Oct 25, 2011
To AZGOP politicians: Will you condemn your party's reference to LGBT community in attack mailer?
State Republican Party's pro-Gullett mail piece aligns LGBT community with city problems
PHOENIX -- A recent mailing from the Arizona Republican Party supporting mayoral candidate Wes Gullett identified reasons for not supporting candidate Greg Stanton. Among these reasons was Stanton’s endorsement from Equality Arizona, a local advocacy organization of the LGBT community.
In Monday's Arizona Guardian, Equality Arizona condemned the AZGOP mailing, noting that the AZGOP has "stooped to a new low" in implying that gay people are a problem for Phoenix. The Arizona Democratic Party stands with Equality Arizona in denouncing this mailing. Andrei Cherny, Arizona Democratic Party chairman, offers the following statement:
“Throughout history, the LGBT community has suffered discrimination in its many forms. But progress has come thanks to the tireless efforts of individuals, institutions and community leaders who have stood tall and voiced their support. We stand arm in arm with Arizona’s LGBT community, but our voice is not enough. Will Republican politicians stay silent on the AZGOP's mailer, or do any of them have the courage to say that this is unacceptable? Republicans have already shown they are willing to demonize labor unions, and now they are doing the same with the LGBT community. We call on the AZGOP congressional and legislative delegations to join us in condemning this shameful campaign message.”
