Voters Guide
Candidates for US Congress PA-3 and PA-5, PA State Senate and PA State House were asked about their positions on GLBT issues. Their responses appear below.
These were the questions for PA State Offices:
Anti-Discrimination
Do you support the passage of SB/HB 300, which would amend the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act to include protecting LGBT individuals from discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodation? Please explain.
Anti-Bullying
Do you support the PASS Act, which would amend the Public School Code of 1949 to include protecting LGBT individuals from bullying in public schools? Please explain.
Other
What would you like to let the Erie area LGBT community to know? Responses on following pages
PA Governor
Not Responding: Tom Corbett (R-Incumbent)
Anti-Discrimination
Tom Corbett (R-Incumbent)
[Editors ‘note]: In December, Corbett stated ""If that bill comes to my desk, I'll sign it," Source: The Morning Call on 2014 Pennsylvania Governor race , Dec 18, 2013
Tom Wolf (D)
All people – regardless of sexual orientation – should be treated equally under the law. At my company, I treat all of my workers fairly and with good benefits. This includes extending benefits to same--?sex partners. I do this not just because it is morally important but also because I understand the practical economic importance of extending rights regardless of sexual orientation.
As governor, I will promote legislation, like House Bill 300, that makes sexual orientation and gender identity and expression a protected class. I will also support changes to Pennsylvania's tax code so that domestic partners can be recognized as dependents for tax purposes. This would eliminate the need for employees to pay taxes on health benefits covering their same-sex partner.
Ken Krawchuk (Libertarian)
The Libertarian Party is different from the two old parties in that we are the party of principle. Every law we support, every law we oppose, can all be traced to one central principle: that your life is yours, your property is yours, that you have the God-given, inalienable right to live your life your way, without interference, provided that you respect the rights and property of others. That said, it's obvious how I stand: I believe that we should all be treated equally under the law, meaning no special favors for anyone, nor any special handicaps for anyone. Granting a special status to a particular group of people effectively lifts them up above others, giving them rights and privileges that others do not share. That creates in effect a second class citizenship for those outside the protected group. I stand against second class citizenships, so therefore I would oppose any law granting special protections or quotas for gays, women, minorities, businesses, or politicians, and I would oppose any law that denied anyone full enjoyment of all rights and privileges. All must be equal in the eyes of the law.
Anti-Bullying
Tom Wolf (D)
I believe safety is a fundamental civil right, and nowhere is that more evident than in our schools. Students go there to learn and should be safe and protected. In order to create an environment where students feel comfortable testing new ideas and asking questions, there Tom Wolf for Governor www.wolfforpa.com needs to be a positive school climate where students feel safe. Not only does the Commonwealth need to ensure that public school teachers have the knowledge and tools to prevent bullying but we also need to strengthen our anti-bullying laws so that there are real consequences.
In addition to addressing issues of in-school bullying, we also need to tackle the problem of cyber-bullying, which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have referred to as a public health emergency. As governor, I will support legislation that strengthens our current laws to create serious consequences for bullies and provide school districts with the tools needed to properly address the problem. Ken Krawchuk
(Libertarian) Bullying is currently a high profile issue in public schools, and I feel that it has been adequately addressed, and that no further legislation is currently needed. As for explicitly including LGBT individuals in such legislation, please refer to my answer to Question 1. To repeat: I would oppose any law granting special protections or quotas for any group of people, and I would oppose any law that denied anyone full enjoyment of all rights and privileges. All must be equal in the eyes of the law.
Other
Tom Wolf (D)
William Penn founded Pennsylvania on a basis of fairness and tolerance. Our Commonwealth must continue to be a place that pays faithful tribute to those good values.
I am running for governor because I want to give Pennsylvania a fresh start – to make the Commonwealth the nation's "Keystone" for economic growth with its abundant natural resources, vibrant agricultural sector, world class universities and colleges, and its ideal location as the transportation and telecommunications hub between the East Coast, Midwest, and world markets.
Pennsylvania is not going to get this fresh start unless we level the playing field and start treating all residents with the respect they deserve. As governor, I will work tirelessly to advance the rights of all residents, end discrimination against the LGBT community, and ensure that two people who love each other have the right to marry. Additionally, I will work recruit and actively encourage more LGBT residents to enter politics at the local, state, and national level.
Ken Krawchuk (Libertarian)
I must congratulate the LGBT community in Erie and across the country for finally receiving the recognition and respect that all people deserve. As with racial minorities, the journey toward acceptance for the LGBT community has been a long one, often a one-step-back/two-steps-forward situation. But acceptance is strengthening, and the long-term prospects are excellent. However, I would caution against overconfidence, especially in the realm of legal remedies. Asking for special privileges runs the risk of creating a backlash and undoing the achievements made to date. Equality is what we all seek, not supremacy. I wish you continued good fortune in your quest for equality.
PA Senate District 50
Not Responding: Michele Brooks (R)
Anti-Discrimination
Michael T Muha (D)
If elected to the Pennsylvania Senate, I will not only support, but co-sponsor any legislation that bans LGBT discrimination from employment, housing, and public accommodation. Pennsylvania should be a state where we welcome people to live, work, and play.
Anti-Bullying
Michael T Muha (D)
As an anti-bullying advocate for public school children, I am a strong supporter of any legislation that protects students. Certainly sexual orientation and gender identity are two categories that should be protected.
Other
Michael T Muha (D)
That you will not have a greater ally and friend to support you and your cause. I strongly believe that all Americans, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, should be treated with respect and compassion. As your next State Senator, I will fight for you and your right to be equal under the law.
PA State House District 1
Not responding: Patrick Harkins (D-Incumbent)
[Editors' note]: Patick Harkins is a co-sponsor of HB 300 (anti-discrimination)and the PASS Act (against bullying)
PA State House District 2
Not responding: Flo Fabrizio (D-Incumbent)
[Editors' note]: At the NW PA Pride Alliance candidates forum April 16, Rep. Fabrizion stated that he "Absolutely" supports repeal of the PA DOMA law. In response to a question about HB 300, he said, "I've co-sponsore that from Day 1."
PA State House District 3
Not Responding: Luke E Lofgren (R)
Anti-Discrimination
Ryan Bizzarro (D-Incumbent)
I absolutely support the passage of HB300, which is why I am a co-sponsor of this legislation. No employer, landlord, or business should have the right to deny another person their rights due to sex, religion, race, or sexual orientation. No one should fear loss of their job because they have a picture of their partner or family on their desk.
Anti-Bullying
Ryan Bizzarro (D-Incumbent)
I do support the passage of the PASS Act (HB 156) and have shown my support by becoming a co-sponsor of the Act.
Other
Ryan Bizzarro (D-Incumbent)
I meet on a regular bases with Rep. Brian Sims and Rep. Fleck who keep me updated on the issues dealing with the LGBT community. I would also like everyone to know that my door is always open to all. If youhave have any questions or concerns, please call my office to speak to me or to my staff. We can be reached at 814-835-2880 or email me at RepBizzarro@pahouse.net.
Luke Lofgren (R)
[Editor’s Note: Lofgren was a guest speaker at the Traditional Marriage Rally Sept. 6, 2014. The rally was held in opposition to same-sex marriage.]
PA State House District 4
Not Responding: Curt Sonney (R-Incumbent)
Anti-Discrimination
Curt Smith (D)
YES, This Community is worthy of equal treatment as are all Pennsylvanians.
Anti-Bullying
Curt Smith (D)
YES, As a School Director, and the Chairman of the Policy committee we look hard at our policies to prevent issues that could arise in our school system. I support to prevent bullying and defend equal rights.
Other
Curt Smith (D)
It is not a representative's responsibility to decided whether LGBT individuals are right or wrong, but to defend the rights as an individual and protect there rights that all Men & Women should be treated equally
PA State House District 6
Not Responding: Brad Roae (R-Incumbent)
Anti-Discrimination
Juanita Shutsa (D)
Yes. I believe discrimination of any group in the area of employment, housing, and public accommodation to be reprehensible and unacceptable.
Anti-Bullying
Juanita Shutsa (D)
Yes. Bullying is unacceptable in any shape or form toward any individual or group of individuals, period.
Other
Juanita Shutsa (D)
I would like to let the Erie area LGBT community know that I am a person who recognizes and will support the full equality of all persons of our district and our state. Legislation which would promote bigotry and prejudice have no place in the law books of our commonwealth. I believe in every individual's freedom of choice regardless of that choice's agreement with my or another's personal beliefs.
PA State House District 17
Not Responding: Parke Wentling (R)
Anti-Discrimination
Wayne E Hanson (D)
I support the passage of SB/HB 300. All citizens are entitled to equal opportunity and protection from discrimination. This includes discrimination based upon sexual orientation or gender identity or expression.
Anti-Bullying
Wayne E Hanson (D)
I support the PASS Act. There are already many avenues for protecting students from bullying. Unfortunately we need special legislation to "remind" and "require" the powers to be, and all others, that "all" students deserve this protection, and this protection "must be provided".
Other
Wayne E Hanson (D)
Citizens in the LGBT community are part of the long list of groups that have been subject to bias and discrimination. I have been an advocate against unjust treatment most of my life. One example, I was an advocate for the mentally retarded helping them obtain their right to denied education and MH/MR. Services. This was greatly needed until the 70s and is now much improved. I am now retired. Previously I was a District Justice for 18 years. Every day my goal was to insure all citizens were treaty fairly. I have always encouraged others that it is important to stand up for their rights and what is right. I have volunteered my time to help others overcome unjust practices and unsympathetic organizations. For example several years ago a college student being harassed at school because of his sexual orientation. It is important that organizations such as the Pride Alliance exist. Mutual support is the key to bring about needed change. I viewed this questionnaire as the best I received. The NW PA Pride Alliance is providing a valuable service by reasonable questions and not editing the answers. I will be honored if any person with the Pride Alliance would be willing to volunteer with my campaign. Home Phone 814-587-3418
These were the questions for US Congress:
Anti-Discrimination
Last year, the United States Senate passed the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), providing federal protection for LGBT individuals from job discrimination. The bill has gone to the House. Do you support this bill? Please explain.
Marriage Equality
In the 2013 Windsor decision, the United States Supreme Court declined to decide if the LGBT community has a constitutional right to marriage equality. Conflicting state rulings have occurred since this time, causing the issue to soon be back before the Court. Do you support a constitutional right to marriage equality for the LGBT community? Please explain.
Other
What would you like to let the Erie area LGBT community to know?
US CONGRESS PA-3
Not Responding: Dan LaVallee (D), Mike Kelly (R-Incumbent)
Mike Kelly (R-Incumbent)
Editors' Note: Mike Kelly did not respond to the questionnaire, but did respond to a question about ENDA at a townhall meeting in Vernon Township 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 on our website, link to it from this article on our website.
US CONGRESS PA-5
Not Responding: Kerith Strano-Taylor (D), Glenn Thompson (R-Incumbent)
Videos
Mike Kelly asked about ENDA in July 2011, doesn't respond - Posted Oct 25, 2014
