News Article - February 12th, 2009

Dear Democrat,

You should know that your support is helping our economy to recover.  Thanks to your work on behalf of pro-equality candidates, Americans elected bold leadership to move us forward in our difficult economic times.  Look, there is a lot of bleak news out there.  However, I hope your day is a bit more bright when you realize that what you did in this past election cycle is now having an impact on our country.  Thank you.

I want to share a few items with you as we move forward.

First, I'm happy to report that President Obama didn't just see our community as partners in his election campaign.  He sees our community as a crucial component in his Administration.

This week, Stonewall Democrats worked with the White House in promoting the economic recovery package that will soon reach President Obama's desk.  Our members joined the White House staff at town hall events in Elkhart, Indiana and Fort Myers, Florida to talk about the impact of the economy in those states.  Click Here for photos from Stonewall Democrats at the discussion in Fort Myers.

Change continues after the inaugural activities. Your continued support for Stonewall Democrats is ensuring that our community continues as a partner in ongoing discussions with the Obama Administration and Congressional Democrats.

Second, our Stonewall Democrats family continues to grow.  Last week, I had the privaledge of speaking in Baltimore before the newly-forming Stonewall Democrats of Central Maryland.  The room was packed with more than 50 Democrats ready to get to work.  The energy at the meeting is a testament to the skill of the organizing committee that is building community interest around the new organization.

A leadership team of new Stonewall Democrats and former officers from other chapters laid out ambitious plans for the organization.  While a portion of the meeting focused on making sure the formal structure was in place for a lasting organization, members were already planning how they could impact the state party, elections, and legislative issues. Early plans indicate the next meeting will be celebratory kick-off party and membership recruitment party.

Third, our members in Wyoming were able to work with Democrats to vote-down a "Defense Of Marriage Act" in the Wyoming House of Representatives.

Bob Warburton, of the newly-forming Wyoming Stonewall Democrats, was sent the following note to share with our membership from the state capitol by his husband:

The Wyoming House just voted to defeat DOMA 35-25. I am happy to report that ALL 22 Democrats voted against the bill, joined by 13 Republicans.  We are so happy with our solid Democratic support.  For the first time in Wyoming, a concentrated effort came from LGBT groups and allied groups from all over the State.  And yes, according to attorneys from both sides, Wyoming Statutes allow for reciprocity - that means with the defeat of this bill, the marriage vows my spouse Bob and I legally took out-of-state this summer should be recognized in Wyoming.

However, as always, the DOMA forces are promising an initiative fight in the near future.

So, because of Democratic leadership, an anti-marriage initiative was defeated in Wyoming.  And while Wyoming still won't allow all of its residents to legally marry in-state, it will now recognize their marriages legally conducted in other states.  What a huge step forward!

I hope these items demonstrate why your support for Stonewall Democrats is so important.  We are making progress.  And, that's thanks to you.

Jon Hoadley
Executive Director