Stonewall Congratulates City of Denver
(Thursday, January 11, 2007)
Washington, DC - Today, the National Stonewall Democrats congratulated the city of Denver for being selected as the host for the 2008 Democratic National Convention. The announcement was made today by the Democratic National Convention.
"The City of Denver has long been a welcoming home for LGBT Coloradoans," said Jo Wyrick, NSD Executive Director. "Stonewall will use the attention that Denver will gain from its selection to work with Colorado Democrats to build on their recent electoral gains and to again help them pass non-discrimination legislation at the statehouse.
In 2005, the Democratically-controlled statehouse passed legislation that would bar employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. The legislation was vetoed by Republican Governor Bill Owens. This week, Owens was replaced as Governor by Democrat Bill Ritter. Stonewall is committed to working with Colorado Democrats to pass into law an inclusive non-discrimination bill that bars employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.
"The Colorado Stonewall Democrats are thrilled to welcome the 2008 Democratic National Convention to Denver," said Mark Ferrandino, President of the Colorado Stonewall Democrats. "We are especially excited to host thousands of LGBT Democrats from across the country in 2008 as we work with our presidential nominee to strengthen the position of the Democratic Party on issues that impact LGBT families."
Denver was selected by DNC Chair Governor Howard Dean over New York City. Previous cities considered for the 2008 Democratic National Convention included Anaheim, Las Vegas, Minneapolis-St. Paul, New Orleans and Orlando, among others.
In preparation for the 2008 Democratic National Convention, National Stonewall Democrats will hold three national trainings in 2007. The trainings are designed to increase the participation of LGBT Democrats in state parties, key committees and at the 2008 convention. Trainings will be held in Las Vegas, NV (March), Oklahoma City, OK (July) and Manchester, NH (October). Further details will be released soon.
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National Stonewall Democrats is the only national organization of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender Democrats, with more than 90 local chapters across the nation. NSD is committed to working through the Democratic Party to advance the rights of all people regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
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