Peter Mathews participates in Harvey Milk Panel

by Online Advocate

       The movie “Milk”, based on the life story of Harvey Milk and his struggles as a gay activist for equal rights and California’s first openly gay elected official, was screened by Cypress College GALA (Gay and Lesbian Acceptance Club) on November 5, 2009 in Cypress, California. The well attended event included a post movie panel discussion and audience participation. The panel consisted of Elizabeth Aversa (Equality California), Jeff Letourneau (Gay Rights Activist), Naomi Goldberg (UCLA Williams Institute School of Law), and Peter Mathews (Professor of Political Science, Cypress College).
       Mathews, who served as Chair of the Political Science Department and Professor of American Government and International Relations, is challenging Rep. Laura Richardson in the June 8, 2010 Congressional Democratic Primary. While Richardson’s actions on Equal Rights and LGBT issues have proven to be indifferent, deceitful and hostile, Mathews has a track record of actions and support for full Equal Rights for the LGBT community. Even before running for Congress in the Long Beach, CA based 37th district, Mathews took part annually in the Long Beach Pride Parade, campaigned strongly to defeat Proposition 8, marched in protest rallies against the passage of Propostion 8 and has been educating the public and trying to influence legislators regarding the need for full equality for LGBT people.
       While taking part in the panel discussion, Mathews pointed out the promise of the Declaration of Independence’s claim of “certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” Professor Peter Mathews stated that “this Declaration is the philisophical foundation for basic fundamental human rights, including Marriage Equality, Employment Non-Discrimination, the ending of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”, Federal Hate Crime legislation that includes the LGBT community, Equal Foster Parenting and Adoption Rights for LGBT parents, and many others.
       The other three panelists provided excellent ideas and information based on their own expertise.
       Peter Mathews continues to gather widening support among the LGBT community.

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May 20, 2009 - Democratic Congressional candidate Peter Mathews appeared at the Long Beach Gay pride parade promoting his message of marriage equality for all Americans. --by Shawn Alex Colvin

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In a huge setback for equal rights, California voters approved Proposition 8, overturning same sex marriage... ...Mathews supports marriage equality as a matter of equality and justice for all.

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Before the last election, California Congresswoman Laura Richardson (D-CA) mailed two opposing brochures: ' "Yes" on 8 ' to Republicans, ' "No" on 8 ' to Democrats.

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June 2006 - Mathews . . is running a fairly progressive campaign for better education, healthcare, higher-paying jobs . . . supports same-sex marriage as a human right and a matter of equality. Mathews also has a vision of free healthcare similar to Canada. Mathews stated, "It's an ethical issue. We should guarantee healthcare for all people in America because to me healthcare is a human right." [dotnewsmagazine.com]

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June 8-10, 2007 - . . . . Mathews is primarily campaigning to get out of Iraq and impeach Bush (and Cheney), but he lines up on the progressive side of a number of issues, favoring abortion and universal health care, a major issue for many AIDS patients. He is actively courting the gay community's vote, including participating in the Pride parade.

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Politics: Anti-gay mailer sent by Laura Richardson 11 years ago resurfaces.

Press Telegram / Daily Breeze, 05/19/07 - . . Assemblywoman Laura Richardson seeks a seat in Congress, she's coming under pressure to explain an anti-gay attack mailer she distributed against a lesbian candidate 11 years ago. The mailer targeted Gerrie Shipske in the 1996 Democratic primary. ... The mailer accused Schipske who is openly gay, of being "committed to a radical gay rights agenda" and of having the backing of the "ultra-liberal" Sheila Kuehl, who was then the only gay state legislator. ... "She has never apologized or taken responsibility for that mailer" (...Kuehl said) ---by Gene Maddaus, Staff writer.

All those interested in this historic campaign are invited to contact Mathews for Congress and talk to Peter personally. The contact information is: Peter Mathews' cellphone (562) 234-3319, Campaign headquarters phone (562) 438-0505, E-mail address: peter@mathewsforcongress.org.