Democratic Party of Georgia

Help Move Georgia Forward

DPG Issues Statement on Marriage Equality

Release:  Tuesday, April 28, 2015                           

 

Democratic Party of GA Issues Statement on Marriage Equality

 

 

Atlanta, GA – Today, Democratic Party of Georgia LGBT Caucus Vice Chair Colton Griffin issued the following statement in the wake of news that the US Supreme Court heard arguments in Obergefell v. Hodges. The decision could decide the fate of marriage equality across the nation.

 

“For too long, tens of thousands of Georgians have been denied essential civil rights based solely on whom they love. Our state has gazed just across state lines for years as our neighbors in Florida, Alabama, and elsewhere have been afforded liberties that should be enjoyed by the LGBT community right here at home. Georgia Democrats have been outspoken in their support of equality for all families, yet Republicans have, at best, been silent on the issue—and at worst, propagated an environment of discrimination, hate, and fear.

 

“I, and many others, hold hope that the Supreme Court will decide in favor of equality, opportunity and progress. We are witnessing the shaping of a better nation. And I’m proud that the leadership of the Democratic Party of Georgia is on the right side of history.”

 

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DPG Chair Issues Statement in Honor of Atlanta Pride

Release:  Friday, October 10, 2014 

 

Democratic Party of Georgia Chair Issues Statement in Honor of Atlanta Pride

 

Atlanta, GA – Today, Democratic Party of Georgia Chair DuBose Porter issued the following statement in honor of Atlanta Pride.

 

“This week, we celebrate the contributions made by the LGBT community and just how far we have come as a nation on LGBT rights. While our state has miles to go before we sleep, know that state Democratic lawmakers will continue to work toward a Georgia that treats all its citizens equally under the law.

 

“I’m proud that our Party has led the fight against the discrimination of all people—regardless of who they love. That’s one of the many reasons why I will be marching with Georgia Democrats and the DPG staff in this Sunday’s Pride parade.

 

“We have plenty of reasons to celebrate, but that does not mean we should be satisfied. We cannot stop until all men and women—who are created equally—are treated equally.”

 

 

LGBT Progress and the Road Ahead

Georgia Democrats:

Atlanta LGBT Pride is here.  As in past years, this week will be marked with a festival in the park, a parade, a film festival, religious services, memorials to AIDS victims, and celebratory socializing between friends. The Democratic Party of Georgia salutes the LGBT Community for the advances towards equality and fairness in all aspects of life. At the same time, we realize that we have much work still to do.

Georgia remains one of the states providing no basic protections for LGBT individuals. We can be fired from work, discriminated in housing, and denied basic benefits based solely on whom we love. We still do not have equality in recognition of our relationships of love, be it marriage, civil unions or domestic partnerships. While Georgia has one of the largest LGBT populations in the US, our basic rights lag behind most other states.

While we could dwell on the lack of basic rights for the Georgia LGBT Community, we must also look at the positive LGBT journey with the Democratic Party of Georgia and National Democratic Party since our last Pride.

We have accomplished:

  • The Georgia delegation to the Democratic National Convention voted unanimously for inclusion of the Freedom To Marry plank in the Party platform.
  • With overwhelming support from the LGBT Community, President Obama was decisively re-elected, serving as an advocate for Equality of Marriage throughout his campaign.
  • The Atlanta City Council, by a vote of 11-2, passed a resolution in support of Marriage Equality. The resolution was introduced by openly gay councilperson Alex Wan and co-sponsored by supportive City Council members.
  • Legislation introduced/sponsored by LGBT Democratic State Representatives Karla Drenner, Simone Bell, and Keisha Waites addressing fair employment and school bullying were given Committee hearings. This is the first time two pro-LGBT bills were granted hearings during the same session.
  • The Democratic Party of Georgia State Committee elected Representative DuBose Porter as the new Chairperson of the Georgia Democrats. DuBose serves as an uncompromising supporter of full Equality, advocating throughout the state – urban and rural – and in the press – mainstream and LGBT – the need for Georgia to move forward on our issues.

While we look at the work within our community, a special thanks go to our allies and friends. Your recognition that LGBT issues touch your families, neighbors, co-workers, and friends, and your unconditional fight for our rights, make this journey a winning one for all of Georgia. We, as Democrats, work as family making our state equal for all.

We invite all Democrats and friends to join us in this week of Pride on Sunday and walk with the Georgia Democrats LGBT Caucus and Young Democrats of Georgia in the Pride Parade. Step off is at 1 PM starting at the Marta Civic Center station. Volunteers are needed for the Democratic Party of Georgia booth at Pride for both Saturday and Sunday. You can sign-up here: Georgia Democrats Pride Booth Volunteers.

The LGBT community thanks you for your support, not just during this week of celebration, but 365 days a year.

Jim Taflinger

Chairperson, Democratic Party of Georgia LGBT Caucus

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