RI Political Diary: LaFortune on “Anti-Trans” Bills; Women’s Groups to Rally; Latest Endorsements
Monday, March 14, 2022
RI's Political Diary, exclusively from GoLocal, gives you up-to-date insights into the 2022 election.
LaFortune Condemns “Anti-Trans” Legislation
Providence City Councilwoman and Mayoral candidate Nirva LaFortune said she “unequivocally condemns in no uncertain terms the bills introduced to the Rhode Island General Assembly that target diverse, inclusive education and the transgender community in Rhode Island. These are anti-diversity and anti-trans bills plain and simple.”
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTHer statement comes following the Rhode Island Queer PAC announcement that it is opposing what it says are the "hateful bills, both targeting trans youth."
“There is a hysteria in our country right now around the issue of Critical Race Theory (CRT) in K-12 education. The fact of the matter is that CRT is not taught in our State’s public schools. We must speak out against any efforts to sow racial divisions at a time when we need leadership that is drawing us together around the qualities we all have in common: a desire for high-quality schools in every neighborhood, safe streets and healthy communities, and a City whose government works for all of its people,” she said in her statement.
Women to Rally For Change
The Womxn Project has announced it is “gathering progressive organizations to push for positive change” on Tuesday.
“The Rhode Island State House recently announced that beginning March 7, it will no longer accept call-in testimony during committee hearings, a policy that effectively reduces people’s State House access by forcing them to testify inside, in-person,” said the group in a statement.
The group continues:
In response, The Womxn Project is hosting an outdoor gathering of progressive organizations on the State House front entrance area in an event called “Speak Out: For a More Just Rhode Island”, which will take place March 15, 3 PM to 7 PM.
The Speak Out will provide an opportunity for activists fighting for a range of progressive policy change to safely meet, share resources, refuel, recharge, and ignite each other’s fire in preparation for their now more challenging fight for equity this legislative session. Community members are invited to come and listen whether for a short time or the range of the event.
The organizations’ spokespeople will face the State House with the city at their backs, symbolically speaking to the House on their supporters’ behalf.Emma Gauthier, volunteer lobbyist for The Womxn Project, says, “Our hope is that this experience invigorates advocates across our state to join together to fight for change at the State House..
“It’s important to get back to the State House and make our presence known,“ says Womxn Project lead volunteer Tammy Brown. “We want every legislator to know what our priorities are for this session, and show solidarity with the other groups who are fighting for progressive policy change across the state.”
The organizations gathering to speak on March 15 are:
* Amnesty International (RI Chapter)
* BLM Pac
* COYOTE RI
* Haus of Codec
* Interfaith Coalition to Reduce Poverty
* Latino Policy Institute
* Mom’s Demand Action
* Old Lesbians Organizing for Change
* Reclaim RI
* Rhode Island Democratic Women’s Caucus
* Rhode Island NOW
* South County Huddle
* Women’s Fund of Rhode Island
* The Womxn Project
* Youth Pride RI
Magaziner, Matos Pick Up More Endorsements
On the heels of endorsing Governor Dan McKee, the Building Trades Council has endorsed Lt. Governor Sabina Matos.
“Lt. Governor Matos has an impeccable record advocating for union workers and in particular, members of the Building Trades. I have no doubt the Lt. Governor will continue to advocate these policies that will put our members to work with family sustaining careers,” said Scott Duhamel, Secretary-Treasurer of the Building Trades.
Democratic Congressional candidate Seth Magaziner — who also endorsed by the Building Trades Council — was endorsed by the Democrats Serve PAC.
“Rhode Islanders need a representative who will fight for them,” said PAC Director Brett Broesder. “That’s why we’re supporting Seth Magaziner’s congressional run. From helping families keep up with the rising cost of living by making higher education more affordable, to ensuring every child has access to free pre-k, Seth will always do what’s right for Rhode Island families.”
The group had also endorsed Magaziner — when was running for Governor.
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