Gubernatorial campaign websites: on Civil Rights
Lupe Valdez:
Pledges to fight for equality for gay community
Being gay is only part of who I am -- but it's a part that I am immensely proud of and a community that I am honored to represent. We have made much progress, but the fight for equality in the modern era is far from over.
It is outrageous that in many parts of Texas, you can still be married on Saturday, evicted on Sunday, and fired on Monday, all because of who you love. As your governor, I will fight for equality for our community.
Source: 2018 Texas Gubernatorial campaign website LupeValdez.com
Oct 9, 2018
Molly Kelly:
One of the first legislators to vote for marriage equality
I was proud to be one of the first legislators in the country to vote for marriage equality nearly a decade ago. All of us have worked so hard for so long to make positive change in the lives of Granite Staters. Much of our success is now threatened.
Protections at the state level will be critical, which makes this governor's race even more important to every Granite Stater who believes a person has the right to be married to the person they love.
Source: 2018 New Hampshire Governor campaign website MollyKelly.com
Oct 9, 2018
Philip Levine:
History of being a fierce champion for LGBTQ rights
Philip has always been a fierce champion for LGBTQ rights. As Mayor of Miami Beach, he led the first same-sex weddings in his city after the historic ruling in 2015. Under his administration, his city won consecutive perfect scores from the Human
Rights Campaign for inclusiveness and tolerance - the highest in the state of Florida. Philip will fight to make the Florida Competitive Workforce Act a reality, to ensure that no one of any gender or sexual orientation faces discrimination on the job.
Source: 2018 Florida Governor campaign website PhilipLevine2018.com
Oct 9, 2018
Christine Hallquist:
Wants Vermont to welcome all groups, including marginalized
Address racial disparities in Vermont's criminal justice system. Ensure Vermont communities are welcoming to all, including historically marginalized groups.
Ensure safe schools where our children can learn, thrive, and never face a threat of gun violence.
Source: 2018 VT governor Campaign website ChristineForVermont.com
Sep 1, 2018
Laura Kelly:
Reinstate Equal Protection for LGBTQ+ state workers
One of Laura Kelly's first acts as governor will be to reinstate the Equal Protection Clause, which was put in place by Governor Kathleen Sebelius, to protect LGBTQ+ civil servants from discrimination.
These protections were eliminated by Sam Brownback. Reinstating this protection is essential to make sure all state workers receive fair and equal treatment.
Source: 2018 Gubernatorial campaign website LauraKellyForKansas.com
Aug 14, 2018
Lori Swanson:
Will fight for all citizens to receive the same civil rights
Minnesota does best when it is tolerant and fair-minded. Every Minnesotan deserves to feel included, respected, and welcomed in their community and to fair and equal treatment under the law.
The Swanson Administration will support equitable and inclusive policies that give every Minnesotan a fair shot at opportunity and success. Lori has a proven track record of fighting for the individual rights of all Minnesotans.
Source: 2018 Minnesota governor campaign website LoriSwanson.com
Jul 4, 2018
Bill Lee:
Common sense view of gender: there are two sexes
There are two sexes: female and male. Most education issues are best decided at the local level--not by far away bureaucrats who think they know best. That is why I opposed President Obama's top-down directive for a single bathroom policy that was
divisive and destructive for our schools and our kids. I'll oppose any attempt by the federal government or any interest group to intimidate communities who hold a common sense view of gender, and we'll defend the freedom of our local schools.
Source: 2018 Wisconsin governor campaign website BillLee.org
Jul 2, 2018
Tony Evers:
Fight clandestine discrimination against LGBTQ people
Tony believes that all Wisconsinites should be able to marry who they love -- plain and simple. Even with our recent victories on this front, there are still important LGBTQ protections we need on the books here in
Wisconsin to ensure fairness and equality for all. Our work is not done.
Tony is a strong ally who will continue to fight back against clandestine legislation that discriminates against LGBTQ people. He opposes attempts by the Legislature to outlaw local non-discrimination ordinances
that protect people's basic rights. He also has been a vocal opponent of the so-called "bathroom bills" and other attacks on LGBTQ youth.
Source: 2018 Wisconsin governor campaign website TonyEvers.org
Jul 1, 2018
Ben Jealous:
Experience as Civil Rights leader will move state forward
Maryland has been a civil rights leader before, and we can do it again.
I've spent my entire adult life as a civil rights leader and community organizer, working to build broad diverse coalitions to move every community forward.
Source: 2018 Maryland Gubernatorial campaign website, BenJealous.com
Jun 26, 2018
Andrew Gillum:
Staunch supporter of LGBT rights
Andrew has always been a staunch supporter of LGBT rights during his years as a public leader. As a City Commissioner, Gillum led the charge to expand domestic partner health benefits from City employees. As Mayor, when at least a dozen Florida counties
were refusing to grant marriage licenses to same-sex couples in Florida, Gillum raised his voice in opposition and extended an invitation for couples to get married in Florida's Capital City.There still remains much work ahead to advance equality for
LGBT Floridians. In Florida, gay, lesbian, and bisexual citizens may not be protected from discrimination in public or in the workplace from one county to the next. Transgender Floridians may not have the right to use the restrooms that align with their
gender identity depending on the community in which they find themselves.
As Governor, Andrew will work to address these issues through statewide policies that ensure equal treatment and equal rights for all Floridians from every corner of our state
Source: 2018 Florida Governor campaign website AndrewGillum.com
Mar 21, 2018
Andy McGuire:
Conversion therapy is torture, not treatment
Over a decade ago, Iowa was one of the leading voices in the fight to legalize marriage equality. We should be proud of the progress we've made while recognizing the struggles that remain and the tasks at hand. With Republicans controlling both the Iowa
House and Senate, we must be vigilant in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and equality and work to elect a governor who can always be counted on to stand with the LGBTQ+ community. I want to be that voice, and I can guarantee that the LGBTQ+ community will
always have an ally if I am elected governor.As governor, I will also fight to end conversion therapy, a heinous and despicable practice that has no place anywhere in society. It's torture, not treatment. You cannot "pray the gay away".
Being LGBTQ+ is not a disease. We cannot, and we should not seek to "treat" or "cure" it. Iowa can be a leader in the LGBTQ+ community, once again, by joining nine other states that have banned this dangerous and misguided draconian practice.
Source: 2018 Iowa Governor campaign website McGuireForGovernor.com
Mar 21, 2018
Cary Kennedy:
Gender pay equity in government and across the state
In Colorado, women are paid 81 cents for every dollar men earn. The wage gap is even larger for women of color. Black women are paid 64 cents, Latinas are paid 54 cents, and Asian women are paid 70 cents for every dollar paid to white men. As governor,
I will begin my term by conducting a review of equal pay conditions at the state and make adjustments as necessary.I will support legislation addressing the pay equity gap. Colorado should:- Reinstitute something similar to the Colorado Pay Equity
Commission to study the problem and support employers and employees in understanding the pay equity gap.
- Ensure that all state contractors are in compliance with equal pay standards.
- Ensure that women are not discriminated against in the job
application process by preventing employers from seeking salary history information unless the employer had provided a salary range for the open position. This prevents discriminatory payments from following a women throughout her career.
Source: 2018 Governor campaign website CaryKennedyForGovernor.com
Mar 21, 2018
Cary Kennedy:
Ban the discredited practice of conversion therapy
I am proud that Colorado is a leader in protecting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people from discrimination. While we celebrate the brave activism and progress achieved by LGBTQ Coloradans and their allies, we can do more.
Everyone deserves to be treated fairly, equally, and with respect no matter who they are--or who they love. It is long past time for Colorado to ban the harmful and discredited practice of conversion therapy on young people.
Transgender Coloradans should be able to have identity documents like driver's licenses and birth certificates that match who they are. No one should suffer the sting of discrimination--not in the workplace, not in the marketplace, and not in the
classroom--not anywhere. As Governor, I will fight for equality for LGBTQ Coloradans and their families, and I will fight the regressive and hateful policies of the Trump Administration against LGBTQ Americans.
Source: 2018 Governor campaign website CaryKennedyForGovernor.com
Mar 21, 2018
Jared Fisher:
Treat LGBTQ like others; and some gender-neutral bathrooms
In my business, I am an Equal Opportunity Employer and will be in all capacities. I do not treat LGBTQ or anyone differently. I hire the best person for the job. We are all of the same human race. Every law-abiding citizen deserves equal respect
regardless of ethnicity, gender, lifestyle, background and religion, which includes the freedom to worship how, where, or what they may, so long as the worship does not infringe on anyone else's right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
In regards to the bathroom issue, I believe that there should be a men's restroom, a women's restroom, and a family/gender-neutral restroom wherever possible. Replacing all men's restrooms and women's restrooms with gender-neutral rooms is unnecessary
and confusing. Privacy is important; especially for children. In the case of schools, the school office restroom should be designated as available for anyone not comfortable using the boys' or girls' rooms.
Source: 2018 Nevada Governor campaign website FisherForNevada.com
Mar 21, 2018
Nate Boulton:
Defended LGBTQ nonprofit Iowa Safe Schools
Under Republican leadership, Iowa has taken steps backwards regarding civil rights. Governor Reynolds has said that LGBTQ+ issues are a matter of local control, putting the rights of LGBTQ+ Iowans in danger.
Nate has consistently fought to protect Iowans' civil rights. When Iowa Safe Schools, an LGBTQ nonprofit advocacy group was attacked by legislators at the Capitol,
Nate volunteered legal services and stood up to defend the organization as an attorney. As Governor, Nate would fight to ban conversion therapy and work to ensure that every child, no matter their sexual orientation, can go
to school free from harassment and bullying.
Iowans should be proud of our state's legacy of advancing civil rights, and we should honor that legacy by continuing to advance the rights of all Iowans.
Source: 2018 Iowa Governor campaign website BoultonForIowa.com
Mar 21, 2018
Rebecca Otto:
Address racial inequality gaps with social justice
Minnesota has one of the worst racial inequality gaps in the nation. Rebecca believes that the most powerful way to address this shameful gap is to expand economic, health, educational, and environmental justice and equality statewide. This will
specifically empower and support communities of color. Her plan to raise the minimum wage to $15 will help address the economic disparities that disproportionately affect people of color. Her plan for 2 years free college tuition will remove the
barriers that too often exist for young people. Her single payer health care plan will cover every Minnesotan. Her Minnesota-Powered Plan will drive up wages across the state and clean up the dirty air that hits communities of color the hardest. When
you study Rebecca's positions you will see that they work together to empower disadvantaged communities by leveling the economic playing field, opening the doors of opportunity, and providing every Minnesotan with better health & a chance to get ahead.
Source: 2018 Minnesota Governor campaign website RebeccaOtto.com
Mar 21, 2018
Steve Barlock:
Opposes pay equity; don't mandate equal outcomes
Q: Would you support a law to ensure that companies pay men and women equally for the same work?A: No. People are individuals with rights and equal opportunity but should not be guaranteed equal outcomes by governmental mandates.
I will work to ensure equal employment opportunity free from discrimination, but I will not mandate equal outcomes. I support the free market to determine how good of a job someone is doing and do not favor an added layer of bureaucracy.
Source: Q&A on 2018 Governor campaign website BarlockForGovernor.com
Mar 21, 2018
Andrew White:
No more political games; fight for all human rights
I'll promote human rights and equality for all Texans, no matter their color, race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity. America stands for freedom. For all.
We need to get our priorities straight. As governor, I'll stop these insane political games. Let's do right.
Source: 2018 Texas Gubernatorial campaign website AndrewWhite.com
Feb 22, 2018
David Hadley:
Recognize same-sex marriages, with religious exemptions
Because he supports state recognition of same-sex marriages, David Hadley voted against Proposition 8 in 2008--but, he also backs the rights of individuals, religious organizations, businesses and non-profits to follow their own beliefs.
And, he voted for end-of-life options for the terminally ill that included strong safeguards against abuse.
Source: 2018 CA gubernatorial campaign website DavidHadley.com
May 2, 2017
David Hadley:
Merit, not racial quotas, for college admissions
David Hadley believes race has no place in determining how our students are evaluated for the purpose of college admissions. Therefore, those young people who worked hard to enroll in higher education institutions should be judged on their merits and
not denied their opportunity because they didn't meet certain racial quotas.Hadley was strongly against SCA 5 that attempted to inject racial politics into public education by favoring some college applicants over more qualified students.
Source: 2018 CA gubernatorial campaign website DavidHadley.com
May 2, 2017
Delaine Eastin:
Commissioned first State Dept. of Education LGBT Task Force
Eastin fought for increased parental involvement, better teacher training and worked to create an overall safe and healthy school environment for every child regardless of race, gender or orientation.
She commissioned the first State Department of Education LGBT Task Force to foster safer and more welcoming school environments for LGBT students at all grade levels.
Source: 2018 CA Governor campaign website DelaineForGovernor.com
May 2, 2017
Ed Perlmutter:
Equal pay for equal work: close the gender gap
Ed believes everyone should receive equal pay for equal work.
Ed voted for both the Paycheck Fairness Act and the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009 to close the wage gender gap.
Source: 2018 CO gubernatorial campaign website perlmutter.house.gov
May 2, 2017
Ed Perlmutter:
Recognize same-sex marriage and equal benefits
Ed hailed the Supreme Court's decision recognizing same-sex marriage and supported legislation recognizing same-sex couples to receive federal Social Security benefits.
All Americans have a right to work, go to school, and live in communities free from discrimination.
Source: 2018 CO gubernatorial campaign website perlmutter.house.gov
May 2, 2017
Steve Marchand:
Lead movement towards LGBTQ equality
After watching Chris Sununu prioritize right-wing positions on privatizing public education, weakening unions, discouraging voter turnout, failing to lead on LGBTQ equality, and pushing tax cuts for a small
number of large companies at the expense of everybody else, it's more clear to me than ever that New Hampshire deserves a Governor who can make New Hampshire the best state in America to start a family and start a business.
Source: 2018 N.H. gubernatorial campaign website SteveMarchand.com
May 2, 2017
Tim Walz:
No discrimination because of who they love
According to current law, states may decide whether or not they will recognize or perform same-sex marriages. Many states have passed constitutional amendments defining marriage as between one man and one woman, while others allow same-sex marriages or
civil unions. As you may know, the Supreme Court recently declared Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) unconstitutional. Section 3 used specific language to ensure that only heterosexual couples would receive recognition from the federal
government. The federal government will now recognize same-sex marriages from states that have already passed legislation legalizing these marriages.
I am a strong supporter of marriage equality and legislation that provides civil rights protections for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community. No one should be discriminated against because of who they love.
Source: 2018 MN gubernatorial campaign website walz.house.gov
May 2, 2017
Tim Walz:
Freedom from discrimination is elemental concept of nation
Possibly the most elemental concept of our nation is that of equal protection under the law and freedom from discrimination. The civil rights movement of the 1950's and 60's brought about profound change and made our nation a better, more just place.
Today, while our causes may have expanded, the fight continues. As a nation, we must always strive to protect civil rights and as long as I remain in Congress, I will work tirelessly to do just that.
Source: 2018 MN gubernatorial campaign website walz.house.gov
May 2, 2017
Tina Liebling:
No government infringement of decision to marry
We must protect the freedom of every Minnesotan to speak their mind, maintain their privacy, and make their own important decisions. Government should not infringe on personal decisions that don't impact the health and safety of others--
such as who to love and marry, whether and where to worship, which bathroom to use, and how and when to reproduce.
Source: 2018 Minnesota governor campaign website TinaLiebling.com
May 2, 2017
Chris Countryman:
No discrimination based on orientation or gender identity
Countryman is in favor of:- In favor of expanded hate crime laws protecting individuals based on their actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or disability.
- In favor of laws that prohibit
students in public schools from participating in any form of discrimination or harassment against fellow students on the basis of their sexual orientation. This also includes harassment and discrimination based on a fellow student's gender or gender
identity.
- In favor of laws that prohibit discrimination or harassment in the workplace against workers on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. This includes laws prohibiting discrimination and harassment towards individuals on the
basis of sexual orientation or gender identity during the application and hiring process.
- In favor of laws that prohibit adoption discrimination against individuals on the basis of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or marital status.
Source: 2018 Alabama Gubernatorial campaign website "testtrac2018"
Mar 15, 2017
Chris Countryman:
Ok to refuse church services to gay couples
[On gender identity rights], Christopher A. Countryman is in favor of:- In favor of laws that allow clergy and churches the right to refuse services to those who do not adhere to their religious beliefs or who are not members of their church or
religious group. This only applies within their churches and places of worship.
- In favor of laws ensuring that churches, religious institutions, or other places of worship remain protected under the first amendment. This protection would extend to
all religious institutions as long as they refrain from any and all threats or acts of violence against those who they might oppose based on their religious beliefs.
- In favor of laws that prohibit discrimination and harassment against any other
federally recognized group or individual.
- In favor of laws that prohibit retaliation against anyone who opposes conduct that is considered unlawful under expanded discrimination and harassment laws.
Source: 2018 Alabama Gubernatorial campaign website "testtrac2018"
Mar 15, 2017
Jay Gonzalez:
Continue Massachusetts leadership like on marriage equality
Jay Gonzalez pledged to lead the Commonwealth with bold vision and concrete action that will make Massachusetts a leader once again. "From the American Revolution to marriage equality, Massachusetts has always been at the forefront of our country's
biggest issues," said Gonzalez. "President Trump threatens our values and threatens to take us backward. Now more than ever, we need a Governor who is going to stand up and fight for our values and fight to move us forward. I'll be that Governor."
Source: 2018 Massachusetts Governor campaign website jay4ma.com
Mar 11, 2017
Erin Murphy:
Confront divisive geography, gender, race and class
We need to remember that there is enough of the good life in Minnesota for all of our neighbors, in every community, to enjoy, and work to make that a reality. We need to confront the things that are dividing us; geography,
gender, race and class, and recognize that there are others we can't see or understand. We need to do this because we are in this together and our future depends on the success of each of us.
Source: 2018 MN Gubernatorial campaign website MurphyForMN.com
Jan 17, 2017
Rebecca Otto:
Endorsed by Stonewall DFL as ally of LGBT community
Stonewall DFL has announced its endorsement of Rebecca Otto for reelection as State Auditor. Rebecca has evolved to become one of the greatest allies of the LGBT community in public office in Minnesota, and we want to honor and celebrate her years of
support to the cause of LGBT equality, and the equality of all people.Rebecca has been passionate, loyal, and selfless in this support. If one looks at the photos posted on RebeccasRainbow.com, for example, many of the parade pictures are from 2011.
She was not up for re-election that year; she came to march WITH the Stonewall contingent. She literally carried our banner that year!
Rebecca Otto has emerged as one of the most principled public servants in the nation, and one of the greatest
elected allies of the LGBT community. When people told her earlier this year that in order to get reelected she had to vote against her principles regarding financial assurances for nonferrous mining she refused to even entertain the thought.
Source: 2018 Minnesota Governor campaign website RebeccaOtto.com
Jul 28, 2014
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