Rainbow PIN (Political Information Network)


Rainbow PIN (Political Information Network) is a group formed to discuss and update the LGBTQ community about political issues and topics of interest to members’ lives.  Additionally we will from time to time hold public forums for the community to meet and become informed about those issues.  We meet on or around the third Monday of each month (don’t worry, we’ll let you know when and where the meeting is if you ask to be on our email list!).

As a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization, the RCC cannot campaign for any political party or candidate.  However, depending on the consensus of the group we may from time to time provide political advocacy for issues impacting the LGBTQ community served by RCC.

The Rainbow Community Center of Contra Costa County is located at 3024 Willow Pass Road, Suite 200, Concord, CA 94519.  Our telephone number is (925) 692-0090 and fax number is (925) 692-0091.

Mission Statement of the RCC: The Rainbow Community Center of Contra Costa County fosters a sense of community among LGBTQ persons and enhances their lives by providing social opportunities, health and wellness services, political and educational programs, and is guided by a commitment to acceptance and equality.

Vision Statement of the RCC: The Rainbow Community Center of Contra Costa County envisions a society that embraces acceptance, safety and equality for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression.

 

The candidates for the Tenth Congressional District were all given a questionnaire regarding LGBTQ concerns and issues.

Below is Lt. Governor Garamendi's completed questionnaire.


Questions for Candidates in 2009 Congressional District 10 Special Election

  1. Do you support H.R.3017: To prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. (Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2009)? Why or why not?
Yes, I support the inclusive ENDA. I also support the Dallas Principles. I believe every American should be treated equally under the law. No Exceptions
 
  1. Do you support H.R.2517: To provide certain benefits to domestic partners of Federal employees. (Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act of 2009)? Why or why not?
Yes, I support DP benefits for Federal workers. I also, however, support the repeal of DOMA and it's restrictions on spousal recognition and federal benefits.
 
  1. Do you support H.R.1913: To provide Federal assistance to States, local jurisdictions, and Indian tribes to prosecute hate crimes, and for other purposes. (Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009)? Why or why not?
I fully support the hate crimes legislation passed by the Senate and currently part of the Conference Committee.

 
  1. Do you support H.R.1283: To amend title 10, United States Code, to enhance the readiness of the Armed Forces by replacing the current policy concerning homosexuality in the Armed Forces, referred to as "Don't Ask, Don't Tell", with a policy of nondiscrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. (Military Readiness Enhancement Act of 2009)? Why or why not?
 I believe every American should have the right to serve our nation. In fact I believe every American is obliged to serve our nation, in one manner or another. Nations as diverse as Great Britain, Israel and South African all permit openly gay soldiers to serve and this has quite apparently not undermined "unit morale or cohesion, as conservatives often claim will happen if DADT is repealed. 

Former Joint Chiefs Chairman General Shalikashvili has said the time for this change is now. Our nation simply cannot afford to continue discharging highly motivated, talented and educated soldiers. 

     5. Do you support full repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act? Why or why not?

The answer is simple, Equal rights for all means equal rights for ALL. There is no special exemption to the word "all," just because a person may be gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender. Furthermore, as a society we should promote and foster strong and healthy relationships. The government should not be in the business of deciding who someone loves or whether or not to recognize a relationship. That is for people themselves to decide. Marriage is civil contract that conveys specific rights, recognitions, obligations and responsibilities. Churches are free to recognize and consecrate only those relationships that comport with their teachings.
 
  1. Do you support H.R.1024 & S.R.424: To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to eliminate discrimination in the immigration laws by permitting permanent partners of United States citizens and lawful permanent residents to obtain lawful permanent resident status in the same manner as spouses of citizens and lawful permanent residents and to penalize immigration fraud in connection with permanent partnerships (Uniting American Families Act of 2009)? Why or why not?
Once again we are dividing people solely based on their sexual orientation. All partners/spouse should be treated the same under our laws.

-- END Questionnaire ---

Joan Buchanan's responses to Rainbow PIN's questionaire for Candidates in 2009 Congressional District 10 Special Election

  • Do you support H.R.3017: To prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. (Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2009)? Why or why not?
Yes. I have no patience for discrimination of any kind.
  • 2.Do you support H.R.2517: To provide certain benefits to domestic partners of Federal employees. (Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act of 2009)? Why or why not?

Yes.  When I served on school board we extended all healthcare benefits to domestic partners.  It was the right thing to do for our district and it is the right thing to do for our nation.
  • Do you support H.R.1913: To provide Federal assistance to States, local jurisdictions, and Indian tribes to prosecute hate crimes, and for other purposes. (Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009)? Why or why not?

Yes.  I will support funding to strengthen anti-hate crimes legislation.  Every citizen should be able to live without fear of hatred or prejudice.  There is no room for this in a free society. 

  • Do you support H.R.1283: To amend title 10, United States Code, to enhance the readiness of the Armed Forces by replacing the current policy concerning homosexuality in the Armed Forces, referred to as "Don't Ask, Don't Tell", with a policy of nondiscrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. (Military Readiness Enhancement Act of 2009)? Why or why not?
Yes.  There is no reason why any able bodied individual that wants to serve in the military and put his/her life on the line to protect our liberties should not be able to serve.
  • Do you support full repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act? Why or why not?

Yes.  I support same-sex marriage.  I opposed Proposition 8 on the California ballot in November 2008, and I voted for AR5 in the Assembly.  Everyone should be treated equally under the law.
  • Do you support H.R.1024 & S.R.424: To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to eliminate discrimination in the immigration laws by permitting permanent partners of United States citizens and lawful permanent residents to obtain lawful permanent resident status in the same manner as spouses of citizens and lawful permanent residents and to penalize immigration fraud in connection with permanent partnerships (Uniting American Families Act of 2009)? Why or why not?
I will support both H.R. 1024 & S.R. 424.  We should do everything we can to keep all families together.

 

 

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To request to be added to our email notification list, or to contact PIN with any questions, comments or suggestions, please email lwvleslie@gmail.com.

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