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Peter Mathews Carries Equal=Rights Torch to Congress
by Brett Covey - Campaign to Elect Mathews for Congress in 2010
April 30, 2009PETER MATHEWS: FIGHTER FOR MARRIAGE EQUALITY
In a huge setback for equal rights, in November 2008, California voters approved Proposition 8, overturning same sex marriage. Massachusetts, Vermont, Iowa and Maine have legalized same sex marriage as a matter of full equality. In New Hampshire, New York and New Jersey, lawmakers are still trying to decide. Many other states are trying to block same sex marriage by introducing constitutional amendments. A few years ago, at the Federal level, the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) gave states the right to not recognize same sex marriages that are performed in other states. DOMA also creates a Federal definition of marriage instead of leaving it up to the states. Democratic Candidate for Congress, Peter Mathews, says that both aspects of DOMA are unconstitutional. Under DOMA, same sex couples are unable to receive many Federal benefits including those related to Social Security, inheritance and survivorship. When in Congress, Peter Mathews will oppose DOMA as a violation of the Full Faith and Credit Clause of the U.S. Constitution. He states that this is a violation of equal rights, including the most fundamental human right, which is the right to marry the one you love. Peter supports same sex marriage as a matter of full equality and justice for all.
FIGHTER FOR EMPLOYMENT NON-DISCRIMINATION
Peter Mathews points out that many people are discriminated against in the work place due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. In over 35 states it is legal to dismiss an employee based on these two factors. If elected, Mathews has pledged to lead the fight for equal rights in the workplace and passage of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA). This act will prevent employers from making promotional decisions, discriminating against, or firing employees because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. In addition, ENDA also prevents public or private employers, labor unions, and employment agencies from discriminating according to an individual's gender identity or sexual orientation. However, it doesn't apply to businesses with less than 15 employees and most jobs at religious organizations. Peter Mathews will work to ensure that LGBT employees, their partners, and children receive equal benefits. Mathews believes that work gives human beings a sense of dignity and purpose. He states, "ENDA is an important tool to guarantee that all Americans will be able to fulfill their full potential in the workplace." It will also guarantee that people will be justly rewarded for their talent and hard work.
FIGHTER AGAINST HATE CRIMES, AND FOR STRONG FEDERAL LEGISLATION AGAINST HATE CRIMES
The brutal murder of Matthew Shepard was a wakeup call for Congress to pass Federal Hate Crimes legislation that would severely punish biased violence committed because of the victims' sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or gender. This legislation, recently passed by both houses of Congress, provides new tools and resources that would help law enforcement officials prosecute vicious criminals. Peter calls this bill a tribute to the memory of Matthew Shepard and those who have endured unequal justice under the law. Peter condemns the outrageous comments made by Congresswoman Virginia Fox who claimed that Mathew Shepard was murdered because of a robbery and not his sexual orientation. As our Congressman, Peter Mathews will stand up against such ignorance and bigotry.
FIGHTER FOR PARENTS AND CHILDREN
Many times foster parenting and adoption rights have been denied to the LGBT community. In recent years there has been a sharp increase in legislation that restricts the ability for the LGBT community to adopt children or become foster parents. Peter believes that the ability for the LGBT community to adopt children in need should be fully guaranteed. A strong and happy family is defined by loving, caring, and nurturing parents, regardless of their sexual orientation.
Peter Mathews believes that all high schools should take concrete steps towards demonstrating their commitment to guarantee LGBT inclusion. Support services must be provided and discrimination against LGBT youth must be stopped through educational awareness and proper hate crime law enforcement. Peter Mathews commends the work of support groups such as GSA (Gay Straight Alliance) and PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays).
FIGHTER FOR PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF HIV/AIDS
Mathews says, "Congress must immediately increase funding for HIV / AIDS prevention, treatment, housing and research, and guarantee full funding for scientifically based national HIV / AIDS policy." This is an issue that not only affects the LGBT community, but all communities worldwide.
FIGHTER TO END THE DEMEANING "DON'T ASK, DON'T TELL" POLICY
Mathews makes the point that the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy in the military is demeaning, demoralizing and completely unnecessary. The right to serve your country should not require an individual to deny and suppress his or her sexual orientation. Some of the most effective fighting forces in the world, including Israel's, are not required to abide by a "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. Instead, soldiers are honored for their bravery and commitment, and not harassed for their sexual orientation.
FIGHTER AND CHAMPION FOR EQUAL=RIGHTS AND OTHER ISSUES
Peter Mathews has been raising public awareness of these crucial Human Rights issues for the last several years. As our Congressperson, Mathews will also fight for Universal Single Payer Health Care, Quality Free Education K-College, Higher Paying Jobs, Business Opportunity, a Clean Sustainable Environment, an end to the causes of Global Warming, and to end the war and stabilize Iraq and Afghanistan. Peter says, "The time to act is now. We must unite our community for real progress and equal rights." The Mathews for Congress campaign strongly urges the LGBT community to help put Peter in the U.S. House of Representatives by winning the June 8, 2010 Congressional Democratic Primary Election. Everyone is urged to call Peter on his cell phone personally at (562) 234-3319, host a house party, or volunteer here on this website or contribute financially to this progressive campaign. Peter Mathews refuses to accept money from corporate lobbyists so that he will be free to serve you and the public interest in Congress. That is why he needs your help so urgently. Don't allow greedy corporations to degrade this country any longer. Tell your friends about this remarkable campaign and join us all in voting Peter Mathews for Congress.*
Bio: Peter Mathews is running for Congress in California's 37th Congressional District, which includes Long Beach, Carson, Compton, part of Los Angeles, Signal Hill and Willowbrook. The Democratic Primary Election will be held June 8, 2010. Mathews is challenging Congressperson Laura Richardson, who was newly elected in 2007. Richardson won 15,000 (6%) of the 250,000 registered voters.
Peter Mathews is currently Chair of the Department of Political Science at Cypress College and is a professor of American Government and International Relations. He has also served as a political analyst and commentator on KNBC-TV, CNN Radio, KNX Radio, KPFK Radio, and other news outlets. Before moving to Southern California in 1979 and to Long Beach in 1991, Peter Mathews was elected to and served on the North Fair Oaks Advisory Council (Planning Commission for Unincorporated San Mateo County) in the San Francisco Bay Area. Mathews founded Rescue Education California in 1993 to lead the effort to block college tuition fee increases, and helped coordinate the effort to prevent King Drew Hospital's Emergency Room from closing in 2003.
* According to law, only Democrats and Decline to State (independent) voters are allowed to vote for Peter Mathews in the June 8, 2010 Congressional Democratic Primary Election. However, any U.S. citizen or permanent resident is allowed to donate or volunteer.
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Mathews Network
Contact Information
Cellphone: (562) 234-3319
Mail: PO Box 2857
Long Beach, CA 90801
E-mail: peter@mathewsforcongress.org