New Hampshire Governor Maggie Hassan speaks on continuing the fight for LGBT rights
by Sara Ritsch
Staff Writer
Chris Pappas introduced New Hampshire Gov. Maggie Hassan to the stage at the 2016 Democratic LGBT Caucus meeting this Thursday.
Pappas has been a member of the New Hampshire delegate community since 2012.
A third term New Hampshire Executive Council member, Pappas restored funding to Planned Parenthood health centers and ensured Medicaid expansion was implemented.
Seated across from him was New Hampshire governor Maggie Hassan.
“Straight allies march with us arm and arm,” Pappas said in reference to Hassan, “and because of her I feel fully included and incorporated in the life of my community and my state.”
He then introduced Hassan, bringing her to the stage.
As a state senator, Hassan fought for marriage equality, and as governor, she further strengthened the state’s marriage equality laws. In 2015, she joined several other states in urging the Supreme Court to make marriage equality legal nationwide.
Hassan is currently running for the US Senate, continuing her efforts for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights.
“Thank you to the wonderful room full of champions for LGBTQ rights,” said Hassan, addressing the many others in the room who had joined her in the fight for equality.
New Hampshire is the leader in advancing the rights of the LGBT community, thanks to Gov. Hassan. She was proud to issue executive order in New Hampshire to prohibit discrimination on the basis of gender identity or sexual orientation.
She spoke on how young people in her state helped her to understand why marriage equality was about much more than just marriage, but about the importance of inclusion and compassion.
“The horrific tragedy in Orlando is a solemn reminder to fight to ensure all LGBTQ Americans can live free from fear with the full dignity, respect and safety they deserve,” Hassan said.
Her opponent for State Senate, Kelly Ayotte, opposes marriage equality and adoption rights - a stark contrast from Hassan, who spoke of her deep-rooted loyalty to the LGBTQ community.
She vowed to support the Equality Act, HIV/AIDS prevention treatment and research to combat the HIV/AIDS epidemic. She also swore to stand against the efforts to roll back the marriage equality decision put forth by the GOP.
Hassan went on to speak about the upcoming election season and exactly what is on the line.
“This is going to be a tight race. A race that needs your support. Support for LGBTQ equality is what’s at stake in this election.”
She spoke on the American mission to follow the founding words that everybody counts, even though not everyone was counted at first - a reference to the white supremacy that has haunted the United States since its genesis.
She ended her speech with inspirational words, urging listeners to act.
“Let’s go get ‘em!”
Grace Babb contributed to this report.
Copyright - The Gayly – 7/28/2016 @ 5:00 p.m. CDT