PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Describing himself as "thrilled'' by the Senate's passage of same-sex marriage legislation, the state's openly-gay House Speaker Gordon Fox promised what could be the final votes on the legislation next week. He promised a House Judiciary Committee vote next Tuesday, and barring unforeseen developments, final votes on Thursday.
"I am thrilled that the Senate passed an historic equality bill which will enable all loving couples in Rhode Island to have the freedom to marry,'' he said. "I thank all the Senators who supported the bills sponsored by Sen. Donna Nesselbush and Rep. Art Handy, two unwavering advocates for marriage equality.
As you know, the Bay State Stonewall Democrats are sponsoring our annual St. Patrick's Day party. Just as we did last year, the BSSD are holding a contest challenging our members and friends to Join The HOST COMMITTEE. Our goal for the Host Committee is $1500 or more.
To be a Host you must donate $100 or more to the cause. We are challenging you to do so, as we need to increase our war chest to help elect those candidates in the upcoming Special Elections who are supporters of the LGBT community. The challenge is to get 15 people to Join The HOST COMMITTEE. Will You Take The Challenge?
$1500
$1400
$1300
$1200 Stephen Driscoll
$1100 Stuart Wamsley
$1000 Tony Fernandes
$900 Tom Barbera
$800 Dee Dee Edmondson
$700 Dennis Naughton
$600 Representative Liz Malia
$500 Rhonda Bourne
$400 Shawn Hartman
$300 Claire Naughton
$200 Greg Gestchman
$100 Steve Iannaccone
Tell us we can add you to the list! Just contact Claire Naughton by email clairenau@verizon.net or phone (508-543-6214) to add your name to the list. Hope to hear from you soon,
Here's a quote from a news site in Chicago. "We think we can get this done in January," said state Sen. Heather Steans, D-Chicago, who will be the chief Senate sponsor of the bill. With Gov. Pat Quinn saying he'd like to see a bill sooner rather than later, and other legislative chiefs apparently signing off, too, "the timing is right," Ms. Steans said.
A similar message came from the chief House sponsor, Rep. Greg Harris, also a North Side Democrat.
"The timing is right for us to push this," said Mr. Harris, who spoke with Ms. Steans in a joint conference call today. Some lawmakers who had been opposed now are taking a second look, Mr. Harris said, in view of the Election Day decision by voters in Maine, Maryland and Washington state. "Folks are seeing what's going on around the country."
Democrats Surging
With four polls showing Elizabeth Warren up for Senate, it's clear the months of grassroots effort and her great speech at the national convention have made a difference. Not to be outdone, Congressman Tierney is also up in his latest poll.
There's still a lot more work to do, so keep pounding the pavement, but take this as a sign that all the hard work is paying off.
Below are the Warren and Baldwin speeches from the Democratic National Convention, along with Congressman Barney Frank for good measure.
BSSD Endorses Elizabeth Warren for US Senate!
We are pleased to announce that the membership of the Bay State Stonewall Democrats have endorsed Elizabeth Warren for the Democratic Party Nominee for United States Senate. Elizabeth brings with her experience in and out of government. As a Professor at Harvard Law School, she was a leading voice on economic fairness for the middle class. She continued that role by fighting to find out where all the money went with the nation's troubled "TARP" program, ensuring the banks were held accountable and the public was paid back. Her tireless and independent efforts to protect taxpayers and hold Wall Street accountable won wide praise, including Time Magazine naming her the Sheriff of Wall Street.
She is widely credited for the original thinking, political courage, and relentless persistence that led to the creation of a new consumer financial protection agency, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. She led the establishment of the agency, building the structure and organization to hold accountable even trillion-dollar financial institutions and to protect consumers from financial tricks and traps often hidden in mortgages, credit cards and other financial products.
More importantly, she has been a voice for the disappearing middle class, speaking out for mortgage reform, having the wealthiest Corporations and individuals pay their fair share in taxes to decrease the federal deficit yet continue to advance a steadily advancing economic recovery. Her position of Equality in the Law includes LGBT Marriage Equality, support for the repeal of DOMA and including Transgender citizens as full and equal citizens. As LGBT Democrats, we can be assured of a strong voice in affordable health care, improved health care for women, strong unions and equal pay for equal work.
We encourage all LGBT Democrats and our supporters to stand behind Elizabeth's candidacy for US Senate.
Steve Iannaccone & Claire Naughton,
Co-Chairs Bay State Stonewall Democrats
New BSSD Endorsements: Tierney, Bourque and Sciortino!
The Bay State Stonewall Democrats are happy to announce new Endorsements for the 2012 election!
A picture of Representative Tierney's strong contingent at the first inaugural North Shore Pride in Salem, Ma, 6/30/12. Members of the BSSD marched.
For US Congress, BSSD Endorses Congressman John Tierney for the 6th Congressional District. Congressman Tierney is a staunch supporter of GLBT rights and has served with distinction since 1997. He has a strong record on jobs, the environment and in delivering for the 6th District.
For the 18th Worcester District, BSSD endorses Donald Bourque for State Representative. Don is not only strong on GLBT rights, but has local experience, including the Board of Selectman, and was a longtime fireman.
All BSSD members are encouraged to volunteer and/or donate to the above candidates.
In the 34th Middlesex District, the BSSD is endorsing Carl Sciortino as a strategic partner, our highest level of endorsement. Representative Sciortino is one of the first openly gay candidates to ever win office in the House. He's a strong progressive who's great on the issues Democrats care about. Members are asked to get involved as much as they can, through donations and volunteering opportunities.
Joe Kennedy Announces his BSSD Endorsement
JOE KENNEDY III ENDORSED BY BAY STATE STONEWALL DEMOCRATS
NEWTON – Citing his commitment to equality and fairness, the Bay State Stonewall Democrats today endorsed Joe Kennedy III in the race for the Massachusetts 4th Congressional District, currently held by Congressman Barney Frank. The Bay State Stonewall Democrats (BSSD) is one of the premiere advocacy groups for the LGBT community in Massachusetts. The endorsement comes in the midst of Pride– a week long celebration of equality, inclusivity and awareness in Greater Boston.
“The Bay State Stonewall Democrats are leading the way toward true equality in the Commonwealth and beyond, and I am honored to have their support in this race,” said Joe. “Their advocacy and grassroots organization will be an integral part of this campaign, and I look forward to standing up with them for the rights of LGBT families across Massachusetts and the entire country.”
"Congressman Frank was a trailblazer in the LGBT movement. The Bay State Stonewall Democrats see Joe Kennedy as following that path in his support of the LGBT community, and his commitment to repealing the Defense of Marriage Act and fighting for the passage of ENDA. We are pleased to endorse him," said Claire Naughton, Co-Chair of the Bay State Stonewall Democrats.
"The Bay State Stonewall Democrats endorsement of Joseph Kennedy reflects his commitment to equality for all,” said Steve Iannaccone, Co-Chair of the Bay State Stonewall Democrats. “I am sure his support for equal employment legislation (ENDA) that will be coming up again in the House of Representatives, will persuade others to join in with him to pass this important legislation. He will be an outstanding leader in the House."
Bay State Stonewall Democrats (BSSD) advocates within the Democratic Party on behalf of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered (LGBT) community. They promote the ideals and programs of the Democratic Party to the LGBT community throughout Massachusetts.
The President Supports Marriage Equality!
GLBT Democrats and our allies have a lot of reason to be excited today: The President just came out for full marriage equality.
BSSD board member Holly Ryan with Co-Chair Steve Iannaccone.
The Bay State Stonewall Democrats are proud to announce that our Board member, Holly Ryan, has been appointed to the Newton Human Rights Commission by Mayor Setti Warren. Ms. Ryan was approved by the full board of Aldermen on February 21, 2012 and her term is for three years. Holly is a life-long resident of Newton and product of the Newton School System, as was her 23-year-old daughter and her 16-year-old son who presently attends Newton South High School.
Holly is a valued and tireless Board Member of the BSSD. As a member of the Stonewall Democrats, Holly worked with several other BSSD members to add 4 seats to the Democratic State Committee, 2 specifically held for members of the Transgender community (1 male and 1 female seat) and 2 held for members of the bisexual Community (1 male and 1 female). This took the total of seats held for the LGBT community on the Democratic State Committee to 14. Holly is also an elected member of the Massachusetts Democratic State Committee.
BSSD Co-Chair Steve Innaccone said of Holly, that she brought “ intensity and drive to political efforts, using her understanding and relationships in the political arena to make possible the passage of the Transgender Equality legislation. I know she is a hero in the eyes of many; I am happy to say she is one for me. She will make an excellent advocate for Human Rights issues in Newton."
Holly served as a chair of the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition steering committee from 2005 until 2008 and was an advocate, trainer and consultant for the Boston area transgender community for the past twenty years. Her work includes having been a consultant and trainer for the Trans Health and Education Development Program of JRI Health in 2000, and a current member of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s Bureau of Substance Abuse Services LGBTQ Advisory Board
The Newton Human Rights Commission (HRC) was established by the City of Newton to assure mutual understanding and respect among all persons in the City by promoting acceptance of diversity and combating discrimination. This volunteer board, whose members are appointed by the mayor, identifies and addresses issues of prejudice within the City and organizes programs for community education on human rights matters.
Asked how she felt about Holly’s appointment to the Newton commission, BSSD Co-Chair Claire Naughton said, “I have been on the front lines with Holly in the battle for LGBT rights, and she is a tireless worker. I can tell you that Holly is the person you want on your side when the going gets tough. The Newton Human Rights Commission is lucky to have her.”
