BOSTON, JUNE 12, 2010 —MassEquality Executive Director Scott D. Gortikov released the following statement today, announcing that MassEquality is endorsing Gov. Deval Patrick in his bid for re-election:
“MassEquality is proud to support Deval Patrick for governor. He is the only candidate who supports the Transgender Civil Rights Bill, which would provide long-overdue employment, housing, education, credit, and hate crimes protections to some of the Commonwealth’s most vulnerable residents.
“Since taking office, Gov. Patrick has also signed into law three major pieces of legislation that expand equality in Massachusetts. In May, 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.
“Gov. Patrick was the first governor in the country to win office after campaigning in favor of marriage equality. After he won, he spent considerable political capital campaigning for the defeat of a discriminatory marriage amendment by meeting with key lawmakers, strategizing with State House leaders, and speaking publicly about the need to defeat the amendment.
“MassEquality is confident that Gov. Patrick will continue his public support for equality for LGBT residents of Massachusetts. As the governor has stated many times, support for LGBT equality is good for all of us. And as he has shown repeatedly, he understands the need for equality on a personal, visceral level.”
STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR DEVAL PATRICK ON MASSEQUALITY ENDORSEMENT:
"I am proud to receive the endorsement of MassEquality and thank them for their service and exceptional advocacy on behalf of the LGBT community in Massachusetts. As we take time today to celebrate the tremendous progress we have made together, we look ahead to the work still to do in building a stronger Commonwealth for all."
STATEMENT FROM LT. GOVERNOR TIM MURRAY ON MASSEQUALITY ENDORSEMENT:
“Throughout my years in public service, as Lieutenant Governor, Mayor and City Councilor in Worcester, I’ve been honored to work with Mass Equality and the GLBT community to promote social justice and equal opportunity for all. I am proud to have their support in this election.”
