Annual Report of Political VP

When Delaware Stonewall was established in 2003, we had as our prime missions, the support of pro-equality candidates for State office and the passage of pro-equality legislation. Since then, as you know, in coalition with other groups, our State Legislature has passed both non-discrimination and, as part of our 2011 legislative package, passage of the Civil Union bill.

The role we played in recent years, to assure the election of pro-equality legislators cannot be denied.  The State House of Representatives has gone from being in the hands of the Republicans to a Democratic majority. We early on endorsed Jack Markell for Governor, and he has proven to be very supportive.

Several Stonewall members this year met with our Federal elected officials to ask them to support repeal of DADT. Senators Carper and Coons, who we endorsed early, and Representative Carney, who we also endorsed, were supportive of the repeal.

So, overall, we had a good year, but our mission is not over, as we still have a lot to accomplish in ’12 and beyond.  We must assist those legislators whose votes were crucial in passage of Civil Unions, and we hope to help secure the seats of additional positive legislators.  We also have reached the crucial stage of making sure that open GLBT persons are elected and appointed. Your support and assistance is vital if we are to achieve our goals.