In Hoffman's corner
On Feb. 2, we have the opportunity to vote for David Hoffman—the only Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate for Illinois with the integrity and experience to win the general election in November.
David is the former inspector general of Chicago, and has vast experience in all three branches of federal government. I am so impressed with his positions on the issues that are currently facing our nation and state that I am actively campaigning for him.
David will fight for equality for all gay people, and he is unequivocally for the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act and "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." He is also pro-gay marriage, pro-choice and pro-Israel. We have the power to make a change in our government. Use that power to elect David Hoffman.
Larry Gruber
Dear friends:
It is not often that a politician comes along who would be a true champion for gay equality. We have found that champion here in Illinois.
David Hoffman, the former Chicago inspector general who is running for Barack Obama's old Senate seat in the Democratic primary in February, is an outstanding advocate for our cause. Consider his views on these issues:
—He supports same-sex marriage. He sees it as a question of social justice. Anything less, he says, would be second-class status.
—He supports an end of the government's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy that has prevented thousands of gay people from serving in the military.
—He supports the repeal of the federal Defense of Marriage Act which discriminates against gay couples.
When it comes to issues of equality for gay people, David Hoffman speaks from his heart. We can tell you that whatever challenges we may face in the near future; we would have no better friend in the U.S. Senate than David Hoffman.
Check out www.hoffmanforillinois.com . We think you will agree that David is the most progressive Democrat in the race for U.S. Senate.
Sincerely,
Robert Kohl; Frank Buttitta; Soo Choi; Rene Friedman; Christopher Pries; David Boul; Larry Gruber; Tom O'Briant; Edwards Buice; Coety Wyse; Mike Demetria; Brian Walker; John Regalado; and George Langlois
Outrage
In light of continuing delays in the House of Representatives, we must state clearly and unequivocally: Passing basic job protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people must happen now. At a time when our government is deeply focused on the critical issue of employment, it is inexcusable to delay action on the Employment Non-Discrimination Act ( ENDA ) . Each and every job lost to prejudice based on sexual orientation and gender identity needlessly compounds the unemployment challenges facing our nation. We call on Congress for the immediate passage of ENDA.
For decades now, we have called upon Congress to pass legislation to address the basic right of LGBT people to work free from discrimination at our jobs, and now Congress tells us we must wait another year. In 29 states, it remains legal to fire people based on sexual orientation and in 38 states, discrimination based on gender identity remains legal. In failing to take swift action to pass ENDA, our government allows unfettered bigotry to go unchecked, leading to the loss of jobs, fear in the workplace, economic instability, and personal hardship, while allowing employers to lose competent experienced workers. ENDA is urgently needed by our communities.
The majority of Americans consistently state their support for employment protections and voters have affirmed similar state and local measures. There is absolutely no reason for Congress to continue to delay this non-controversial bill or drop LGBT issues to the bottom of their agenda. We will not be denied basic rights any longer. Nothing is more important than protecting peoples' jobs so ENDA must pass now. Further delays are absolutely unacceptable.
Matthew Coles & James Esseks, American Civil Liberties Union LGBT Project
Terry Stone, Executive Director, CenterLink: The Community of LGBT Centers
Toni Broaddus, Equality Federation
Jennifer Chrisler, Family Equality Council
Joe Solmonese, President, Human Rights Campaign
Rachel T. Niven, Executive Director, Immigration Equality
Earl Fowlkes, President/CEO, International Federation of Black Prides, Inc.
Kevin Cathcart, Executive Director, Lambda Legal
Gregory Varnum, Executive Director, National Youth Advocacy Coalition
Selisse Berry, Founding Executive Director, Out & Equal Workplace Advocates
Jody Huckaby, Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays ( PFLAG ) National
Jo Kenny, Interim Director, Pride at Work AFL-CIO
Masen Davis, Transgender Law Center
Rea Carey, Executive Director, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Action Fund
Michael Mitchell, Executive Director, National Stonewall Democrats
and others
