Voters Guide
Pennsylvania candidates for US Senate, US Congress (PA-3), Governor and PA State Assembly were asked about their positions on GLBT issues. Their responses appear below.
US Senate
Not Responding: Tom Smith (R)
Anti-Discrimination
What is your stance on legislation, such as the Employment Non Discrimination Act (ENDA), which would prohibit discrimination against employees on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity for civilian nonreligious employers with over 15 employees?
I am an original cosponsor of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act in the Senate.
Other
What else would you like to let gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered (GLBT) voters, and their families, friends and supporter concerned about GLBT issues know about you?
While in the Senate I have worked with the LGBT community for equal rights. I have a 100% voting record with the Human Rights Campaign. I was a cosponsor of and voted for the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Repeal Act that was signed into law and ensures that any qualified American willing to risk his or her life for our country will be permitted to serve free of discriminatory treatment. To fight bullying in schools, I introduced the Safe Schools Improvement Act to require school districts that receive federal funding to adopt codes of conduct that specifically prohibit bullying and harassment based on a student’s actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. To crack down on hate crimes, I was an original cosponsor of the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act that was signed into law. This law imposes criminal penalties for causing (or attempting to cause) bodily injury because of the actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability of such person. I have also adopted a policy in my Senate offices barring discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
US Congress (PA-3)
Not Responding: Mike Kelly (R-Incumbent)
Anti-Discrimination
What is your stance on legislation, such as the Employment Non Discrimination Act (ENDA), which would prohibit discrimination against employees on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity for civilian nonreligious employers with over 15 employees?
I am in favor of legislation that prohibits discrimination against employees based on any demographic characteristics including sexual orientation and gender identity.
Editors’ Note: Mike Kelly did not respond to the questionnaire, but did respond to a question about ENDA at a townhall meeting in Vernon Twonship in July 2011. A constituent asked Rep. Kelly if he supported ENDA and Kelly responded by talking about his support for DOMA (Defense of Marriage Act ) which bans same-sex marriage. He then quickly changing the subject. You can view his entire response below.
I believe the ENDA legislation is long overdue to become ‘Law-of-the-Land’ in the United States. I find it troubling we are having this discussion on GLBL rights in America. In our U.S. Constitution, the preamble starts with these seven words, “ We the People of the United States”. It doesn’t start with ‘We the People of the United States who are NOT Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual or Transgender’. We in America, must put our phobias aside and become the United and Inclusionary Nation millions of American Military Personnel ( including Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual) have given their lives to protect.
I am opposed to any form of discrimination based on one’s sexual orientation. My opposition is strong and guided by two principles. The first is personal. Anyone’s sexual behavior, as long as it is not coercive, directed toward a minor, or engaged in with an intent to cause physical harm, is no one’s business but that of the participating adults. This is my position whether the participants are heterosexual or homosexual. But beyond that, it is a violation of the precepts of our Constitution to discriminate in any way on the basis of sexual orientation. I hold that position not only because of the equal protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, but because the Ninth Amendment gives adult citizens the right to choose their own sexual behavior. It does not do this specifically, but it says, and I quote, “The enumeration of certain rights in the Constitution shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.”
If people deny the equal treatment of an adult on the basis of sexual orientation, they are violating the tenets of the Ninth Amendment and should be prevented from doing so. They should also be liable for any damages caused by their denial of those tenets because they are acting illegally.
These Constitutional precepts are, for me, more important than my own personal principles in this election because I am running for Congress, and it will be my sworn duty to uphold the principles of the Constitution. Personal positions are, of course, important to the individual, but for those who hold public office, particularly federal office, they pale before an adherence to the Constitution. In any event, in this instance, my personal position and the Constitution are in harmony.
Other
What else would you like to let gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered (GLBT) voters, and their families, friends and supporter concerned about GLBT issues know about you?
I am a long-time supporter of equal rights. I have GLBT family, friends, and students. I care about the issues that affect them. At Penn State, I advised the GLBT Student group, studied to become an Ally, helped to bring Judy Shepard to our campus, and brought the film Out in the Silence with a panel discussion with the filmmakers, a GLSEN representative, and Stephen Glassman. I teach gender classes exploring the antecedents and concomitants that create and sustain our experience of gender. Further, my office is a Safe Space on campus.
I am an Air Force/Army disabled Veteran. I have been speaking out against the injustices in America, including the uneven ‘Distribution of Wealth’ and ‘Social Phobias’ for thirty years. I am an outspoken critic of our Worldwide Military Expansionism over the past fifty years, especially our unwarranted Preemtive War with Iraq in 2003. I believe we should be strengthening our Diplomatic presence around the world NOT our Military presence. I’m against any group who imposes their religious or man-made laws that are based on outdated traditional ideological beliefs that are biased and exclusive toward another group.
Please visit my web site: porter4congress.com
US Congress (PA-5)
Not Responding: Glenn Thompson (R-Incumbent)
Anti-Discrimination
Yes, strong belief in equal opportunity for all!
Other
I honor the freedom and courage of all, including GLBT voters, and their familes to live truthfully without discrimination and with justice. I am an ally and GLBT family member.
PA State Senate District 49
Not Responding: Janet Anderson (R)
Anti Discrimination
Do you support legislation that would amend the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, the commonwealth’s civil rights law, to include “sexual orientation” and “gender identity or expression” as protected classes?
Yes, I would generally support such legislation. I am dedicated to the principal that regardless of a person’s background, financial status, gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity, we are all created equally and deserve the same treatment and protections under the law. HB300, as introduced last year, provides the protections needed, and I will support similar legislation should it come up again.
Hate Crimes
Do you support legislation that would amend the Title 18 Ethnic Intimidations Act to define crimes against individuals based on “actual or perceived ancestry, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity” as ethnic intimidation, or hate crimes.
Yes, I would support legislation such as the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr., Hate Crimes Prevention Act and would further support any anti-bullying legislation that is legal under the Pennsylvania Constitution.
Other
What else would you like to let gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered (GLBT) voters, and their families, friends and supporter concerned about GLBT issues know about you?
It is my hope that soon everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, will be able to enjoy the same protections and rights under the law. It is my belief that very soon members of the GLBT community will no longer be treated as second-class citizens. I am proud of the fact that the first endorsement my campaign received was from Equality PA. I pledge to you that I will be a staunch advocate for the GLBT community in Harrisburg, as I have been for years here in my hometown of Erie.
PA State Assembly
Anti-Discrimination
Do you support legislation that would amend the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, the commonwealth’s civil rights law, to include “sexual orientation” and “gender identity or expression” as protected classes?
Hate Crimes
Do you support HB 745 which would amend the Title 18 Ethnic Intimidations Act to define crimes against individuals based on “actual or perceived ancestry, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity” as ethnic intimidation, or hate crimes.
Other
What else would you like to let gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered (GLBT) voters, and their families, friends and supporter concerned about GLBT issues know about you?
District 1
Anti Discimination
Pat Harkins (D-Incumbent)
I was a proud sponsor of HB 300 and was instrumental with Rep. Flo Fabrizio to have a public hearing here in Erie on the legislation.
Hate Crimes
Pat Harkins (D-Incumbent)
I co sponsored and also proudly supported HB 745 which would amend the title 18 “Ethnic Intimidation Act”.
Other
Pat Harkins (D-Incumbent)
As I am sure you are aware I am a open minded legislator who looks at all sides of the issues before I make a decision.
District 2
Anti Discimination
Flo Fabrizio (D-Incumbent)
Yes In my former position as Erie County Clerk, I was directly involved in amending the Erie County Human Relations Charter to include similar language.
Hate Crimes
Flo Fabrizio (D-Incumbent)
Yes
Other
Flo Fabrizio (D-Incumbent)
I have always supported the GLBT community, and I will continue to do so.
District 3
Anti Discimination
Yes.
Yes, I would co-sponsor such legislation.
Hate Crimes
Yes.
Yes, I would co-sponsor such legislation.
Other
For more information on Ryan Bizzarro for State Representative, please visit us online at www.PaStateRep.com and “LIKE” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RyanForPA or follow @RyanBizzarro on Twitter.
I am proud to be the only Republican candidate in Pennsylvania endorsed by EqualityPA. I would be honored to have the votes of GLBT voters and their allies in the 3rd Legislative District. For more information, please visit my website at www.VoteJasonOwen.com
District 4
Not Responding: Curt Sonney (R-Incumbent)
District 5
Not Responding: Jason White (D), Greg Lucas (R)
Editors’ Note: Jason White attended the Oct 14 Candidate Forum, and supports the inclusion of sexual orientation and gender orientation/expression in the state’s hate crimes law as well as the Pennyslvania Human Relations Commission. The video of his remarks is here.
Also...
Although not part of the EGN questionnaire, we are providing links to these features that will inform you about the positions of the presidential candidates on the Pennsylvania ballot:
Barack Obama (D) at HRC dinner 2011(video)
Mitt Romney (R) positions on nondiscrimination and same-sex marriage
Jill Stein (Green) Interview with Seattle Gay News
Gary Johnson (Libertarian) About.com Gary Johnson on civil liberties
NY VOTERS
Empire Pride Agenda has endorsements at their www.prideagenda.org
Click on “2012 Election Center”
OHIO VOTERS
Equality Ohio has candidates and issue endorsements for the 2012 general election at
Videos
Barack Obama speaks at 2011 HRC National Dinner - Posted Oct 22, 2012
Mike Kelly asked about ENDA in July 2011, doesn't respond - Posted Oct 22, 2012
Missa Eaton, Ryan Bizzarro, Bob Merski at Pride Picnic 2012 - Posted Oct 22, 2012
Charles Dumas (5th District Congressional District) at Pride - Posted Oct 22, 2012
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