Voters Guide
Candidates for US Senator, US Congress (PA-16), PA Governor, and PA State House for areas that included Erie County were asked about their positions on LGBTQIA+ issues. Their responses appear below.
These were the questions asked for all races:
We, as LGBTQ individuals experience discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations. What action, as an elected official, would you take to reduce this in our community?
What actions can you take to protect the right and safety of the LGBTQ youth, especially the transgender youth?
What is one thing we should know about you as relating to the LGBTQ community?
US Senator
Not Responding: Kevin Baumlin (D), Kathy Barnette (R), Jeff Bartos (R), George Bochetto (R), Sean Gale (R), Dave McCormick (R), Mehmet Oz (R), Carla Sands (R)
We, as LGBTQ individuals experience discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations. What action, as an elected official, would you take to reduce this in our community?
John Fetterman (D)
Unfortunately the LGBTQ+ community still faces discrimination in the workplace, in healthcare settings, when trying to obtain housing, and in the criminal justice system among other areas. The LGBTQ+ community has also become subject to alarming increases in violence, particularly against Black and Brown transgender women, as a result of lacking protection at the highest levels of government. From using my office as a bully pulpit to championing specific legislation to remedy these injustices, I have been proud to stand as an ally with communities that are too often discriminated against and marginalized.
I would support legislative efforts like the Equality Act, to explicitly guarantee LGBTQ+ Americans are protected from discrimination; the BE HEARD Act to strengthen protections in the workplace for LGBTQ+ and others; and the Fair and Equal Housing Act to ensure the LGBTQ+ community is protected from discrimination in housing..
Malcolm Kenyatta (D)
I'm in this race to make sure the basic bargain is accessible to all folks. That's good jobs backed by a union, the ability to go to the doctor and to afford the prescription you may need, and to go to a safe school and get an education. For LGBTQ+ particularly, our trans siblings, this is more than out of reach. We have to change it by passing the equality act, PA LGBTQ Civil Rights Act, and increasing protections and opportunities for the non-binary and trans communities.
Alex Khalil (D)
Pennsylvania does not provide protection against discrimination in hiring, serving and renting to the LGBTA community, I will work to enact laws at the Federal level to protect the LGBTQ when it comes to jobs, housing, accommodations, healthcare and education. Following through on these must be a number one priority and when they are not we must impose fines or take away any government funding that they receive. Hiring qualified LGBTQ employees in our legislative offices will be a priority so that immediate assistance can aid in helping those facing discrimination in a timely manner. We need to establish a commission to help with the serious and often deadly issue of homophobia and anti LGBTQ hate.
On an international scale, I will speak out against anti LGBTQ laws and homophobia.
Conor Lamb (D)
The best thing the federal government can do to protect LGBTQ people is for the Senate to pass H.R. 5, The Equality Act, which contains widespread protections for LGBTQ people. I am proud to have cosponsored and voted for it. Because of the Senate filibuster, this bill can't even go up for a vote in the Senate. This is one of many reasons that I support eliminating the filibuster. LGBTQ Americans deserve a vote on this and many other important pieces of legislation and If I'm fortunate enough to be elected to the Senate, I'll vote to eliminate the filibuster and pass the Equality Act as soon as possible.
What actions can you take to protect the right and safety of the LGBTQ youth, especially the transgender youth?
John Fetterman (D)
Recently we have seen increased attacks on our LGBTQ+ youth around the country. In states like Florida, they've passed "don't say gay" legislation, prohibiting schools from discussion on LGBTQ+ topics. In 11 states there are now anti-transgender laws that prohibit students from joining sports teams that align with their gender identity. And in other states, lawmakers are introducing legislation that makes it difficult or even illegal for youth to get gender reassignment surgeries.
To combat these attacks I believe that we can take several measures, starting with electing members of Congress and state legislators who will vote against this type of discriminatory legislation. I would also support legislation like the Protecting LGBTQ Youth Act, which would strengthen support for children across the country. We must also invest in LGBTQ youth suicide prevention and mental health programs. With LGBTQ youth suicides on the rise I believe that investing in programs like The Trevor Project will be tremdously helpful in helping our LGBTQ youth. Lastly, LGBTQ youth are 120% more likely to experience homelessness. We have to ensure funding for service providers that can help combat this issue and get our youth off of the streets..
Malcolm Kenyatta (D)
Safe communities are one of the most important things that the government has to deliver to families. My detailed 3 point plan outlines what I think needs to be done. We have to address poverty, underfunded schools, and jobs without dignity, which increase desperation that leads to crime. We need to pass stalled gun legislation that I am cosigned on in Harrisburg. Which include measures to combat ghost guns, lost and stolen weapons and background checks. These should all be passed on the Federal level. We need a whole-of-government response to treat this like the crisis that it is.
As Vice-Chair of the Philadelphia delegation, I worked to get the entire delegation to support William Ways, an LGBTQ+ center, R-Cap request to fix and expand their facilities which is a major lifeline to the community. I continued to push for increases in the budget for affordable housing. I worked with project home as they continued to expand their housing portfolio, including the Gloria Casarez house in my district.
Alex Khalil (D)
First and foremost the government must stay out of families personal business. This is a serious and personal issue that is between parents and their child. A right to education, healthcare and participation is absolutely necessary for the family dynamics but for the development of our children is imperative. This IS NOT child abuse and when the community and schools are reporting this as such everyone is effected. School officials, medical personnel and the community must be educated so they can better understand the mental anguish that a child endures. Anti-bullying and hate crime laws must be enforced across the board and treated as such. These transgender youth are like any other children, they want to be accepted and live fruitful lives and it is our responsibility to help with this
Conor Lamb (D)
H.R. 5, the Equality Act, would do more to protect LGBTQ Americans (and particularly transgender youth) than any other federal legislation in history. But we can absolutely do more. The House Equality Caucus, of which I am a member, is currently drafting legislation aimed specifically at protections for LGBTQ youth that I'm hopeful will be voted on before the end of this Congress. I also support several other pieces of legislation to extend further protections to the LGBTQ community. For example, I support a bill to eliminate Medicaid funding for the deplorable practice of "conversion therapy". Our tax dollars should be spent on supporting our LGBTQ youth, not on discrimination.
What is one thing we should know about you as relating to the LGBTQ community?
John Fetterman (D)
I have been a champion of LGBTQ+ rights throughout my career in public service. In 2013, I was the first elected official in western Pennsylvania to start officiating same-sex marriages. Back then, I did this in defiance of Pennsylvania's still standing same-sex marriage ban because I believed it was the right thing to do, despite the threat of legal sanction from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and Governor Corbett.
As Lieutenant Governor, I have tried my best to use my office as a bully pulpit to fight for LGBTQ+ issues. During Pride month, I have regularly ordered the display of Pride flags from my balcony at the state capitol in Harrisburg along with the Trans Pride Flag during the Transgender Day of Remembrance. Despite being banned by Republican lawmakers, I have continued, and will continue, to proudly fly these flags from my balcony because they are more than just pieces of cloth. They are a signal to the state and the whole country that we are still fighting for LGBTQ+ rights receiving full protection under law, and I won't stop flying these flags until LGBTQ+ community receives that full protection.
As Lieutenant Governor, I have also fought for state and local laws to prohibit anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination, hosted a same-sex wedding when a wedding venue refused to do so, joined with lieutenant governors across the country to urge the lifting of restrictions on LGBTQ+ men from giving blood, and fought for equality for LGBTQ+ couples in the provision of adoption services.
Malcolm Kenyatta (D)
As an elected official, I led PA LGBTQ civil rights bill, which would provide non-discrimination protections. An Amendment I offered where I told my coming out story garnered 100 votes, the most ever for anything put on the floor of PA House that would have led to non-discrimination legislation. With Rep. Jess Benham, I also co-sponsored Data for LGBT lives, a bill that would add a voluntary SOGI question to all state forms that collect demographic information to better understand and serve our community. I also serve on the Governor's LGBTQ affairs commission and was an inaugural member of the Mayor's LGBTQ Commission.
Alex Khalil (D)
Acceptance, kindness and love. I cannot imagine what the LGBTQ are going through but as a human being and ally I will not stand by and let hate hurt members of our community.
Conor Lamb (D)
I have a clear voting record on every bill that's important to LGBTQ Pennsylvanians, and on many important issues that affect all Pennsylvanians such as voting rights and reproductive freedom. I haven't just talked about my support for the LGBTQ community - I've taken action by voting for your rights and your safety every chance I've had, and proudly campaigned and won on those votes even in Republican districts. That's what I'll continue to do in this campaign and in the Senate.
US Congress (PA-16)
Not Responding: Rick Telesz (D), Mike Kelly (R-Inc)
We, as LGBTQ individuals experience discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations. What action, as an elected official, would you take to reduce this in our community?
Dan Pastore (D)
Discrimination is wrong regardless of the reason If elected, I will co-sponsor and vote for the Equality Act which would prohibit discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, housing, public accommodations, education, federally funded programs, credit, and jury service.
What actions can you take to protect the right and safety of the LGBTQ youth, especially the transgender youth?
Dan Pastore (D)
I will oppose any legislation targeting LGBTQIA+ youth by opposing the attacks we see in so many states today. This includes so-called "bathroom" bills, "don't say gay" bills, or any legislation that targets the LGBTQIA+ community.
What is one thing we should know about you as relating to the LGBTQ community?
Dan Pastore (D)
I am committed to equality for all, and I will be an ally to the LGBTQIA+ community if elected to Congress.
PA Governor
Not Responding: Lou Barletta (R), Jacob Corman (R), Joseph Gale (R), Charles Gerow (R), Melissa Hart (R), Doug Mastriano (R), William McSwain (R) Jason RIchey (R), David White (R), Nche Zama (R)
We, as LGBTQ individuals experience discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations. What action, as an elected official, would you take to reduce this in our community?
Josh Shapiro (D)
From co-sponsoring legislation to prohibit discrimination as a State Representative, to helping the first LGBTQ+ couple marry in Pennsylvania as the leader of Montgomery County, to fighting against the Trump administration's efforts to roll back protections as Attorney General, I've spent my career fighting for LGBTQ+ Pennsylvanians and their rights.
As Governor, I will put real political capital behind the effort to finally pass nondiscrimination legislation to ensure that LGBTQ+ Pennsylvanians are protected equally under the law and discrimination in employment, housing, education, and public accommodations is banned in Pennsylvania. Furthermore, I will also sign legislation to expand Pennsylvania's hate crime laws to include crimes against the LGBTQ+ community.
Throughout my career, I've brought people together to get things done, and that's exactly what I'll do as Governor so that we can finally pass nondiscrimination legislation.
What actions can you take to protect the right and safety of the LGBTQ youth, especially the transgender youth?
Josh Shapiro (D)
It's disgusting that some politicians are focused on demonizing children, pushing cruel, divisive legislation that will do nothing to address the real concerns I hear about from Pennsylvanians every day. As Attorney General, I've seen firsthand the impact of threats and violence against LGBTQ+ youth - including the alarmingly high rates of suicide among transgender children - and I know we must do more to address these issues.
As Governor, I will continue my work of defending Pennsylvanians' rights and advancing equality, putting real political capital behind the effort to finally pass nondiscrimination legislation, expanding hate crimes laws to cover LGBTQ+ individuals, eliminating the "Gay and Trans Panic" defense, banning conversion therapy for minors, and investing in mental health resources for LGBTQ+ youth.
Furthermore, through the budget process, I will increase funding for schools to hire mental health counselors in every school, increase access to health care for trans youth, and ensure that a continuous funding stream is established for LGBTQ+ homeless youth housing.
What is one thing we should know about you as relating to the LGBTQ community?
Josh Shapiro (D)
At a time when LGBTQ+ rights are under attack - here in Pennsylvania and across the country - we need a Governor who will stand up for equality and ensure Pennsylvania is safe and welcoming for all. I will be that Governor.
I have fought to advance equality and protect LGBTQ+ Pennsylvanians' rights throughout my career. I was proud to help the first LGBTQ+ couples marry in Pennsylvania as Montgomery County commissioner, and I fought the Trump administration's efforts to roll back LGBTQ+ rights time and time again. I will continue that fight as Governor. My administration will always stand with the LGBTQ+ community, and we will take real steps to protect LGBTQ+ Pennsylvanians by banning discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals, expanding our hate crime laws to cover our LGBTQ+ communities, and investing in mental health resources to support LGBTQ+ youth.
I am honored to have the support of so many LGBTQ+ leaders and activists from across our Commonwealth in this campaign, and as Governor, I will ensure that LGBTQ+ communities have a seat at the table as we work to move Pennsylvania forward.
PA State House District 1
We, as LGBTQ individuals experience discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations. What action, as an elected official, would you take to reduce this in our community?
Pat Harkins (D-Inc)
I have always been a supporter of LGBTQ rights. I held public hearings on HB 300 in Erie and co sponsored the legislation along with my colleague Dan Frankel. I supported the Sims, Frankel amendment on January 26th. 2021 that would have extended civil rights to all Pennsylvanians regardless of race, color, creed, disability, identity or sexual orientation.
What actions can you take to protect the right and safety of the LGBTQ youth, especially the transgender youth?
Pat Harkins (D-Inc)
I strongly oppose any and all legislation equivalent to and including HB 972(Republican bill that would restrict trans girls and women from playing scholastic and collegiate sports). Any discriminatory legislation like this should not see the light of day in my opinion.
What is one thing we should know about you as relating to the LGBTQ community?
Pat Harkins (D-Inc)
My record speaks for itself. For sixteen years I have supported LGBTQ legislation and have always strived for equality, fairness and acceptance. I will continue to do that when I return to Harrisburg in the new session.
PA State House District 2
Responded, but withdrew before the election: Paul Pitonyak (R) </p
We, as LGBTQ individuals experience discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations. What action, as an elected official, would you take to reduce this in our community?
Bob Merski (D-Inc)
Pennsylvania ranks 24th out of 50 states for legal protection of the LGBTQ community and public support of LGBTQ rights in a new study by the Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law. In my three years in the legislature, I have co-sponsored and supported legislation to make LGBTQ discrimination illegal, including House Bill 300, the Fairness Act which would ban discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodation. When it occurs, it needs to be called out. I support local efforts to stop discrimination against the LGBTQ community, including recent efforts by Erie City Council
What actions can you take to protect the right and safety of the LGBTQ youth, especially the transgender youth?
Bob Merski (D-Inc)
As a former teacher, I take the safety and rights of LGBTQ youth seriously. At Collegiate Academy, I had my first experience teaching transgender students. As transgender youth have become a focal point in the culture wars, I think it's important to always remember that these are our children. Things said negatively about them as a group affect them individually, often deeply, affecting mental and emotional health. I oppose legislation to dehumanize or diminish our LGBTQ youth.
What is one thing we should know about you as relating to the LGBTQ community?
Bob Merski (D-Inc)
My wife Emily and I are LGBTQ allies. As an ally, I have made it a point every year since becoming state representative to hire interns from the LGBTQ and/or minority community to make sure we provide opportunities to those from diverse backgrounds.
PA State House District 3
Not Responding: Joseph Kujawa (R)
We, as LGBTQ individuals experience discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations. What action, as an elected official, would you take to reduce this in our community?
Ryan Bizzarro (D-Inc)
One of the highest ideals of our Republic is that all people shall be treated equally under the law, for the sake of personal liberty and equitable justice. You can count on me to keep LGBTQ people close in mind when voting on laws that protect people from discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodations. I am also in favor of legislation like the Pennsylvania Fairness Act, and I call upon all my colleagues in the House to pass it.
What actions can you take to protect the right and safety of the LGBTQ youth, especially the transgender youth?
Ryan Bizzarro (D-Inc)
When it comes to LGBTQ youth, we need to create environments in which mechanisms are in place that ensure their basic human rights, and which make them safe from prejudice and harm. To do that, we need to make sure that public school policies do not discriminate against LGBTQ youth. We need our local constituent offices to be able to direct and connect LGBTQ youth (and families) to relevant area resources. And we need to make sure that we hold all policies up to the lights of "equality under the law" and "equity in action."
What is one thing we should know about you as relating to the LGBTQ community?
Ryan Bizzarro (D-Inc)
I have long supported the LGBTQ community. Some of my very good friends are LGBTQ, and I have been participating in educational and social events for the sake of LGBTQ equality. My full embrace of LGBTQ people is rooted in my family's love for people just as they are, and from my faith, which affirms that diversity is a really good part of creation, and not a flaw of it. I will continue to work for equality in the House as long as I serve.
PA State House District 4
Not Responding: Jacob Banta (R), Joe Cancilla (R), Greg Hayes (R), Jennifer Lesher (R), Jason Monn (R)
We, as LGBTQ individuals experience discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations. What action, as an elected official, would you take to reduce this in our community?
Chelsea Oliver (D)
We are long overdue for passing laws that explicitly protect the LGBTQ+ community. To deny any individual of employment, housing, and public accommodations based on their sexual orientation or gender identity, whether assumed or actual, is a direct violation of equality for all people. As an elected official, I will introduce and support legislation that protects LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination and continually work for equality.
What actions can you take to protect the right and safety of the LGBTQ youth, especially the transgender youth?
Chelsea Oliver (D)
As State Representative, I will support legislation that affirms LGBTQ+ youth, prohibits mental health professionals from engaging in conversion therapy with minors, and holds schools accountable to ensuring access to high-quality education in safe environments for all students. Our youth, especially those within the LGBTQ+ community, must know that someone cares about them. For too many, especially in rural communities like the district I serve, this is a matter of life and death. I am unwilling to lose more of our future due to harassment, shame, and discrimination.
What is one thing we should know about you as relating to the LGBTQ community?
Chelsea Oliver (D)
I have been a life-long advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and will continue to be as an elected official. Throughout my formative years as a student, I was a member of the Gay Straight Alliance and now as an adult, I am an active volunteer with Warren County Pride. I believe that all people should be able to live without fear of discrimination, harassment, and violence, and that all of us are so deeply worthy and deserving of love..
PA State House District 6
Not Responding: Brad Roae (R)
We, as LGBTQ individuals experience discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations. What action, as an elected official, would you take to reduce this in our community?
Nerissa Galt (D)
The language of any anti-discrimination law must be expanded to include sexual orientation and gender identity. We must also be considered a protected class of citizens. Protections must be expanded to the workplace, housing, medical care, education, and any other public service. I will be able to write and sponsor bills that will directly address these discriminations.
What actions can you take to protect the right and safety of the LGBTQ youth, especially the transgender youth?
Nerissa Galt (D)
I want to work on laws that provide better protections for LGBTQIA+ youth in schools. Hate speech by faculty, staff, and the school board should NEVER be tolerated. Pennsylvania law doesn't provide a path for the removal of school board directors who don't believe in equal access to education. I believe every school should have a gender-neutral bathroom as well, and that teachers must be required to use the correct pronouns and chosen names for every student.
What is one thing we should know about you as relating to the LGBTQ community?
Nerissa Galt (D)
I'm a half-closeted bi-sexual, in a (blissful) straight passing relationship. I have at least two children in the LGBTQ community (and a 9-year-old who once told me she might someday be bisexual). I have a lot of people in my circle in the community, online (I LOVE my online friends!) and in person. I've spoken up against hate speech at a PENNCREST school board meeting and ran a write-in campaign to try to combat the bigots on the board. I'm inspired by my oldest daughter who started the first LGBTQIA+ club of its kind at Saegertown High School, called SPA (Saegertown Pride Alliance).
