To see where the U.S. presidential candidates stand on LGBT civil rights, click here. We support Barack Obama, whose HRC questionnaire is here.
Why do LGBT
Delawareans & their allies support Jack Markell for Delaware governor?
(Dems, remember to vote for Jack in the Democratic primary on Sept. 9!)
Jack Markell is proactively and consistently supportive of the LGBT community in Delaware, some examples being:
April 24, 2004 -- Signed the Governmental Leaders’ Statement in support of our civil rights immediately after being asked to do so; then said, “As always, let me know how I can be helpful.”
May 23, 2004 -- Wrote a “Delaware Voice” column for the News Journal in support of LGB anti-discrimination bill H.B. 99, arguing that non-discrimination in the workplace was not only good for business, but the right thing to do.
2004-2006 -- Spoke at the Delaware Pride Festival each year and has had a booth at the Festival from 2004 to 2007.
2005 -- Hired openly gay staffers in both the Treasurer’s Office and in his re-election campaign for Treasurer. He was derided on a radio station and on blogs for doing so, but forcefully reiterated his belief in hiring the most qualified person regardless of sexual orientation.
2005-2006 -- Stated his support for H.B. 36, the successor to the failed H.B. 99.
June 15, 2007 -- Created an on-line petition in support of S.B. 141, the most recent LGB anti-discrimination bill. The petition gathered signatures from Delaware and all over the world.
June 15, 2007 -- Wrote an open letter to Sen. Chas. Copeland to refute the argument that S.B. 141 would be harmful to small businesses.
June 20, 2007 -- Testified before the Senate Insurance and Elections Committee in defense of S.B. 141. His testimony was eloquent, passionate and contained factual information and quotations, indicating thorough research and preparation.
November 8, 2007 -- Wrote on his own blog on behalf of the federal Employees Non-discrimination Act (ENDA) and S.B. 141.
March 8, 2008 -- Wrote a letter to the editor at the Delaware State News in support of S.B.141 & S.B. 10 (DP benefits for state employees’ partners).
March 11, 2008 -- Encouraged Lobby Day supporters lobbying for S.B. 141 & S.B. 10.
2007 to present -- Enjoys widespread backing for his run for governor from the Delaware LGBT community, and is publicly endorsed by many of us.
“Everybody in Delaware – African-American, white, Hispanic, Asian, gay or straight – should know that I promise to protect your civil rights and expand your opportunities.” – Jack A. Markell
© 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 Mr. Douglas Marshall-Steele