Issue Position: LGBTQ

Issue Position

Protecting LGBTQ adults and youth from discrimination:

No person should feel unsafe in their workplace, home, or school. We have an obligation to end discrimination experienced by our gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer neighbors.

Three years ago, I joined the campaign for same-sex marriage. At hundreds of doorsteps and on thousands of phone calls, I spoke with Mainers who felt conflicted on the issue. Yet, each conversation nurtured understanding and common ground. As we often said on the campaign trail, we were changing hearts and minds. On November 4, 2012, Mainers stepped up to the plate and overwhelming supported same-sex marriage at the ballot!

Unfortunately, same-sex marriage, itself, cannot dissolve discrimination and bullying experienced by LGBTQ folks everyday. We need a leader who will continue to move the ball forward for our LGBTQ friends and family members. Specifically, we must strengthen resources available to students in schools by expanding upon the Bullying and Cyber Bullying Act passed in May 2012. No child should take their life because of bullying!

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