Illinois Treasurer and Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Alexi Giannoulias presented his campaign's agenda regarding LGBT issues as well as his LGBT steering committee at the Center on Halsted on May 16.
With a handful of elected officials and community leaders at his side, Giannoulias said, "I promise you that I will lead the fight for equality; for marriage equality, for an end to the Defense of Marriage Act ( DOMA ) , for employment non-discrimination, and for immigration reform that treats same-sex couples fairly."
The event was also a call-to-action, as Giannoulias announced his plans to put more pressure on Congress to repeal the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" ( DADT ) policy.
"I rarely disagree with my friend and our President Barack Obama, but as many of you know, I have called on him to repeal 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' immediately. We don't need another study. We need to listen to our commanders and allow all brave men and women to serve our country proudly," Giannoulias said. He added, "That is why today I am launching a national petition drive to demand that our elected representatives put our national security and shared commitment to equality ahead of politics. I'm urging everyone to visit EqualityCantWait.com and join me in demanding that the House and the Senate pass repeal legislation this summer."
Giannoulias' charge to repeal DADT comes at a critical time for America's armed forces. With U.S. troops embattled in two wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, DADT is the only federal law that requires the military to fire openly gay people. And, since 1994, over 13,000 service members have been discharged as a result of the law. Moreover, in addition to losing valuable military personnel, the implementation of the law—and the investigations, prosecutions and discharges ( of soldiers for being gay or lesbian ) associated with it—has cost taxpayers more than $360 million by last count, according to a 2006 Blue Ribbon Commission Report.
The press conference was not without political posturing and a few jabs directed at Giannoulias' opponent, Republican Congressman Mark Kirk.
"My opponent, Mark Kirk, isn't a leader on GLBT issues," Giannoulias said. "He's a guy who says one thing and does another. He said he didn't think Sarah Palin would make a good VP, later he begged for her endorsement. He's fine with DADT the way it is. And, he doesn't support marriage equality. My point is that this race is about character and conviction. It's not right that my fiancée and I can get married without delay and gay people cannot. I've stood up for gay rights, for equality, and I'll continue to do so as a U.S. senator.
In addition to his pro-equality position, Giannoulias is running on a platform of ethics reform in Illinois politics, which has already come under fire from Congressman Kirk and other GOP members. This is as a result of Giannoulias' family-owned and operated Broadway Bank, which federal regulators have since shut down. Kirk has tried to paint his Democratic opponent as a "reckless" failed businessman.
Nonetheless, Giannoulias still has Obama in his court and he continues to receive support from many other influential political players, especially within the LGBT community.
"Alexi Giannoulias has proven himself to be a man of his word. It is absolutely crystal clear that his commitment to real equality for LGBT people is sincere. He is the only senate candidate in Illinois who will really do the job for our community," said Arthur Johnston, co-founder of Equality Illinois.
For more information on Giannoulias' positions on LGBT issues go to www.alexiforillinois.com/issues/lgbt-rights and www.equalitycantwait.com .
