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). Edward Clifford III (Libertarian)
Anti-Discrimination
Kathleen McGinty (D)
Yes, I support the Pennsylvania Fairness Act and, in the Senate, would be an outspoken advocate of federal legislation to protect members of the LGBT community from discrimination across the board. As governor Wolf's Chief of Staff, I was proud to stand with him and call on Pennsylvania's legislature to pass legislation that ensures no Pennsylvanian is discriminated against.
"Religious Freedom"
Kathleen McGinty (D)
I absolutely oppose Indiana Senate Bill 101 and any legislation like it. These laws are unacceptable attempts to make discrimination legal, and it is an appalling use of legislative power. We should be passing laws that protect individuals from discrimination, not condone it.
Gender Identity/Expression
Kathleen McGinty (D)
I absolutely oppose South Dakota House Bill 1008 because it is the duty of government to protect all citizens—especially the most vulnerable. Transgender students should be treated equally and as Senator, I would be an outspoken presence against discriminatory legislation like this.
Anti-Bullying
Kathleen McGinty (D)
I support the PASS Act and in the Senate, I would support federal legislation along the same lines because schools should be a place for all children to be able to grow and learn without being subject to harassment and violence.
Other
Kathleen McGinty (D)
It's important to me that the Erie LGBT community understand that through my brother John, who is gay, I've seen the issues that confront the community first hand and they're very personal to me. In the Senate, I will fight to bring an end to discrimination at all levels, whether it's because of race, gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity and ensure all Americans are treated and protected equally under the law.
Diversity is our nation's greatest strength. I am incredibly proud to have worked with Governor Wolf to help him select one of the most diverse cabinets in our Commonwealth's history, including appointing Dr. Rachel Levine as Pennsylvania's Physician General, making her the highest-ranking transgender person in the history of Pennsylvania's government. We are a better place for having leadership that reflects the diversity of our state and we must be vigilant to stop attempts to undermine the great progress we've made.
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-Incumbent)
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)
Yes.
"Religious Freedom"
Sean Wiley (D-Incumbent)
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)
No,
Gender Identity/Expression
Sean Wiley (D-Incumbent)
I do not support efforts like HB 1008 as I feel that prohibition is grounded in fear and not in reality.
Dan Laughlin (R)
No.
Anti-Bullying
Sean Wiley (D-Incumbent)
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)
Yes.
Other
Sean Wiley (D-Incumbent)
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)
I don't believe in discrimination, period.
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)
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 Relations 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.
"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.
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.
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..
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
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