FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
GLAD Hails Senator Kennedy’s Steady Support for GLBT Rights
Boston, MA) Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders today praised long-time civil rights champion Senator Edward Kennedy for remarks he made in support of marriage rights for GLBT people, and against workplace discrimination. Kennedy’s comments came in a speech he made on the future of the Democratic Party, at the National Press Club on January 12, 2005.
“Senator Kennedy’s comments encourage us as we continue to make progress in ending discrimination against GLBT people across the country,” said Gary Buseck, Legal Director of GLAD. “He places support for the rights of GLBT people rights where it belongs – in the American tradition of fighting for fairness. Our community is blessed to enjoy the leadership of such an unwavering advocate.”
Excerpts from Senator Kennedy’s remarks are below; for the full text of his speech, “A Democratic Blueprint for America’s Future,” visit www.DemocraticMajority.com.
On Civil Marriage
“On the issue of gay rights, I continue to strongly support civil marriage. We cannot -and should not - require any religion or any church to accept gay marriage. But it is wrong for our civil laws to deny any American the basic right to be a part of a family, to have loved ones with whom to build a future and share life’s joys and tears, and to be free from the stain of bigotry and discrimination.”
On Workplace Discrimination
“A progressive economy also recognizes that Americans don’t just want more. They want more of what matters in life, which is the true American dream. They want greater flexibility on the job, with more time for their families, more time for their children’s schools, more time to volunteer in their communities and churches and synagogues and mosques.
They want jobs that pay fairly and don’t force them to work excessive hours without extra pay. They want safe workplaces and the right to join with fellow employees to bargain for a fair workplace. They want companies to stop marketing cigarettes and unhealthy foods to young Americans.
They want workplaces free from all forms of bigotry and discrimination, including discrimination against gay and lesbian Americans. “
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Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders is New England's leading legal organization dedicated to ending discrimination based on sexual orientation, HIV status, and gender identity and expression.