Archives
Meister: A democracy includes all
November 4, 2009
Contact: Karen Craven, Media Director UPDATED AT 8:00 AM
Meister for U.S. Senate For Immediate Release
Phone: (773) 230-8785 November 4, 2009
Email: karen.craven@meisterforsenate.com
Jacob Meister, Democratic Candidate for U.S. Senate,
Statement on gay-issues referenda in Maine and Washington state
“Last evening it appeared that Washington voters declined to expand domestic partnerships, while in Maine, the end result on overturning gay marriage was too close to call. This morning, we are optimistic regarding what will happen in the Northwest, but that is tempered by the disappointment with the outcome in the Northeast.
"All of us need to recognize the significance of this anticipated victory and defeat. When put to popular vote gay marriage has now been defeated in 31 states. This issue remains at the forefront of voters’ minds and lawmakers' agendas. But the division in thinking between legislators and the electorate reminds us that this issue, that this moment is similar to many paths that we have traversed in this nation before.
"From the right to vote, to the right to a quality education regardless of skin color, to the right to choose, this country is built on the tenets of equality for all, but too often picks and chooses who “all” is. As we wait for the final word in Washington, as a nation we need to come together and recognize that when one of us is excluded, when one of us is discriminated against, when one of is dismissed, all of us will be hurt, because a democracy that ignores some, includes none."
--###--
