A few years ago a friend pulled me aside at an event at Compass, Palm Beach County's gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community center. "Let me introduce you to Ted Deutch, a candidate for the Florida Senate, " he said. "You'll like him."
After talking for a few minutes about the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council, Ted asked me why there was no statewide gay rights law.
My response was direct. "We do not have anyone in the Florida Legislature to effectively champion our cause."
Like so many other political candidates over the years, Ted assured me that if we helped get him elected, he could help make it happen.
But Ted actually meant it.
After his first trip to Tallahassee following his election, Ted told me how just much was needed in Tallahassee to move any gay rights legislation forward. "Most of the lawmakers just don't understand the problems the GLBT community faces," Ted told me. "This is going to be a long process and we need to start now."
Ted Deutch first introduced a basic gay rights legislation in 2007. Each year since, he has reintroduced a strong bill. As the 2010 legislative session draws near, Ted continues to work with Equality Florida, the ACLU of Florida, OUT, the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council and other organizations to ensure that this year's GLBT-inclusive civil rights bill will continue to move forward in the Florida legislature.
As a result of Ted's efforts, his gay rights bill was been approved by the Senate Commerce in 2008 with overwhelming bipartisan support. This year, the bill was co-sponsored by a record number of Florida lawmakers.
When Congressman Robert Wexler announced that he would be retiring in January, the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council urged Ted to run for Congress.
Within days of announcing his candidacy, Ted was formally endorsed by the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council.
There is no doubt that once elected to Congress, Ted Deutch will carry on the tradition of his two predecessors - Congressmen Robert Wexler and Harry Johnston - by earning 100% voting records from the Human Rights Campaign (HRC).
Here is where Ted Deutch stands on pending federal legislation of concern to our community.
- Ted Deutch supports the Employment Nondiscrimination Act (ENDA) and will co-sponsor laws to prohibit GLBT discrimination in housing and public accommodations.
- Ted Deutch will vote to enact the Military Readiness Enhancement Act which will repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."
- Ted Deutch not only supports the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), but also advocates for full marriage equality for gay and lesbians.
- Ted Deutch supports the Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act which will provide family benefits for same-sex domestic partners of federal employees.
- Ted Deutch will also help enact the Tax Equity for Health Plan Beneficiaries Act. When passed into law, this law will equalize tax treatment for employer-provided health coverage for domestic partners.
- Ted Deutch supports the Uniting American Families Act so that allow Americans in long-term relationships will be able to sponsor their partners for U.S. citizenship.
Now that you know why the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council is supporting Ted Deutch for Congress, you need to help elect Ted to Congress.
Ted's campaign needs you to contribute today. Whether you can afford $10, $100, $1000 or more please click here to contribute.
Or mail your check to:
Ted Deutch For Congress Campaign Committee
20423 State Road 7, Suite F6-383
Boca Raton, Florida 33498
20423 State Road 7, Suite F6-383
Boca Raton, Florida 33498
To volunteer online for Ted's campaign , click here.
Thank you in advance for supporting Ted Deutch, Democratic Candidate for U.S. house of Representatives - 19th Congressional District.
Judge Rand Hoch (retired)
President and Founder
Palm Beach County Human Rights Council
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