Kathy Dahlkemper letter of apology


by Michael Mahler


On Tuesday July 1, a letter written and circulated by Michael Wehr, head of faith outreach in President Obama's re-election campain, was sent to President Obama asking him to provide an exemption for religious organizations in a planned executive order banning federal contractors from discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression. Among the 14 signatures on the letter was Erie County Executive Kathy Dahlkemper.


The letter stated that the signatories "agree that banning discrimination is a good thing. We believe that all persons are created in the divine image of the creator, and are worthy of respect and love, without exception."


The letter went on to say that "even so, it still may not be possible for all sides to reach a consensus on every issue. That is why we are asking that an extension of protection for one group not come at the expense of faith communities whose religious identity and beliefs motivate them to serve those in need."


The proposed exemption for religious organization would allow for "balancing the government's interest in protecting both LGBT Americans, as well as the religious organizations that seek to serve in accordance with their faith and values." according to the letter.


The letter followed the US Supreme Court Holly Lobby decision, which granted exemptions to closely held corporations in providing insurance through the Affordable Care Act for birth control on the basis of the corporation's religious beliefs.


Dahlkemper's signature was puzzling to many in the LGBT community as she has been supportive of LGBT rights. When she was a US Congressmember, she voted to overturn the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell " policy and also supported the Employment Non Discrimination Act (ENDA). Her first meeting as a congressmember was with a group of LGBT activists. When running for Erie County Executive in 2013, she talked publicly about being the proud mother of a gay son. More recently, she attended the Decision Day Rally on May 20 when marriage equality became the law of the land in Pennsylvania. She happily informed the crowd that one couple had already registered that afternoon.


On July 10, Dahlkemper publicly apologized for an error in judgment and asked that her name be removed from the letter. Wehr agreed.


As of this writing, the executive order is due to be signed by President Obaama and does not contain a broad religious exemption.

July 10, 2014



To my beautiful son, my many dear friends, the LGBT community, and all citizens –


I would like to let you know that I made an error in judgment when I signed a letter to President Obama regarding his expected Executive Order addressing federal contractors and LGBT employment policies. I have requested that my name be withdrawn from this letter. 


When I signed the letter I knew that a religious exemption was in ENDA, saw it endorsed on the HRC website, and while it seemed appropriate legislatively, I failed to appreciate the effect it would have on individuals. 


As County Executive, and as a friend to the LGBT community, I have made LGBT rights central to my career in public service. I am proud of the progress we have made, but we have so much more to do.


I have always said and genuinely believe that no matter your gender, your skin color, your religion, your socio-economic status, or your sexual orientation, you have a right to equality. This is the cause I will focus on moving forward – in partnership with my friends and allies in the LGBT community. I regret that my participation in this letter distracted from this important mission.


For those I have offended, I apologize. For those who engaged in a civil dialogue regarding this issue, even when you disagreed with me, I thank you.


As much as we are all the same, we are different. We need to work together to respect these differences and celebrate one another's uniqueness. I promise to continue to work for equality for all people, and to help create a community that provides opportunity for all.


Sincerely,


Kathy Dahlkemper 


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