Voters Guide
Compiled by Michael Mahler
Candidates for US Senate, 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. All candidates in a race are asked the same questions. Responses are entered as received, without any changes, including correction for typographical errors. Pertinent information that does not come directly from the candidate will use reliable and verifiable sources.
These were the questions for all candidates:
Anti-Discrimination
Do you support the passage of legislation such as the Equality Act or the PA Fairness Act, which would protect LGBT individuals from discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodation? Please explain.
"Religious Freedom"
Do you support legislation such as Indiana's Senate Bill 101 that would allow individuals, government officials or government agencies to deny providing goods and services to LGBT individuals because of religious beliefs. Please explain.
Gender Identity/Expression
Do you support legislation such as South Dakota's House Bill 1008 that would prohibit individuals from using the restroom and etc facilities which match their gender identity? 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?
US Senate
Not Responding: Pat Toomey (R-Incumbent)
Anti-Discrimination
John Fetterman (D)
Yes. It blows my mind how these protections aren't already law and that there is any argument against them. We need enumeration that specifically spells out gender identity and sexual orientation. It's a disgrace that we don't have laws against LGBT discrimination in housing, the workplace and public accommodation. It's the next great struggle for LGBT rights after marriage equality.
Kathleen McGinty (D)
I support the Equality Act and will be a vocal advocate of the legislation if elected to Senate. I've seen the issues confronting the LGBT community first-hand with my brother who is gay. These fundamental issues of equality are not theoretical to me, they are personal, and I believe that discrimination in any form is unacceptable and harmful to the fabric of our country. As Governor Wolf's Chief of Staff, I was proud to join with him to aggressively call on Pennsylvania's legislature to pass legislation to ensure that none of our citizens are ever discriminated against. In the Senate, I fill fight to pass those protections against discrimination at the federal level.
Joe Sestak (D)
I fully support the passage of the Equality Act, and I will fight to ensure that all LGBT Americans are free from discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodations. Although the Supreme Court's decision to affirm the right of all people to marry whomever they love was an important step forward in the advancement of LGBT rights, a same-sex couple in Pennsylvania can still be fired and evicted once their employers and landlords learn of the wedding. We need tireless warriors in the Senate who will fight for the rights for all Americans to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity – and I am proud to say I will be that warrior.
Joseph Vodvarka (D)
Any American who wants to work should be able to do so with out worrying about being discriminated against.
If they are good workers they should be protected.
"Religious Freedom"
John Fetterman (D)
No. All LGBT Americans need to be treated as equal citizens.
Kathleen McGinty (D)
I absolutely oppose legislation such as the bill proposed in Indiana. These laws are unacceptable attempts to legalize discrimination. As a country, we should be passing laws that protect Americans and improve our economy – not laws that legalize discrimination and drive businesses away.
Joe Sestak (D)
The freedom of religion is not the freedom to discriminate against those with whom we disagree. One of the most fundamental freedoms upon which our nation is based is the freedom to worship free from persecution, but our LGBT brothers and sisters also have the unalienable right to live free from persecution. I oppose legislation such as Indiana's Senate Bill 101 because it sets a dangerous precedent of denying the basic dignity of the LGBT community, potentially opening the door to even more onerous laws denying them their fundamental rights.
Gender Identity/Expression
John Fetterman (D)
Absolutely not. A person should be able to use facilities that match their gender identity, just like anyone else can.
Kathleen McGinty (D)
I absolutely oppose South Dakota's proposed legislation. It is the duty of government to protect the most vulnerable – not target young people for discrimination. Treating transgender students and all Americans equally comes at no cost to anyone else. As Senator, I will be a force against these discriminatory laws.
Joe Sestak (D)
I was pleased to see that South Dakota's Republican governor struck down this discriminatory proposal, because it showed that affirming the dignity of the transgender community is neither a conservative or liberal issue – it is a human issue. A person's gender identity and expression is the business of that person and no one else's, and any attempt from lawmakers to restrict their ability to live in accordance with their gender identity should be rejected outright. The national conversation surrounding a trans person's ability just to use a public restroom, which has invoked baseless comparisons between transgender people and sex offenders, has been shameful and I will work as a Senator to promote acceptance and equality for my transgender constituents
Anti-Bullying
John Fetterman (D)
I think every school in the country - whether it be public, private, or high education - should be required to adopt codes of conduct specifically banning bullying, harassment and discrimination, including on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. It is shameful that most states in our country don't have non-discrimination laws for LGBT students, so we really need to do our best at the federal level to establish a precedent. The fact that a handful of states don't let schools even discuss LGBT and forbid enumeration is ludicrous. We also need to make sure schools are properly funded so they can have the resources and accountability measures necessary to enforce anti-bullying policies and have education programs around these issues.
Kathleen McGinty (D)
I support the PASS Act and in the Senate I would support federal legislation like the Student Non-Discrimination Act and the Safe Schools Improvement Act. Schools should be a place for all of our children to learn and grow, not to be subject to harassment and violence.
Joe Sestak (D)
Nearly 90 percent of all LGBT youth report being harassed at school for their sexual orientation or gender identity, with more than 60 percent reporting that their school did nothing when they learned of this harassment. Furthermore, LGBT youth are twice as likely to drop out of high school and not pursue a college degree as their heterosexual peers, and an astonishingly high number of LGBT youth escape hostile environments at school and at home by becoming homeless. Passing the PASS Act to better serve the LGBT children in our schools is not the last step we must take to fix these problems, but it is strong first step in the right direction and I strongly support its passage.
Other
John Fetterman (D)
I was the first Mayor in Pennsylvania to sign on to the "Mayors for the Freedom to Marry" letter. In 2013, when same-sex marriage was still illegal in Pennsylvania, I did what no other mayor in the state would: defied the governor and officiated marriages for same-sex couples. I thought it was a disgrace that we'd made discrimination a part of our state constitution, so when the Montgomery County Clerk started issuing marriage licenses, I was happy to open my home to couples looking to be officially married.
Kathleen McGinty (D)
I firmly believe that diversity is one of our country's greatest strengths. That's why as Governor Wolf's Chief of Staff and advisor, I was proud to help him select one of the most diverse Cabinets in our Commonwealth's history – including selecting Dr. Rachel Levine as Pennsylvania's physician general, making her the highest-ranking transgender person in state government history. Pennsylvania is a better place for having diverse leadership that reflects the people of this state.
I have seen the impact of discrimination on those closest to me in my life. These issues are personal to me. I'll be a dedicated fighter against discrimination at all levels – whether it's because of race, gender, sexual orientation or gender identity. As Senator, I'll fight for legislation that ensures that all Americans are treated and protected equally under the law and I'll be a force against attempts to undermine the progress we've made as a state and as a nation.
Joe Sestak (D)
The Supreme Court's decision to extend marriage rights to LGBT Americans was another step in a long and broad civil rights struggle demonstrating that our nation can be made more perfect – that every citizen deserves dignity, respect, and equality under the law.
All Americans can now marry the one they love and receive all the rights and responsibilities that come with marriage. And yet, in many states, their employers may still legally fire them once they hear about the wedding.
Marriage equality was an important achievement, but with no federal laws prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in employment, housing, or public accommodations, we cannot yet declare victory.
Indeed, we have not done enough.
We have not done enough when LGBT Americans are still hesitant to put pictures of their partners and spouses at the work place because 10 to 28 percent of LGBT employees stated that they have been denied promotion or fired simply because of their sexual orientation.
Polling shows that a majority of Americans in every single congressional district would support a law to protect against employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.
It is no longer enough for leaders to simply support the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) – we need it to be re-introduced over and over again until the holdouts in Congress are embarrassed into finally making law what 7 out of 10 Americans already know is right.
We also have not done enough when LGBT renters and prospective home buyers are more likely to be denied housing, even after offering to pay the full asking price in cash, and 48 percent of LGBT couples face discrimination when applying for senior housing.
To remedy this, the Fair Housing Act must be amended to specifically include sexual orientation and gender identity as protected categories in housing transactions.
Similarly, we have not done nearly enough when a hotel can refuse a room to an LGBT couple, turning travelers away because they happen to be gay.
When confronted about this subject, one U.S. Senator stated that he had not "given any thought to the issue" before hurrying into an elevator. That same Senator also said that violent crimes against LGBT Americans are not hate crimes, and would ban adoptions by LGBT couples.
Laws protecting LGBT Americans from discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations are long overdue, and we need trusted advocates – actually, warriors – in the Senate to move this fight forward.
In my 31-year career in the United States Navy, I served alongside many LGBT Americans who were all committed to defending our nation. I had the fortune to lead and serve under some of these fine men and women who simply wanted to get the job done. They would have died for me, and I for them.
I was disappointed when "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT) was passed. I was taken aback when an official Navy spokesman justified that policy by saying that "homosexuals are notoriously promiscuous," and that if allowed to serve openly, heterosexuals showering with gay men would have an "uncomfortable feeling of someone watching."
At the time, I was serving as a captain, and a two-star admiral asked me what I thought about DADT. It was certain to be declared unconstitutional, I told him, convinced that the Supreme Court would throw it out in a couple months.
Unfortunately, that did not happen. So when I got to Congress, I was proud to co-sponsor legislation to end DADT and prohibit the military from discriminating based on sexual orientation.
I have served my country as a naval leader and legislator. I take great pride in America's fine tradition and ability to perfect itself – with committed citizens in every generation leading the way to right wrongs and pursue equality for all.
LGBT rights remain one of those key social issues of our time. Social progress is gradual, but the efforts through which we achieve it must be relentless.
Together, we can continue to build on the great progress that we have already made, and help our nation achieve a higher ground for all citizens, as our founders inspired us to do some two centuries ago, declaring that "We, the People" must always strive toward a more perfect union.
Joseph Vodvarka (D)
I'd like to see us work for a cure for AIDS and cancer. Look at how much we've spent on these wars, what if we spent it on a cure for AIDS and cancer? Also, the only foreign aid that the US gives out should be for Israel.
US Congress PA -3
Not Responding: Mike Kelly(R-Incumbent)
Editors' Note: This is from Human Rights Campaign's article "19 Members of Congress Inducted into HRC's Hall of Shame" (October 2014) :
"Mike Kelly (R- PA)— At first glance, Kelly appears to be a more moderate, reasonable kind of guy. Yet in the 113th Congress, in addition to cosponsoring anti-LGBT bills, he took the initiative to introduce one of the must hurtful and harmful anti-LGBT bills yet—the Child Welfare Provider Inclusion Act. This bill would allow adoption and foster care providers to use their personal religious beliefs as a reason to discriminate against LGBT people seeking to provide a loving home to a child in need."
US Congress PA -5
Not Responding: Kerith Strano Taylor (D), Glenn Thompson (R-Incumbent)
PA State Senate 49
Anti-Discrimination
Sean Wiley (D-Incument)
Absolutely. I am a co-sponsor of Senate Bill 300 and have advocated for its swift movement through the Senate for final passage.
Dan Laughlin (R)
Right now, it is irrational and runs against every concept of fairness and equity, that gay individuals can be fired from their jobs, denied employment, turned away from housing and public accommodations. While I do not believe that every heterosexual institution or custom demands a corresponding gay version, every individual is entitled to equality of opportunity and treatment under the law. As such, I would join with other mainstream Republicans in the general assembly in support of The Pennsylvania Fairness Act.
"Religious Freedom"
Sean Wiley (D-Incument)
Absolutely not. I do not feel that a claim of a religious exemption is valid. These restrictions are similar to those imposed based on race in the earlier history of this country. As citizens of this country, we should all be afforded equal protection by our government free of any discrimination.
Dan Laughlin (R)
I do not.
Gender Identity/Expression
Sean Wiley (D-Incument)
I do not support efforts like HB 1008 as I feel that prohibition is grounded in fear and not in reality.
Dan Laughlin (R)
I do not.
Anti-Bullying
Sean Wiley (D-Incument)
Yes, I do support efforts to include all students in anti-bullying initiatives in our schools and to have protections extended to all so that a safe learning environment is afforded to each student.
Dan Laughlin (R)
Current law and regulation already forbid bullying. To carve out subcategories invites the erosion of equality before the law for which the LGBT community is now fighting. I would not support an act, such as the PASS Act, that would result in this enforced inequality. Bullying is bullying. Assault is assault. Crime is crime.
Other
Sean Wiley (D-Incument)
I stand with each person in the great Erie community as an ally, an advocate and a champion. It was my honor to attend the NWPA Pride Festival this past summer with the first transgender member of the Pennsylvania Cabinet, Physician General Dr. Rachel Levine and to meet so many amazing people in our community. I see each of us as who we are and in that vein, feel it my duty and obligation as your Senator to ensure that everyone is afforded the same opportunity in our community.
Dan Laughlin (R)
The LGBT community has, traditionally, been one that has included entrepreneurs, artists, business leaders, and professionals with whom my message of economic growth, low taxes, and responsible government should resonate. Where we differ on some of the finer points of social policy, I think that the ultimate role of state government is to provide services to all citizens, while fostering a climate of economic progress and fiscal restraint that benefits people of all kinds, all backgrounds, and all aspirations.
PA State House 1
Not Responding: William Crotty (R)
Anti-Discrimination
Patrick Harkins (D-Incumbent)
I have always been a strong supporter of H.B. 300 since it was introduced and I will continue to support it and will vote in favor of it when it comes up for passage.
"Religious Freedom"
Patrick Harkins (D-Incumbent)
No, I believe all people should be treated fairly and with respect regardless of their religious beliefs.
Gender Identity/Expression
Patrick Harkins (D-Incumbent)
I am not familiar with the South Dakota's H.B. 1008. I really don't see Pennsylvania dealing with any legislation like that in the foreseeable future.
Anti-Bullying
Patrick Harkins (D-Incumbent)
Yes, bullying of any kind cannot be tolerated weather it is in school, on the internet or in society. I have introduced legislation and held hearings across the state to see what solutions we can enact to stop bullying and I believe we are making some positive progress with regards to the issue.
Other
Patrick Harkins (D-Incumbent)
I have always been an ardent supporter of LGBT. I believe in the "Golden Rule"- Treat others with respect, the way you would want others to treat you.
PA State House 2
Not Responding: Patrick Fuller (R), Michael Pace (R)
Anti-Discrimination
Flo Fabrizio (D-Incumbent)
Yes. I continuously and consistently have cosponsored legislation which would protect LGBT individuals from discrimination in employment, housing, and public accomodation. Additionally, as the Erie County Clerk, I was instrumental in getting the Erie County Human Helations Commission amended to include similar language.
"Religious Freedom"
Flo Fabrizio (D-Incumbent)
No. Discrimination is heinous for any reason. We as elected officials must safeguard and protect the civil and legal rights of everyone at all times. To do otherwise is an abrogation of our responsibility.
Gender Identity/Expression
Flo Fabrizio (D-Incumbent)
No. This type of legislation is just another manifestation of discrimination in its ugliest form.
Anti-Bullying
Flo Fabrizio (D-Incumbent)
Yes. All students, whether members of the LGBT community, straight community or any other community should be protected from bullying in public schools. It is incumbent upon us, as well as members of the various local school boards, to fund and to provide for a safe learning environment for the children of this Commonwealth.
Other
Flo Fabrizio (D-Incumbent)
As a member of the LGBT Caucus in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, I have and will continue to support any and all legislation that promotes the and protexts the civil liberties of LGBT community.
PA State House 3
Not Responding: Greg Lucas (R)
Anti-Discrimination
Ryan Bizzarro (D-Incumbent)
Yes, I support the PA Fairness Act. No one should be denied housing, employment, or public accommodation because of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.
"Religious Freedom"
Ryan Bizzarro (D-Incumbent)
First, I do not think it is good for the cause of liberty to inscribe discrimination into the law. Second, while communities of faith certainly have the right to define their own religious and moral codes, when it comes to civil law the separation of religion and state is an important principle upon which we should rely. No elected official or government agency should ever deny services to people on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. Third, while particular courts are deliberating on whether there are any cases in which a private business owner has a constitutional right to deny services to anyone on the basis of religious belief, I can't imagine being an entrepreneur and turning any business away--that just doesn't make business sense to me.
Gender Identity/Expression
Ryan Bizzarro (D-Incumbent)
Instead of discriminating, I think we support laws that help transgender people to access restroom facilities that match their gender identity. I've heard people say that somehow allowing transgender people to use the bathroom will incite predators to pretend to be transgender, who will then molest people in the bathroom. I think that's ridiculous. If we want to stop predators from hurting people, we need to make sure restroom facilities are safe--we shouldn't categorically discriminate people groups who use them..
Anti-Bullying
Ryan Bizzarro (D-Incumbent)
Yes, I support anti-bullying acts. The fact that specific communities are targeted because of their given diversity is sad to me. Generic anti-bullying laws don't adequately address why some people are actually bullied. To that end, for the same reasons why we enumerate protections for race, sex, or creed, I think it makes perfect sense to enumerate protections for LGBT people.
Other
Ryan Bizzarro (D-Incumbent)
I have been, and will continue to be, a strong ally of the LGBT community. My record speaks for itself. To view my record on LGBT issues and other issues, please visit my legislative website at www.pahouse.com/bizzarro.
PA State House 4
Not Responding: Curt Sonney (R-Incumbent),
PA State House 6
Not Responding: Brad Roae (R-Incumbent)
Anti-Discrimination
Peter Zimmer (D)
I fully support the passage of the Fairness Act in Pennsylvania. I believe that protection from discrimination is guaranteed in the Commonwealth's Constitution and the Fairness Act will enhance the protection of all citizens. While I commend the businesses and municipalities of Pennsylvania that have expanded their non-discrimination ordinances and practices I think it is shameful that our leading governing body is so far behind on enacting similar legislation to protect that rights of our citizens. Not only is there an ethical and moral duty to provide a more inclusive state but it is also in our economic interests to create a more attractive and appealing state for future employees, entrepreneurs and investments.
Lester Lenhart (R)
Yes I support.
"Religious Freedom"
Peter Zimmer (D)
I oppose such legislation as SB 101 of Indiana. Legislation is not to be used to restrict the access of goods and services to it's constituents. While I do support the freedoms of individuals to provide or deny services or goods without harassment, abuse or indignity I do not and will not support the restriction of services of the government due to an individual's personal preference. I believe the First Amendment and Establishment Clause prevents state sanctioned religion and expression. An individual working as an arm of the Government cannot use their religious expression and beliefs to interfere with the rights and access to services of citizens. I believe the Government's role is to expand inclusivity and protection rather than diminish it.
Lester Lenhart (R)
No I do not support.
Gender Identity/Expression
Peter Zimmer (D)
I believe that the use of a bathroom is a personal and private enterprise. I believe that the policing of bathrooms based on anatomy is rather ridiculous. However, the bill in South Dakota has more caveats than the question suggests. Bill 1008 explicitly states the measures are with regard to children in locker rooms which include a state of undress. As long as our children are safe and reasonably comfortable without discrimination, these matters are best handled by individual schools and districts with conversation between parents, educators and students.
Lester Lenhart (R)
I myself do not care< no I do not support it.
Anti-Bullying
Peter Zimmer (D)
I firmly believe our schools should be a place that allow, encourage and facilitate education in a safe and secure environment. I support legislation that expands the protection of our students from harassment and discrimination in the form of bullying or otherwise. There is no reason to leave any child out of protective and supportive legislation. I think bullying is a vile and detrimental practice and needs to be addressed and curtailed to allow for a more hospitable environment for our youth to thrive..
Lester Lenhart (R)
Yes I support.
Other
Peter Zimmer (D)
As a hopeful representative of the greater Erie Community I would like the residents to know that I will work for the preservation and expansion of their rights. I believe the role of government is to provide an umbrella of liberty to all under it's purview. As the representative of the people I will always have an open door for conversation and criticism and will work with deliberate action to facilitate the desires of my constituents. I ask for your enthusiasm and support in moving Pennsylvania in the right direction! Peter can be reached at zimmerPA6th@gmail.com
Lester Lenhart (R)
I would like to let them know. I support with the people , by the people and for the people for everyone's liberties,freedoms and justice .
