Deval Patrick has been a champion for equality in Massachusetts. Since taking office, Gov. Patrick has signed into law major pieces of legislation that expand equality in Massachusetts. In February 2011, Governor Deval Patrick signed an historic Executive Order prohibiting discrimination based on gender identity and expression in state employment. In May 2010, he signed a measure that will protect students from bullying, with LGBT students widely seen as one of the chief beneficiaries of the law. And in July, 2008 he signed a bill repealing the discriminatory 1913 law, which prevented out-of-state lesbian and gay couples from marrying in Massachusetts. He also signed the MassHealth Equality bill, which grants equal Medicaid benefits to married same-sex couples.
FACT: Rep. Sciortino has three terms of proven leadership and support of equality in Massachusetts.
Rep. Sciortino has been a champion on Beacon Hill since 2004 when he defeated a virulent, anti-equality incumbent in the 34th Middlesex district. The lead sponsor of An Act Relative to Gender Based Discrimination and Hate Crimes, Rep. Sciortino has set the tone for change in his district and the State House. The 2010 election finds him up against Richard Cannava, a well-funded, conservative, unenrolled candidate with deep roots in the Medford community. Losing this seat and the support of Rep. Sciortino would be catastrophic for equality across the entire state. Sciortino has consistently stood on the side of equality, and in order to ensure protections for all Massachusetts citizens, it is imperative that Rep. Sciortino return to the State House.
www.electcarl.org
Committee to Elect Carl Sciortino
17 Orchard St.,
Medford, MA 02155
Champion for Equality since 2004.
Lead Sponsor of the Transgender
non-discrimination bill.
FACT: Strong supporter of equality and Vice-Chair of the House Ways and Means Committee.
Rep. L'Italien has been a fearless supporter of equality during her Beacon Hill tenure. Rep. L'Italien never abandoned our cause, even when she was forced to step down as leader of the children's choir at her church because of her support for marriage equality. Now Jim Lyons, the same man who helped spearhead her removal from her church choir, is running a negative, anti-equality campaign against her. Rep. L'Italien is one of our strongest allies as the Vice-Chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, and losing her support and seat would be detrimental to our cause. If re-elected, Rep. L'Italien will be in a position to make a substantial difference for our movement. Rep. L'Italien has been a champion for us; it is vital that we support her and keep this pro-equality leader in office.
Stood up for equality in her community and refused to be bullied because of her pro-equality stance.
www.teambarbara.com
Committee to Elect Barbara LItalien P.O. Box 1936, Andover, MA 01810
FACT: Anti-equality opponents are already targeting Rep. Alicea for supporting equality in 2007.
Elected on the promise to "let the people vote" on the definition of marriage, Rep. Alicea did not start out as a champion for civil rights. But following a vigorous campaign by MassEquality, which included outreach from his constituents urging him to defeat an anti-marriage constitutional amendment, Rep. Alicea changed his vote and supported equal marriage, becoming one of our most important allies on Beacon Hill. Rep. Alicea has continued his support of LGBT equality over the past three years. But Rep. Alicea's opponents have already begun their campaigns by sharply criticizing Rep. Alicia for his support of marriage equality and his co-sponsorship of the Transgender Civil Rights Bill. Without your help, Rep. Alicea's seat may be lost to one of these anti-equality politicians. Rep.
Alicea has stood up for us. It is our
turn to stand up for him in
this crucial election.
Had the courage to change his vote in 2007 in order to do what was right - support marriage equality.
www.repalicea.com
Committee to Elect Geraldo Alicea P.O. Box 21, Charlton, MA 01507
FACT: Elected in 2008 after narrowly defeating an anti-equality opponent.
A steadfast supporter of the Equality Agenda, Rep. Sandlin has been an advocate of LGBT equality since running for office in 2006. As the mother of two gay sons, Rep. Sandlin brings a perspective to the legislature that others cannot. In 2008, Rep. Sandlin faced a Republican, anti-equality candidate. Though she came out victorious, Rep. Sandlin won the election by a small margin. In this election, Rep. Sandlin is up against a well-funded, anti-equality challenger in the primary election. If she prevails, she will face another deep-pocketed, anti-equality challenger in the general election. Rep. Sandlin has played a vital role in the fight for LGBT civil rights and she needs your support to continue the battle.
www.rosesandlin.com
Committee to Elect Rosemary Sandlin 77 Reed St.,Agawam, MA 01001
Strong supporter of marriage equality and proud mother of two gay sons.
FACT: Mark McGonagle will play an active role in passing the Transgender Civil Rights Bill.
As a lifelong resident of South Boston, Mark McGonagle is deeply passionate about his community. As a strong supporter of marriage equality and an advocate for the Transgender Civil Rights Bill, Mark McGongagle has also served the LGBT community passionately. Mark plans to continue his devotion to public service and creating stronger neighborhoods by helping his community deal with issues like substance abuse. Mark is dedicated to advocating for more local aid to sustain teachers, better schools, and keep police on the streets. McGonagle's dedication to his district and the LGBT community make him an integral part of MassEquality's equality agenda for the upcoming years.
www.markforrep.com
The McGonagle Committee
170 Dorchester Street
South Boston, MA 02127
Works with LGBT youth through his job as a case manager.
