Rhode Island AG candidate Chris Little changes stance, pledges to join fight against DOMA

This past March, we started a campaign to ask the candidates for Attorney General in Rhode Island whether, if elected, he or she would defend all citizens and families of Rhode Island, including the married same-sex couples there, and legally join the fight against Section 3 of DOMA, which denies all 1,138 federal marriage benefits to married same-sex couples of Rhode Island.

Attorney General candidate Christopher Little (Moderate Party) initially did not support a lawsuit:

Despite his support of marriage equality, moderate candidate [Chris] Little told the campaign that he doesn’t believe joining the lawsuit is in Rhode Island’s best interests, after meeting with LGBT advocacy group Marriage Equality Rhode Island (MERI). “I feel that now is not the time to challenge DOMA in Rhode Island,” he said. “Should it appear that there is an opportunity to act against DOMA in a way that will be successful in protecting the rights of Rhode Islanders, I would be willing to take such an action.” Little emphasized that he plans to continue working closely with MERI.

However, that statement seemed to be contradicted by MERI. I did not post candidate Little’s initial response because I wanted a clarification on how that position could exist with what Kathy Kushnir, executive director of MERI, told Bay Windows:

Paul is doing a great job with his Defend the Law project and we are thrilled to see Mr. Fernandez and Mr. Archambault step up and pledge to protect all Rhode Island families. We hope to see that same commitment from all candidates for the important position of Attorney General. This project is an excellent way to educate the public about the over 1,000 federal rights and responsibilities that civil marriage allows, in addition to the hundreds of state rights.

Recently I have received an updated position from candidate Little’s office:

The citizens of the state should be defended since our state recognizes same-sex marriages of other states and has in-state marriage equality.  It is simply a matter of law and its application.  This means taking the matter to federal court to ensure that our citizens receive equal and fair federal benefits on the basis of already established precedent in our state.  I will defend these already established laws of the State of Rhode Island.

Kudos to candidate Chris Little for being willing to examine his stance on an important civil rights matter and modify it appropriately when the circumstances warrant. Although I wish this were Little’s initial response, he does get credit for a great current position on the matter.

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Published:
June 24, 2010 – 10:35 am
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By defendthelaw
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New York AG candidate Eric Dinallo would also file suit against DOMA

Nassau County District Attorney and attorney general candidate Kathleen Rice said a couple of weeks ago that she plans to sue the federal government over the Defense of Marriage Act if elected New York’s next attorney general.

Shortly thereafter, we started a campaign ask the other candidates for Attorney General in New York whether, if elected, would he or she defend all citizens and families of New York, including the married same-sex couples there, and legally join the fight against Section 3 of DOMA, which denies all 1,138 federal marriage benefits to married same-sex couples of Rhode Island.

Since then, candidates Sean Coffey and Eric Schneiderman have also come out against DOMA. Now, I’m please to report that attorney general candidate Eric Dinallo has also spoken out on the matter. See his full statement below:

As Attorney General, Eric Dinallo would join the Massachusetts’ lawsuit against the federal Defense of Marriage Act. This is certainly one route to securing justice for the LGBT community and New York should stand in solidarity with those willing to stand up to inequality.

Eric believes that marriage equality is a civil right that requires immediate action and has outlined an additional step he would take to secure this right in New York.  As Attorney General, he will file an equal protection lawsuit against the state, based on a directive he issued when he ran the New York Insurance Department. In that role, he ordered insurance companies to provide same-sex couples married out of state with full spousal benefits – from auto to health to life insurance. Not all same-sex couples have the means to leave New York to marry, creating an unequal protection before the law – one that the state is obligated to correct. This is an additional path to achieving the right same-sex couples are wrongly denied.

Eric would file a lawsuit against DOMA as well. As he said when he released his LGBT agenda: “We cannot deny our family members, friends and neighbors the freedom to marry, freedom from discrimination and equal treatment before the law because of their sexual orientation. As Attorney General, I will fight the backwards policies that do just that.” This includes securing marriage equality in New York State – a case he would take to New York courts – as well as challenging federal laws, like DOMA, that discriminate against the LGBT community by failing to recognize same-sex marriage.

(Emphasis mine)

This is a great position and Mr. Dinallo also has a track record of working for LGBT rights. Major kudos to Eric Dinallo!

If you would like to get involved or support Eric Dinallo in his bid to become New York’s next attorney general, feel free to visit http://www.ericdinallo.com/

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Published:
June 7, 2010 – 3:54 pm
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By defendthelaw
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New York AG candidate Sean Coffey strongly comes out against DOMA and for full LGBT equality

Nassau County District Attorney and attorney general candidate Kathleen Rice said a couple of weeks ago that she plans to sue the federal government over the Defense of Marriage Act if elected New York’s next attorney general.

Shortly thereafter, we started a campaign ask the other candidates for Attorney General in New York whether, if elected, would he or she defend all citizens and families of New York, including the married same-sex couples there, and legally join the fight against Section 3 of DOMA, which denies all 1,138 federal marriage benefits to married same-sex couples of Rhode Island.

Since then, candidate Eric Schneiderman has also come out against DOMA. Now, I’m please to report that attorney general candidate Sean Coffey has also spoken out on the matter. See his full statement below:

When one group of citizens is denied equal treatment and protection under the law, no group is truly free.  The Defense of Marriage Act wrongfully denies gay and lesbian couples not only their right to full expression of love and commitment, but also perpetuates a culture of discrimination that infects other areas of American life. As the next Attorney General, I pledge to be New York’s top legal advocate on this issue.  I will file suit against the federal government based on constitutional challenges and support any action to repeal DOMA. I fully support NY Congressman Jerry Nadler’s bill – the Respect for Marriage Act – that would repeal this draconian law.

But we can’t stop there. As Attorney General, I will fight vigorously to defend the right of our fellow gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender citizens to marriage equality – and against the larger pattern of discrimination in other areas, such as jobs and housing.

For example, a recent study by Michigan’s Fair Housing Center revealed that nearly 30 percent of gay and lesbian couples faced discrimination when attempting to buy or rent a home.  I was pleased to learn that the Obama Administration will soon conduct a nationwide review of housing discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation.  While it is illegal in New York to discriminate based on sexual orientation in the area of housing, as Attorney General I will ensure that these laws are enforced and violators are held fully accountable.

Moreover, I will seriously consider legal challenges that force the federal government to include sexual orientation and gender identity to the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination in sales and rentals of homes.  If Congress does not act to give every American the full and fair protection of the law, I will do so for New Yorkers as your next Attorney General.

(Emphasis mine)

Mr. Coffey deserves a lot of credit for such a strong and bold statement.  That is simply one of the strongest statements I have seen thus far from any candidate for attorney general against DOMA and in favor of full LGBT equality. Major kudos Mr. Coffey!

And if you would like to support Sean Coffey for attorney general, you can do so through http://coffey2010.com/

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Published:
June 5, 2010 – 9:19 pm
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By defendthelaw
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New York AG candidate Eric Schneiderman would also legally fight DOMA

Nassau County District Attorney and attorney general candidate Kathleen Rice said a couple of weeks ago that she plans to sue the federal government over the Defense of Marriage Act if elected New York’s next attorney general.

Shortly thereafter, we started a campaign ask the other candidates for Attorney General in New York whether, if elected, would he or she defend all citizens and families of New York, including the married same-sex couples there, and legally join the fight against Section 3 of DOMA, which denies all 1,138 federal marriage benefits to married same-sex couples of Rhode Island.

I am glad to report that State Senator Eric Schneiderman has just become the second attorney general candidate to come out against DOMA! Bravo Mr. Schneiderman.

You can see his full response below. Do note that he would either file a suit or an amicus brief depending upon which is deemed more appropriate. That may be considered by some as not as strong a position as candidates Kathleen Rice and Sean Coffey who have promised a full lawsuit.

Eric Schneiderman will join the ongoing fight in the courts against the federal government to overturn the ill-named and unconstitutional Defense of Marriage Act, and will promote marriage equality in New York State and nationwide.

Eric will file a lawsuit to challenge DOMA, unless, of course, it is determined that doing so would harm the legal position or unduly delay the progress of the case. In that event, he will file a friend-of-the-court brief. Either way, as a lifelong progressive Democrat who has always stood up for the rights of all New Yorkers even when it wasn’t politically popular, Eric will do everything in his power to ensure that marriage equality becomes a reality in our state.

Feel free to visit http://www.ericschneiderman.com/ if you would like to thank or support Mr. Schneiderman in his bid for attorney general.

P.S. Nice photo of you, Mr. Schneiderman, wearing a white knot for marriage equality!

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Published:
June 5, 2010 – 8:38 pm
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By defendthelaw
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New York AG candidate Kathleen Rice would file suit against DOMA

Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice said yesterday that she plans to sue the federal government over the Defense of Marriage Act if elected New York’s next attorney general.

District Attorney Rice said that she believes the federal law infringes upon the civil rights of New Yorkers and unconstitutionally deprives the state of its right to provide the full benefits of marriage to its citizens.

While New York State has not yet passed marriage equality legislation, the State recognizes same-sex marriages validly enacted elsewhere. To gain standing in the lawsuit, District Attorney Rice said that the state could represent New Yorkers afforded marital status by New York State, but denied federal marriage benefits by DOMA. You can read more about Rice’s stances on LGBT issues here.

Brava Ms. Rice!

Now what do the other candidates in the New York AG race think on this important constitutional issue? Their contact is listed below. Feel free to give them a call, email, or facebook post! We’ll have an official action up soon…

State Senator Eric Schneiderman (D): (212) 242-5301, friends@schneiderman.org

State Assemblyman Richard Brodsky (D): (914) 332-4940, campaign@richardbrodsky.com

Eric Dinallo (D): (212) 944-9640, info@ericdinallo.com

Sean Coffey (D): (212) 557-6100, seancoffey@coffey2010.com

Staten Island District Attorney Dan Donovan (R): (718) 876-6300, info@dandonovan.org

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Published:
May 20, 2010 – 10:48 am
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By defendthelaw
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Rhode Island AG candidate Joe Fernandez also pledges to join fight against DOMA.

Recently, a campaign was started to ask the candidates for Attorney General in Rhode Island, if elected, would he or she defend all citizens and families of Rhode Island, including the married same-sex couples there, and legally join the fight against Section 3 of DOMA, which denies all 1,138 federal marriage benefits to married same-sex couples of Rhode Island.

Attorney General candidate, Joe Fernandez, has just replied. Via email, his office states, “Joe supports full marriage equality.  As Attorney General, he will be on the lookout for opportunities to stop denying marriage rights to committed GLBT couples, and to work toward full equality and protection. Until Rhode Island joins its neighbors in extending full civil rights to all its citizens, Joe will be ready to provide enthusiastic support for Attorney General Martha Coakley’s Massachusetts lawsuit in any way she asks.”

Fernandez joins Rhode Island AG candidate Steve Archambault as well as all 3 Democratic candidates for Attorney General in Connecticut who have also recently pledged to join the legal fight against DOMA.

Now we’re still waiting to hear from the other 4 candidates for Attorney General in Rhode Island. Their contact information is listed below in case you too would like to call or email and ask for their views on this important matter.

Peter Kilmartin (D)
Email: brett.broesder@peterkilmartin.com

Robert Rainville (D)
Call: (401) 480-6171
Email: rerainville@gmail.com

Chris Little (Moderate Party)
Call: (401) 681-4194
Email: info@chrislittleforag.com

Erik Wallin (R)
Call: (401) 921-5001
Email: Campaign@erikforag.com

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Published:
March 29, 2010 – 6:15 pm
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By defendthelaw
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Rhode Island AG candidate Steve Archambault pledges to join fight against DOMA.

Recently, a campaign was started to ask the candidates for Attorney General in Rhode Island, if elected, would he or she defend all citizens and families of Rhode Island, including the married same-sex couples there, and legally join the fight against Section 3 of DOMA, which denies all 1,138 federal marriage benefits to married same-sex couples of Rhode Island.

Attorney General candidate, Steve Archambault, is the first to reply. Via email, his office stated, “If elected Attorney General,  Steve Archambault will support Martha Coakley’s efforts through either joining the lawsuit, submitting an amicus brief or providing some other appropriate assistance.” If you would like to support or join the Archambault for AG campaign, visit archambaultforattorneygeneral.com.

Archambault joins all 3 Democratic candidates for Attorney General in Connecticut who have also recently pledged to join the legal fight against DOMA.

Now we’re still waiting to hear from the other 5 candidates for Attorney General in Rhode Island. Their contact information is listed below in case you too would like to call or email and ask them for their views on this important matter.

Joe Fernandez (D)
Email: joefernandezforag@gmail.com

Peter Kilmartin (D)
Email: brett.broesder@peterkilmartin.com

Robert Rainville (D)
Call: (401) 480-6171
Email: rerainville@gmail.com

Chris Little (Moderate Party)
Call: (401) 681-4194
Email: info@chrislittleforag.com

Erik Wallin (R)
Call: (401) 921-5001
Email: Campaign@erikforag.com

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Published:
March 22, 2010 – 4:06 pm
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By defendthelaw
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Dear candidates for AG in Rhode Island: would you file suit against DOMA?

Massachusetts became the 1st state to sue the U.S. government on July 8, 2009 over Section 3 of the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which denies married same-sex couples all 1,138 federal marriage benefits. Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley contends in the lawsuit that DOMA “constitutes an overreaching and discriminatory federal law.” You can view the full complaint here.

This past week, we organized a grassroots campaign to ask the candidates for attorney general in Connecticut whether they too would file suit against DOMA. All 3 of the Democratic candidates (Susan Bysiewicz, George Jepsen, and Cam Staples) responded in the affirmative. Bay Windows has the full story.

Now it is true that Rhode Island’s laws are neutral in regards to in-state marriage equality; however, Rhode Island is a state that actively recognizes same-sex marriages performed in other states. This came about in response to an advisory opinion of Attorney General Patrick C. Lynch issued in 2004. And so Rhode Island does have many citizens who are in a same-sex marriage and many families who are headed up by married same-sex couples. Those Rhode Island married couples should be protected.

Further, on the Rhode Island Attorney General website, it prominently states, “Protecting our families is a primary concern of the Attorney General.” And so, if elected attorney general, would you defend all citizens and families of Rhode Island, including the married same-sex couples there, and file suit against Section 3 of DOMA, which denies all 1,138 federal marriage benefits to married same-sex couples of Rhode Island?

The candidates for attorney general in Rhode Island are listed below. Please feel free to call or email them to ask them this very question.

Steve Archambault (D)
Call: (401) 632-0686
Email: http://www.archambaultforattorneygeneral.com/contact.html

Joe Fernandez (D)
Email: joefernandezforag@gmail.com

Peter Kilmartin (D)
Email: brett.broesder@peterkilmartin.com

Robert Rainville (D)
Call: (401) 480-6171
Email: rerainville@gmail.com

Chris Little (Moderate Party)
Call: (401) 681-4194
Email: info@chrislittleforag.com

Erik Wallin (R)
Call: (401) 921-5001
Email: Campaign@erikforag.com

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Published:
March 18, 2010 – 4:41 pm
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By defendthelaw
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1 Comment

All Democratic AG candidates in Conn. would join legal fight against DOMA

The candidates for Attorney General in Connecticut were all recently asked whether, if elected, he or she would be willing to defend state law — marriage equality — and file suit against Section 3 of the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which denies married same-sex couples of Connecticut all 1,138 federal marriage benefits.

All 3 Democratic candidates for attorney general in Connecticut have responded in the positive! Major kudos to Susan Bysiewicz, George Jepsen, and Cam Staples. Please see their responses below.

Susan Bysiewicz (D) personally called and stated, “I had an opportunity to look at Martha Coakley’s lawsuit…and I would file suit on behalf of Connecticut because I think it’s important that since same-sex couples have marriage rights in Connecticut, then they certainly ought to be entitled to benefits of marriage under federal law. So I would file suit to ensure that Connecticut citizens have the same federal rights and protections of marriage.”

By the way, a new Quinnipiac poll was released today. Secretary of State Susan Bysiewicz leads the Democratic primary for Attorney General with 54 percent of the vote.

George Jepsen (D) replied by email, “I have had the chance to get up to speed on the Massachusetts DOMA suit, and am fully supportive. As Connecticut’s AG I would be willing to file an amicus brief in support, and would solicit the AGs of other states to do so as well. Thank you for bringing this to my attention.”

Cam Staples (D) told the Hartford Courant, ”I agree with [Coakley's] position that DOMA violates the equal protection clause…I certainly think all Connecticut citizens deserve the same federal rights they enjoy under state law. I would certainly if we can join that suit…or find the right way to participate…Pursuing a suit against the federal government is certainly consistent with our responsibility to our citizens under state law.”

Cam Staples was the very first candidate for Attorney General to state his willingness to file suit against DOMA.

We wish all of these candidates the best of luck in the upcoming Democratic State Convention and the Democratic primary. You will certainly have the ardent support of the LGBT community of Connecticut come the general election.

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Published:
March 18, 2010 – 10:53 am
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By defendthelaw
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2 of 3 Democratic AG candidates would support DOMA lawsuit!

George Jepsen, a Democratic candidate running for Attorney General in Connecticut has just come out in support of the lawsuit against the federal Defense of Marriage Act, which denies all 1,138 federal marriage benefits to same-sex married couples in Connecticut.

Via an email response:

“Paul,

I have had the chance to get up to speed on the Massachusetts DOMA suit, and am fully supportive. As Connecticut’s AG I would be willing to file an amicus brief in support, and would solicit the AGs of other states to do so as well.

Thank you for bringing this to my attention.

Sincerely,

George”

Thank you Mr. Jepsen for being willing to defend state law — marriage equality — and support the lawsuit against DOMA, which denies all federal marriage benefits to same-sex married couples of Connecticut.

Published:
March 12, 2010 – 12:49 pm
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By defendthelaw
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