Representative Baldwin Speaks Out on Washington, Kalamazoo and Maine

11/04/09-by Bridgette P. LaVictoire
In a press release sent out today, openly lesbian Representative Tammy Baldwin stated: “Yesterday’s elections produced both great successes and great disappointment for the LGBT community.” Indeed, there was a mixed bag of election results with Washington State approving ‘All but Marriage’, and Kalamazoo upholding non-discrimination ordinances. “We can celebrate that voters in the state of Washington soundly defeated a referendum to overturn that state’s new domestic partnership law….In Kalamazoo, Michigan, voters approved an ordinance banning discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity by a wide margin,” she went on to say.

Rep. Baldwin also pointed out a little known race outside of Texas where Houston would likely elect the first open lesbian to govern such a major city. “Annise Parker, an out lesbian, came in first in a crowded race and is now the frontrunner in the Dec. 12th run-off to elect that city’s mayor,” as Rep. Baldwin pointed out. Ms Parker, the City Controller of Houston, is openly lesbian, but that has not been a major issue.

“The results from Maine, where voters overturned the state’s same-sex marriage law, are deeply hurtful and disappointing. But we should not feel defeated. LGBT Americans and our allies will continue our march toward full equality. History and justice are on our side and we will prevail,” Rep. Baldwin finished by saying.