Press Releases
March 3, 2012
The Stonewall Democratic Club of Greater Sacramento Applauds Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson for Joining Mayors for the Freedom to Marry
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, March 2, 2012
CONTACT: Neil Pople, communications@sacstonewall.org
The Stonewall Democratic Club of Greater
Stonewall Club President Sam Catalano said "I walked away from this discussion hopeful for the future, and was completely & pleasantly surprised by Mayor Johnson's immediate offer to stand with us in the struggle for marriage equality. This means so much for so many people. Thank you, Mayor Johnson, for standing on the right side of history!"
Stonewall Communications Chair Neil Pople added "When we first heard about the Mayors for the Freedom to Marry movement, we knew we had to encourage Mayor Johnson to join. It turns out that he was not only interested in what we were doing, but whole-heartedly supportive of it. Other mayors in the Sacramento-area now have another example to look to on equal rights in addition to Davis Mayor Joe Krovoza and West Sacramento Mayor Christopher Cabaldon."
Mayors for the Freedom to Marry (www.freedomtomarry.org) is a broad-based and nonpartisan group of mayors who believe that all people should be able to share in the love and commitment of marriage. The group includes mayors from cities and towns--large and small--with diverse geographic, ethnic and political backgrounds.
California Mayors for the Freedom to Marry include:
Yiaway Yeh - Palo Alto, CA; Guy Wilson - Sebastopol, CA; Jennifer West - Emeryville, CA; Antonio Villaraigosa - Los Angeles, CA (Chair); Nick Tell - Manhattan Beach, CA; Michael Sweeney - Hayward, CA; Ann Schwab - Chico, CA; Helene Schneider - Santa Barbara, CA; Jerry Sanders - San Diego, CA (Chair); Jean Quan - Oakland, CA; Steve Pougnet - Palm Springs, CA; Gus Morrison - Fremont, CA; Gayle McLaughlin - Richmond, CA; Jan Marx - San Luis Obispo, CA; Edwin Lee - San Francisco, CA; Don Lane - Santa Cruz, CA; Joe Krovoza - Davis, CA; Mike Kasperzak - Mountain View, CA; Jennifer Hosterman - Pleasanton, CA; Marie Gilmore - Alameda, CA; Mike Gin - Redondo Beach, CA; David Glass - Petaluma, CA; Debora Fudge - Windsor, CA; Laura Friedman - Glendale, CA; Bob Foster - Long Beach, CA; Claire Fortier - South Lake Tahoe, CA; Larry Forester - Signal Hill, CA; John Duran - West Hollywood, CA; Stephen Cassidy - San Leandro, CA; Christopher Cabaldon - W. Sacramento, CA; Richard Bloom - Santa Monica, CA
The Stonewall Democratic Club of Greater
Posted by SacAdmin at March 3, 2012 1:05 PM
February 9, 2012
MEDIA ADVISORY: Sacramento Stonewall Applaud Court's Decision to Stand for Civil Rights
Sacramento Stonewall Applaud Court's Decision to Stand for Civil Rights
MEDIA ADVISORY: February 7, 2012
CONTACT: Neil Pople, communications@sacstonewall.org
SACRAMENTO--The Stonewall Democratic Club of Greater Sacramento is very pleased with the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals' decision to dismiss the validity of Proposition 8, the ballot initiative adopted by a slim majority of voters in November 2008 that stripped same-sex couples of their marriage rights.
"To say we are happy today would be an understatement," Acting Club President Sam Catalano said. "But while we are happy that the 9th Circuit took the time to understand the law before applying it, we recognize that this battle is far from over. Prop 8 backers will most likely appeal the case to the United States Supreme Court. So while we are energized today, we recognize the battle will continue all the way to Washington."
National Stonewall Co-Chair and Sacramento resident Laurie McBride said "Everyone, on both sides of this argument, understands that this fight is far from over. Today's ruling by the 9th Circuit was a boost for supporters of equality, and this news is exactly the encouragement we need to continue our struggle for civil rights. Victories like this give us all hope for the future."
As the 9th Circuit released their decision today that decided Proposition 8 had in fact violated constitutional rights, The Stonewall Democratic Club of Greater Sacramento knows that there are many more battles to be fought for equality every day. The club will continue to urge Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson to stand on the right side of history and join Mayors for the Freedom to Marry, a new organization led by a bipartisan coalition of over 100 United States mayors dedicated to promoting marriage equality in their communities, state, and our nation.
To urge Mayor Johnson to join Mayors for the Freedom to Marry, please visit http://www.change.org/petitions/sacramento-mayor-kevin-johnson-sign-the-mayors-for-the-freedom-to-marry-pledge.
The Stonewall Democratic Club of Greater Sacramento is one of the largest Democratic clubs in the region and is one of the largest LGBT Democratic clubs in the United States. Sacramento Stonewall works toward Democratic values for all.
Posted by SacAdmin at February 9, 2012 7:38 AM
January 21, 2012
The Stonewall Democratic Club of Greater SacramentoMEDIA ADVISORY: Monday, January 23, 2012
CONTACT: Neil Pople, 916-677-9402 or communications@sacstonewall.org
Sacramento--With the Friday launch of the new bipartisan group Mayors for the Freedom to Marry (www.freedomtomarry.org), the Stonewall Democratic Club of Greater Sacramento would like to congratulate West Sacramento's Christopher Cabaldon, Davis' Joe Krovoza and the other California mayors who signed on to pledge their support for gays and lesbians to marry.
"It takes real courage and conviction to stand up for what's right, and Mayor Cabaldon has never shrunk away from doing what's best for California and our country," Club Communications Chair Neil Pople said. "We need hundreds more Christopher Cabaldons in local and state government to help ensure equality for ALL citizens. We're delighted to hear Mayor Krovoza standing with us as well in this latest chapter of civil rights. Their help is going to go a long way."
Acting Club President Sam Catalano added "We'd like to encourage Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson to take this pledge to ensure the rights of ALL Sacramento citizens. This is a pivotal moment in the history of our country, and we know Mayor Johnson has the ear of the White House. His support for marriage equality could really help sway this administration's stance on and change the course of history."
Mayors for the Freedom to Marry is a broad-based and nonpartisan group of mayors who believe that all people should be able to share in the love and commitment of marriage. The group includes mayors from cities and towns--large and small--with diverse geographic, ethnic and political backgrounds.
Among the other California mayors who signed the pledge:
Antonio Villaraigosa, Los Angeles; Jerry Sander, San Diego; Tom Bates, Berkeley; Richard Bloom, Santa Monica; Stephen Cassidy, San Leandro; John Duran, West Hollywood; Larry Forrester, Signal Hill; Bob Foster, Long Beach; Laura Friedman, Glendale; Debora Fudge, Windsor; David Glass, Petaluma; Marie Gilmore, Alameda; Mike Gin, Redondo Beach; Don Lane, Santa Cruz; Edwin Lee, San Francisco; Jan Marx, San Luis Obispo; Steve Pougnet, Palm Springs; Jean Quan, Oakland; Helene Schneider, Santa Barbara; Ann Schwab, Chico; Nick Tell, Manhattan Beach
The Stonewall Democratic Club of Greater Sacramento is one of the largest Democratic clubs in the region and is one of the largest LGBT Democratic clubs in the United States. Sacramento Stonewall works toward Democratic values for all.
Posted by SacAdmin at January 21, 2012 11:42 PM
November 4, 2011
Stonewall Lauds Representatives Garamendi, Matsui and Thompson for Supporting Overturning the Defense of Marriage Act
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Daniel Roth, 916-747-9592
November 4, 2011
SACRAMENTO--With the United States Senate Judiciary Committee set to vote to overturn portions of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which was passed by Congress in 1996 and denies over 1000 federal rights to legally married gay and lesbian couples, the Stonewall Democratic Club of Greater Sacramento commended Sacramento area and Democratic Members of Congress John Garamendi (D- Walnut Grove), Doris Matsui (D-Sacramento) and Mike Thompson (D-St. Helena) who joined 131 of their Democratic colleagues in filing a brief yesterday in support of overturning the law, saying the provision denying same-sex married couples federal rights is unconstitutional and undermines the interests of Congress.
"Once again, it is the Democratic members of Congress who are standing up for equal rights for all Americans," said Daniel Roth, President of the Stonewall Democratic Club of Greater Sacramento. "I hope that all of California's Congressional Delegation--Democrats and Republicans--will stand up and support equal rights under the law."
In their brief the members of Congress noted that according to the United States Census estimated 132,000 gay and lesbian couples are legally married in the United States, and that "DOMA harms these couples, their families, and the States that now allow them to marry."
The Democratic members of Congress were also joined by more than 70 large employers, including Starbuck's and Microsoft, who filed an amicus brief also supporting overturning the law. The employers noted that the law creates problems for employers in states where gay and lesbian couples are allowed to marry under state law, and it creates unnecessary cost and administrative complexity while forcing companies to discriminate.
"While we wait for Congress to act, real people and real companies are really getting hurt. It is time to toss out this law and grant full equality under federal law," Roth concluded.
Posted by SacAdmin at November 4, 2011 9:42 AM
June 17, 2010
PRESS RELEASE: Sacramento Stonewall Democrats Launch "StopAndrewPugno.com" in campaign against Proposition 8 Author and Republican nominee in Assembly District 5
PRESS RELEASE: Sacramento Stonewall Democrats Launch "StopAndrewPugno.com" in campaign against Proposition 8 Author and Republican nominee in Assembly District 5.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 17, 2010
CONTACT: Patrick Holstine, Communications Chair, 916.716.5889 | communications@sacstonewall.org
Sacramento Stonewall Democrats Announce the Launch of "StopAndrewPugno.com"
Sacramento -- Sacramento Stonewall Democrats Launch "StopAndrewPugno.com" in campaign against Proposition 8 Author and Republican nominee in Assembly District 5 The Stonewall Democratic Club of Greater Sacramento announced the launch of "StopAndrewPugno.com" - an effort to help keep homophobia out of the California State Legislature. Andrew Pugno is the Republican candidate for Assembly District 5 in the Sacramento region and in 2008 co-authored Proposition 8, the California measure that stripped marriage rights from same-sex couples.
"Since graduating from college, Pugno's career has exclusively focused on the effort to deny gay and lesbian couples the right to marry," said Sacramento Stonewall President Christopher Moore. "Now, StopAndrewPugno.com is exclusively focused on the effort to deny Pugno a seat in the California State Legislature."
Pugno crafted Proposition 22 which enshrined marriage discrimination into law in the year 2000, then in 2008 co-authored Proposition 8 to amend California's Constitution to take away same-sex marriage rights, and now he continues to serve as legal counsel defending Proposition 8 in the federal marriage trial before Judge Vaughn Walker in San Francisco. Earlier this week, Pugno asked Judge Walker to allow government agencies and private businesses to nullify recognition of the more than 18,000 same-sex marriages performed in California.
"This campaign is not about Andrew Pugno as a person," continued Moore, "This campaign is about his record, and the fact that all it includes is taking away the rights of gays and lesbians. It is absolutely ridiculous that one would consider this adequate qualification to tackle the complex problems facing our state legislature. Not to mention, it is horribly offensive to me as a gay man."
Besides his history of homophobia, Pugno is facing other serious criticism. He is being labeled a "carpetbagger" after recently relocating his residence when local press outlets revealed he was actively campaigning for the Assembly seat without actually residing within the district. Furthermore, the Fair Political Practices Commission received complaints that Pugno broke legislative ethics laws when, as a young staffer for the late Senator Knight, he used State Senate Resources to craft the anti-gay Proposition 22.
Pugno will face off against Democratic candidate Dr. Richard Pan in the November General Election. Pan has been endorsed by the Sacramento Stonewall Democrats, meaning he is 100% supportive of LGBT rights.
For more information, contact Patrick Holstine at 916.716.5889, or by e-mail at communications@sacstonewall.org. In addition, see www.StopAndrewPugno.com.
Posted by SacAdmin at June 17, 2010 6:10 PM
November 11, 2009
Press Release: Sacramento Stonewall Democrats Early-Endorses Mary Hernandez for Sacramento City Unified School District Board of Education, Area 2
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 11, 2009
CONTACT: Christopher Moore, Club President
530.713.0914 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 530.713.0914 end_of_the_skype_highlighting | president@sacstonewall.org
SACRAMENTO - The
Stonewall Democratic Club of Greater Sacramento voted to early-endorse
Mary Hernandez for Sacramento City Unified School District Board of
Education, Area 2 at its General Membership Meeting Monday November 9,
2009.
"We feel so fortunate, as a club, to have this
opportunity to back such an outstanding candidate," said Club President
Christopher Moore. "We are extremely confident that her campaign will
be a success and we are dedicated to working vigorously to ensure she
is elected."
"Hernandez's campaign speaks to the very core
of the mission of Sacramento Stonewall" said Mike Mendez, Chair of the
Political Action Committee. "Her election to office as an openly gay
woman will provide a shining example that highly qualified LGBT
individuals can proudly serve the public. Furthermore, Mary's history
as a tireless advocate makes us confident that she will be an extremely
effective Board Member."
Following the vote to endorse Mary
Hernandez, the club also voted to make a $10,000 contribution to her
campaign. Sacramento City Unified School District Board of Education,
Area 2 covers the communities of Midtown, East Sacramento, River Park,
College Greens, and Tahoe Park.
From Left to Right: Mike Mendez, Mary Hernandez, and Chris MoorePosted by SacAdmin at November 11, 2009 2:22 PM
November 4, 2009
Press Release: Sacramento Stonewall Extremely Disappointed by Maine's Passage of Question 1
Sacramento Stonewall Extremely Disappointed by Maine's Passage of Question 1
CONTACT: Christopher Moore, Club President
530.713.0914 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 530.713.0914 end_of_the_skype_highlighting | president@sacstonewall.org
SACRAMENTO - Sacramento Stonewall is extremely disappointed in the decision by Maine voters to repeal that state's law that would have extended equal marriage rights to same-sex couples.
"It continues to disturb me that our systems of governance in individual states and our nation as a whole can allow a bare majority of voters being driven by a well-funded campaign of lies and deception to arbitrarily strip a historically-marginalized portion of our citizenry of their rights," said Sacramento Stonewall President Christopher Moore.
"Pro-equality Californians feel the same pain Mainers feel today, and perhaps the worst part about the whole thing is that the same nationwide homophobic forces were behind both ballot initiative crusades. These groups are like a plague invading states one by one, spreading their awful rhetoric and enshrining homophobia into the law" said Moore.
Nearly 48 percent of Maine voters cast their vote in favor of marriage equality. Their commitment to equality is a testament to the hard work done by thousands of volunteers from states across the nation. While opponents of equality will claim victory in Maine, a Domestic Partnership law in Washington state is on its way to victory after approval by voters there. In addition, the citizens of Kalamazoo, Michigan, voted to uphold a local ordinance that banned discrimination based on sexual orientation and throughout the country openly-gay candidates are celebrating successful runs for office.
"We have come so far, so fast," commented Moore, "The mere thought that ten years ago nearly 50 percent of voters in a state would cast a ballot in favor of equal marriage rights for same-sex couples was almost unthinkable. Now we are so close. We must remember that this is yet another opportunity for those of us who fight for equality to redouble our efforts and work harder than ever until our goal of full equality for all is a reality."
The Stonewall Democratic Club of Greater Sacramento is one of the largest Democratic clubs in the region and is one of the largest LGBT Democratic clubs in the United States. Sacramento Stonewall works toward Democratic values for all.
Posted by SacAdmin at November 4, 2009 11:46 PM
