*This is a Press Release. Further in-depth analysis including coverage of election contests of note across the country will be posted shortly*
Voters in Kalamazoo, Michigan and Washington State yesterday upheld legislation that provides equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people as dozens of openly-gay candidates were voted into elected office across the country. With voters, at times overwhelming, supporting pro-equality issues and candidates, local municipalities and states across the country continue their movement toward providing full equality for LGBT people.
“With last night's overwhelming victory in the heartland of America, and openly-gay candidates running and winning races from all parts of the country, it is undeniable that Americans every day grow more accepting and welcoming of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people no matter which part of the country you live in,” said Jake Kaskey, Policy and Programs Director for Equality Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania's leading LGBT advocacy organization. “Thousands of people voted for equality and fairness yesterday, and together continued to create stronger and more welcoming cities and states across America.”
Sixty-five percent of Kalamazoo voters approved Ordinance 1856 which bans discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, housing, and public accommodations. The ordinance originally passed the city commission in late 2008 but was challenged by opponents with a petition drive.
Openly-gay candidates also found success at the polls, as 50 openly-gay candidates won their election last night, including six in Pennsylvania. Philadelphia's Common Pleas Court candidate Dan Anders, the first openly gay judge appointed by Governor Ed Rendell in 2007, was elected to the court for the first time last night. Also in Philadelphia, Municipal Court Judge candidate Dawn Segal won. Finally, Harrisburg City Councilman Dan Miller was elected Harrisburg City Controller, Sharyn Keiser was elected New Hope Councilmember, Karl Marking was elected to the Coatesville City Council, and Lori Schreiber was elected to the Abington Township Commission last night. Other historic elections for openly-gay candidates occurred in: Houston, Texas; Detroit, Michigan; St. Petersburg, Florida; Akron, Ohio; and Maplewood, Minnesota, among other places.
“Those who care about equality saw self-identified LGBT candidates and voters reaffirm their commitment to equal rights across the country and throughout Pennsylvania” Kaskey said. “It’s time the Pennsylvania legislature recognizes that basic protections for everyone, and equality for all people, is something our citizens demand from its government.”
Although ballots are still being counted, voters in Washington State will likely pass Referendum 71 which reaffirms the state's domestic partnership law passed earlier this year that expands the rights, responsibilities, and obligations of same-sex and senior domestic partners to be equivalent to those of married spouses. Voters are currently approving Referendum 71 by a 51.13 to 48.87% margin. Voters in Maine, however, reversed a law that provided marriage equality for gay and lesbian couples last night by a three-point margin.
As openly gay candidates found success with voters, the one Reading city councilmen who voted against prohibiting discrimination based upon sexual orientation or gender identity or expression earlier this year in Reading. Stephen Fuhs, the lone dissenting vote against expanding discrimination protections to LGBT people, lost his reelection campaign yesterday. Reading became the 16th municipality in Pennsylvania to protect LGBT citizens from discrimination with a 6-1 vote in September.
