongly Support. I do not believe the Federal government should interfere [in issues of] gay rights.

Katie McGinty: Morally wrong to fire gays simply because of who they are

Katie McGinty says: "Pennsylvania is the only state in the Northeast where gay and transgender citizens can be fired, denied a mortgage, or refused a hotel room simply because of who they are. This is morally wrong. It also hurts Pennsylvania economically, as employers and businesses are less likely to relocate to a state where their employees can be discriminated against because of their sexual orientation. It's time to pass House and Senate Bill 300 to send a message that Pennsylvania will no longer tolerate discrimination against its fellow citizens."

Katie McGinty: Marriage equality so all can marry the person they love

Katie believes too many Pennsylvanians are disadvantaged within their home state. She believes same-sex couples in Pennsylvania should have the same opportunity to marry as other Pennsylvanians enjoy.

Katie called Governor Corbett's comments comparing marriage between same-sex couples to incest as shockingly offensive. She called on Corbett to offer an apology to the people of Pennsylvania for his remarks.

In June 2013, Katie supported the Supreme Court rulings striking down the Defense of Marriage Act and dismissing California's Proposition 8. Katie said, "Fairness and compassion won. Now is the time for the Commonwealth to follow suit and pass legislation affirming marriage equality for all Pennsylvanians.

Bob Casey: Right ongoing wrongs in college admissions

Asked about wage disparities between men and women, Casey noted his support for a bill that would require employers to prove that differences in pay are not gender-related. He also noted he voted for a 2009 law that expands the ability of a worker to sue over pay inequity.

Tom Smith: Equal pay for equal work

Asked about wage disparities between men and women, Smith said he believes in equal pay for equal work. Casey noted his support for a bill that Republicans are blocking that would require employers to prove that differences in pay are not gender-related.

Barack Obama: Apply affirmative action to poor white college applicants

A: The basic principle that should guide discussions not just on affirmative action but how we are admitting young people to college generally is, how do we make sure that we’re providing ladders of opportunity for people? Race is still a factor in our society. And I think that for universities to say, “we’re going to take into account the hardships that somebody has experienced because they’re black or Latino or women...”

Q: Even if they’re wealthy?

A: I think that’s something that they can take into account, but it can only be in the context of looking at the whole situation of the young person. So I still believe in affirmative action as a means of overcoming both historic and potentially current discrimination, but I think that it can’t be a quota system.

Ed Rendell: Recognize civil unions

A: Yes.

Ed Rendell: Affirmative action in state contracts and colleges

Q: College and university admissions

A: Yes.

Q: Public employment

A: Yes.

Q: State contracting

A: Yes.

Arlen Specter: Oppose gay marriage but support civil union

Betsy Summers: Support gay marriage

Jim Clymer: Oppose gay marriage and also oppose civil union

Joseph Hoeffel: Oppose gay marriage but support civil union

Tom Ridge: Opposes Affirmative Action

Regarding affirmative action, should state government agencies take race and sex into account in the following sectors:
• College and university admissions? “No.”
• Public employment? “No.”
• State contracting? “No.”

Tom Ridge: No special gay laws; no gay marriage

A: No.

Q: Do you believe that the Pennsylvania government should recognize same-sex marriages?

A: No.