State of Georgia Archives: on Civil Rights
Alan Keyes:
Public display of the Ten Commandments is a state’s right
Some members of Congress are at work on bills that, using the power the Constitution gives them, will remove from the purview of the federal courts that ought to be reserved to the states and the people by the First Amendment! They have no right to tell
us we cannot pray! They have no power to tell us we cannot put the Ten Commandments in our schools and in our public buildings! They have no constitutional authority to stand in the way of our reverence for God in and through our state institutions!
Source: Rally in Blairsville, Georgia
Oct 21, 2003
Amanda Swafford:
Government has authority to redefine marriage
Question topic: Marriage is a union of one man and one woman. No government has the authority to alter this definition.
Swafford: Strongly Disagree
Source: Faith2Action iVoterGuide on 2014 Georgia Senate race
Sep 30, 2014
Amanda Swafford:
Marriage equality is an individual freedom
As long as an individual's choices or actions do not infringe on another person's liberties, we should not use our laws or government to force that individual to conform to our personal beliefs. The Constitution is about personal responsibility and
freedom, not government mandates forcing all to conform to one way of thought! On a federal level, individual freedom is an important foundation for issues like marriage equality, the War on Drugs, property rights and commerce.
Source: 2014 Georgia Senate campaign website, AmandaSwafford.net
Sep 30, 2014
Brian Kemp:
Against bigotry, but monuments are history
I unequivocally condemn hatred, violence, and bigotry, and find claims of racial superiority to be indefensible and contrary to the highest ideals of our country.
As for the monuments, I believe the same as former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice that it's best to 'keep your history before you.' We should learn from the past -- not attempt to rewrite it.
Source: WABE on 2018 Georgia gubernatorial race
Aug 16, 2017
Brian Kemp:
OpEd: refuses to process thousands of voter registrations
Sen. David Perdue appeared to dodge a college student's inquiry by ripping the cellphone out of his hand. The senator was at Georgia Tech to campaign for gubernatorial candidate Brian Kemp when he was approached by a member of the school's Young
Democratic Socialists of America and asked about tens of thousands of voter registrations that Kemp, as the secretary of state, is refusing to process. "How can you endorse a candidate..." he says, before Perdue takes the phone from his hand ending his q
Source: ABC News on 2020 Georgia Senate race
Oct 15, 2018
Brian Kemp:
Allow rejecting gay customers on religious grounds
Gay Marriage: Support gay marriage?Abrams: Yes. First endorsed marriage equality in 2006.
Kemp: Unknown. Supports business owners choosing not to serve gay customers on religious grounds.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Georgia Governor race
Nov 1, 2018
Casey Cagle:
Confederate monuments are a great cultural attraction
On Confederate monuments: Take a trip to Stone Mountain today and you'll see a diverse group of Georgians enjoying a great cultural attraction. The state has taken great strides to offer exhibits and presentations that give a fuller and more
inclusive view of our state's rich history. Instead of dividing Georgians with inflammatory rhetoric for political gain, we should work together to add to our history, not take from it.
Source: WABE on 2018 Georgia gubernatorial race
Aug 16, 2017
David Perdue:
Uphold Georgia's constitutional ban on same-sex marriage
As for supporting or opposing the right of same-sex Georgians to marry, Perdue said Georgians have already passed a constitutional amendment banning that action."As a senator, I've got to uphold that, so I support that, whatever the law of the land is
in Georgia," he said. "As a U.S. senator, I'm not going to get involved in state decisions like this. It's a constitutional amendment. If that changes, then I will support that with the population.
Source: Marietta Daily Journal on 2014 Georgia Senate race
Feb 16, 2014
David Perdue:
AdWatch: Perdue's company sued for gender pay discrimination
Emily's List will launch a $1 million ad campaign targeting David Perdue, focusing on a discrimination lawsuit filed by women at a company he ran. The ad, entitled "Letter," details the lawsuit's charges: that Dollar General, the company where Perdue
served as a CEO for four years, paid women less than men for similar positions.Perdue served as CEO of Dollar General from 2003 to 2007. In 2007, more than 2,000 female store managers filed a lawsuit against Dollar General, claiming the company
consistently paid male managers more than female ones. Dollar General ultimately paid millions to settle the case in 2011, after Perdue had left the company.
"David Perdue owes the people an explanation for why he's killed and outsourced jobs and why
his company was at the center of a pay discrimination suit--and most importantly, whether he still believes that women and men should not be paid the same amount for the same job," said the president of Emily's List.
Source: DailyKos.com on 2014 Georgia Senate race
Aug 22, 2014
David Perdue:
Government shouldn't redefine marriage
Question topic: Marriage is a union of one man and one woman. No government has the authority to alter this definition.
Perdue: Strongly Agree
Source: Faith2Action iVoterGuide on 2014 Georgia Senate race
Sep 30, 2014
David Perdue:
OpEd: avoids voter suppression questions
Perdue appeared to dodge a college student's inquiry by ripping the cellphone out of his hand. The senator was at Georgia Tech to campaign for gubernatorial candidate Brian Kemp when he was approached by a member of the school's Young Democratic
Socialists of America and asked about tens of thousands of voter registrations that Kemp, as the secretary of state, is refusing to process. "How can you endorse a candidate..." he says, before Perdue takes the phone from his hand ending his question.
Source: ABC News on 2020 Georgia Senate race
Oct 15, 2018
David Perdue:
Supreme Court overstepped in legalizing same-sex marriage
Q: Support gay marriage and other LGBTQ rights issues?Perdue: No. Sees marriage as "between one man and one woman." In legalizing same-sex marriage, the
Supreme Court "overstepped" its role.
Ossoff: Yes. Supports LGBTQ Rights, and Equality Act against discrimination for gender or orientation.
Source: CampusElect on 2020 Georgia Senate race
Nov 3, 2020
Derrick Grayson:
Government ain't got no business being involved in marriage
A softened stance on same-sex marriage seems nearly impossible in the ultra-conservative political landscape of Georgia--especially given the fact that Michelle Nunn, the presumed Democratic candidate, won't even voice support for the liberal bedrock.
However, Grayson has managed to find his footing on a middle ground."The government ain't got no business being involved in marriage," he claims. "Any laws that deal with marriage that are on the government's rolls need to be rescinded. Marriage is a
church thing; that's a religious thing. If there are gay people out there that want to get married, let them find a gay church."
In the spirit of a truly unbiased constitutionalist, Grayson goes on to express his approval of civil unions in the eyes of
the law. "Let me be clear now--I do not support same-sex unions as a Christian, but I would not stand in the way of two individuals if that's what they want to do," he says. "If that is their pursuit of happiness, then I want them to have it."
Source: CommDigiNews.com on 2016 Georgia Senate race
Mar 24, 2014
Derrick Grayson:
Government should be involved in marriage, civil unions
I'm Christian and I follow marriage as prescribed by the Bible. Government has no business in marriage. States should abandon the license requirement. Marriage is a civil issue, a private contract and should be addressed as such. Christian churches,
if they desire not to, should not be forced to perform gay weddings. I ascribe to the Judeo/Christian definition of marriage, a union between a man and a woman. All others I view as civil unions and are also not the business of the government.
Source: 2019-20 Georgia Senate campaign website GraysonForGA.com
Nov 22, 2019
Derrick Grayson:
America is not a racist country; laws address racists
Q: Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?A: No. America is not a racist country, but yes, racists do exist. They have always existed and will never go away, but their influence on America is of no consequence,
except in maybe individual encounters where illegal actions may occur, such as when a racist engages in activities that may negatively impact the lives of those they come in contact with. We have laws to address them.
However, the narrative of America as a whole, being a racist country is inaccurate and merely a tool that is used for the purposes of creating divisions between various groups of people. There are some situations where laws are implemented that
are discriminatory. They must be examined and abolished. These include legislation such as the Crime Bill of 1994 that disproportionately sentenced minorities to longer terms in jail for marijuana possession.
Source: AFA iVoterGuide on 2019-20 Georgia 2-year Senate
Nov 3, 2020
Doug Collins:
Against Equality Act (discrimination by sexual orientation)
Q: Protect against discrimination based on sexual orientation?Doug Collins: No. Voted against Equality Act. Argued that the bill would harm children and set back women's gains.
Kelly Loeffler: Not if it interferes with religious faith. "People
of faith should be protected."
Raphael Warnock: Yes. Will "protect members of the LGBTQ+ community from housing, financial, and employment discrimination."
Source: CampusElect on 2019-20 Georgia 2-year Senate race
Nov 3, 2020
Ed Tarver:
Racism is a threat to domestic security
Q: Is racism a threat to domestic security in the US? A: Racism is a threat to domestic security. Systemic racism contributes to social and economic disparities in the administration of justice and liberty, government & national security
that can lead to spontaneous & organized protests, other acts of civil disobedience and challenges to the legitimacy of public authority. In some instances, peaceful protestors, exercising their constitutional rights, have also been harmed or killed.
Source: AFA iVoterGuide on 2019-20 Georgia 2-year Senate
Nov 3, 2020
Herschel Walker:
Against reparations; it's pandering for votes
[On reparations for slavery]: I'm upset about it because all they're doing is pandering for votes because let me tell you, why are you paying African Americans instead of empowering African-Americans? Who are you going to give the money to? What about
the people that freed you as a slave? What about the white people that fought to free you as a slave? This president has denounced any kind of white supremacist.
He's denounced everything but because they don't have anything to fight what he's done for African Americans, they keep using the word racist. And I've said many times this guy's not a racist. President Trump is not a racist.
Why don't you guys decide to put a plan together that you can do something to help the African Americans instead of trying to call this president a racist?
Source: The Story with Martha MacCallum on 2022 Georgia Senate race
Oct 1, 2021
Herschel Walker:
Son is openly gay and led a Gays for Trump march
Walker's son, Christian, has grabbed his own headlines and stirred his own controversies as a rising right-wing social media star, where he has amassed hundreds of thousands of followers.
He has also appeared on Fox News. The younger Walker, who is openly gay, led a Gays for Trump march in West Hollywood in 2020.
Source: People magazine on 2022 Georgia Senate race
Oct 14, 2021
Hunter Hill:
Supports Religious Freedom Restoration Act
Gov. Nathan Deal has made it clear he would veto a Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which critics say is designed to discriminate against the LGBT community. Would Hill sign a RFRA into law if he were governor?
"I would sign into law the bill that looks like the religious liberty bill at the federal level that was enacted in the mid-'90s, the same bill that Gov. Deal voted on as a congressman," Hill said.
Source: Marietta Daily Journal on 2018 Georgia gubernatorial race
Apr 28, 2017
Hunter Hill:
Removing Confederate monuments is not the solution
Racists and hate-filled ideologies represent ignorance and evil. Violence has no place in our society. Unfortunately, erasing hatred from our country is far more complicated than simply removing monuments in our communities.
Rather, we must understand the complexities of our past, while acknowledging and learning from our failures. Georgia's future relies on our willingness to work together despite the scars of our past."
Source: WABE on 2018 Georgia gubernatorial race
Aug 16, 2017
Hunter Hill:
Apply "religious liberty" to same-sex marriage
Gov. Nathan Deal vetoed the "religious liberty" bill that triggered a wave of criticism from gay rights groups and business leaders. In a press conference at the state Capitol, Deal said House Bill 757 doesn't reflect Georgia's welcoming image as a
state full of "warm, friendly and loving people"--and warned critics that he doesn't respond well to threats of payback for rejecting the measure.The governor's veto infuriated religious conservatives who considered the measure,
House Bill 757, their top priority. Last year's Supreme Court ruling legalizing same-sex weddings galvanized their efforts. In stark terms, the governor said earlier this year that he would reject any measure that "allows discrimination in
our state in order to protect people of faith." Rooting his critique in biblical language, he urged fellow Republicans to "recognize that the world is changing."
Sen. Hill voted YES; passed Senate 37-18-1 Mar.16; passed House 104-65-11 Mar.16
Source: AJC on Georgia legislative voting records: HB 757
Apr 9, 2016
Jason Carter:
Civil marriage equality, but don't tell churches what to do
Jason Carter solidified his support for marriage equality this week, first in a campaign statement and later in an interview. A campaign spokesman said that "Jason has long supported marriage equality, and has said so to anyone who asked him. He doesn't
think we should ever be in a position of telling churches what to do, but has long been on the record in support of civil marriage equality."The statement came in response to an editorial in The GA Voice that criticized him for sidestepping the issue,
despite attending various LGBT-related events.
Carter himself later said, "I have, for a very long time, supported marriage equality. Everybody who knows me knows where I stand on the issue. I haven't had a conversion. I do think it's important for
people to know that no one in the movement is talking about telling churches what to do. But as far as the government is concerned, marriage equality is something I have believed in for a very, very, very long time since before I got into politics."
Source: The Huffington Post on 2014 Georgia gubernatorial race
Aug 6, 2014
Jim Barksdale:
The gender wage gap is a real economic crisis
Jim feels strongly that we as a nation must live up to our ideals and today, that means ensuring all who live in this country, including women, are treated justly and fairly, as espoused by Eleanor Roosevelt in the first article of the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights: "All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights." We cannot continue to have women paid fractions compared to their male counterparts. In Georgia, women earn 82 cents for every dollar earned by men,
and for women of color the disparities are even more stark. The wage gap is a real economic crisis and has to be addressed by our elected leaders in Washington.
In Georgia, 562,000 households are headed by women.
Eliminating an unfair wage gap would give a much needed boost to Georgian families who need to pay rent, buy a car to get to work, save for retirement and educate their children.
Source: 2016 Georgia Senate campaign website JimBarksdale.com
Aug 8, 2016
Jim Barksdale:
Eradicate anti-LGBTQ discrimination codified in legal code
Legislation passed in North Carolina aimed at the LGBTQ community threatens to codify discrimination where it does not belong--inside of our legal codes.
Jim is opposed to discrimination in every form and as a U.S. Senator, he will be an ally in the effort to eradicate it from our society.
Source: 2016 Georgia Senate campaign website JimBarksdale.com
Aug 31, 2016
Jim Martin:
Support affirmative action consistent with federal law
Q: On Affirmative Action: Which of the following state agencies should take race and sex into account when making employment decisions?
A: Support affirmative action programs which are consistent with federal law.
Source: 2000 Georgia National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 2000
Jim Martin:
Civil unions ok; but not same-sex marriage
Q: Should Georgia include sexual orientation in its anti-discrimination laws?A: Yes.
Q: Should Georgia recognize civil unions between same-sex couples?
A: Yes.
Q: Should Georgia restrict marriage to a relationship only between a man and a woman?
Source: 2000 Georgia National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 2000
John James:
Trump policies good for African-Americans & elevate everyone
No one's talking about the low unemployment rate of African Americans, Latinos and women, lower than it's been in decades. Our president's policies don't have a race,
but our president's agenda is about elevating all Americans and making sure that everybody has an equal shot at the American dream.
Source: NewsHounds.US on 2020 Georgia Senate race
Aug 12, 2018
Jon Ossoff:
Supports LGBTQ rights & Equality Act
Q: Support gay marriage and other LGBTQ rights issues?Ossoff: Yes. Supports LGBTQ Rights, and Equality Act against discrimination for gender or orientation.
Perdue: No. Sees marriage as "between one man and one woman." In legalizing same-sex marriage, the Supreme Court "overstepped" its role.
Source: CampusElect on 2020 Georgia Senate race
Nov 3, 2020
Jon Ossoff:
Fight discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation
As our representative in Congress, Jon will fight tirelessly against discrimination, hate speech, or violence against Americans on the basis of their race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or place of birth.
Jon will stand up for due process and equal treatment under law for all of us, regardless of race or income level. Jon will honor law enforcement and stand up for Georgians who are mistreated by the criminal justice system.
Source: 2017 Georgia House campaign website, ElectJon.com
Apr 21, 2017
Jon Ossoff:
For Equality Act, opposes any military ban
I'll fight for equal rights and equal protection under the law for all Americans, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. I will defend marriage equality and the right of gay couples to adopt children. I will support the Equality Act and vote to
expand Federal anti-discrimination statutes to prohibit discrimination on the basis of gender or sexual orientation. I will oppose efforts to re-impose the ban on military service by openly gay Americans.
Source: 2020 Georgia Senate campaign website ElectJon.com
Jul 2, 2020
Jon Ossoff:
Can no longer go down a path of racism
On racism: "This is not a moment to let up--this is a moment to double down," Ossoff said. "The president of the United States and his allies in Congress are leading this country down a dark path and
we can go down this path no longer. We can no longer go down a path of authoritarianism, of racism, of corruption. We are better than this and Georgia is better than this."
Source: ABC News on 2020 Georgia Senate race
Jun 10, 2020
Jon Ossoff:
Endorsed by Human Rights Campaign
[The HRC, a pro-GLBT organization, said]: "We need pro-equality champions like Jon Ossoff and Rev. Raphael Warnock to help usher in a pro-equality majority in the U.S. Senate," said
Human Rights Campaign President Alphonso David. "Both Ossoff and Warnock will prioritize the passage of the Equality Act if elected, and their historic races will be our highest priority in the coming weeks and months.
Source: HRC on 2020 Georgia Senate endorsements
Nov 5, 2020
Jon Ossoff:
We need a new Civil Rights Act to deal with systemic bias
Race and class bias are systemically embedded in laws and institutions, and especially in our criminal justice system. Racial profiling, brutality, disparate and inequitable outcomes for people are daily occurrences in America. It's a systemic problem,
and we need a new Civil Rights Act that will empower the Department of Justice, civil rights division, to hold officers, departments, prosecutors, and judges accountable where there's profiling, brutality, or systemic race or class bias.
Source: Atlanta magazine on 2020 Georgia Senate race
Oct 23, 2020
Kelly Loeffler:
Supports religious liberty policy seen as discriminatory
Loeffler isn't shy about her belief that legislation should be in place to protect one's ability "to act according to our religious beliefs. I believe that people of faith should be free to make statements without fear of persecution."
Her comments represent an effort to distance herself from the team she owns. The Atlanta Dream joined other Georgia businesses who view religious liberty policy as an excuse to legally discriminate against LGBTQ people.
Source: OutSports.com on 2019-20 Georgia 2-year Senate race
Dec 20, 2019
Kelly Loeffler:
Anger over Floyd murder justifiable; destruction is not
"In the wake of George Floyd's tragic death, many Americans are rightfully angered and in pain," said Loeffler. "While our anger and grief are intense and justifiable, the destruction we have seen across the country is not. Last night, we saw this in
Atlanta, which has a long history of peaceful protests. Americans have a Constitutional right to speak out and peacefully assemble, but that's not what we saw last night."
Source: WSB-TV-2-Atlanta on 2019-20 Georgia 2-year Senate race
May 30, 2020
Kelly Loeffler:
Black Lives Matter is "anti-Semitic" and anti-family
"[Black Lives Matter] is a very divisive organization based on Marxist principles," Loeffler told Fox News's Laura Ingraham. "This is an organization that seeks to destroy the American principles and I had to draw the line." Loeffler also called the
Black Lives Matter group "anti-Semitic" and claimed that the group is against the "nuclear family." Loeffler responded that "[t]here's no room in this country for racism, but this isn't what the Black Lives Matter political organization is about."
Source: The Hill e-zine on 2019-20 Georgia 2-year Senate race
Jul 9, 2020
Kelly Loeffler:
Allow discrimination against LGBTQ for religious reasons
Q: Protect against discrimination based on sexual orientation?Kelly Loeffler: Not if it interferes with religious faith. "People of faith should be protected."
Raphael Warnock: Yes. Will "protect members of the LGBTQ+ community from housing, financial, and employment discrimination."
Source: CampusElect on 2019-20 Georgia 2-year Senate race
Nov 3, 2020
Matt Lieberman:
Concerned with "problems" in voting
In his campaign announcement video, he tied the controversial 2000 Florida recount to Stacey Abrams's defeat in the 2018 Georgia governor's race, one that Abrams has claimed was stolen. Lieberman has declined to go that far, telling
JewishInsider.com, "I think there were enough problems that were identified in the election to make a reasonable person not just worried but frustrated that it wasn't run in a better way with fewer problems."
Source: JewishInsider.com on 2019-20 Georgia 2-year Senate race
Oct 24, 2019
Matt Lieberman:
We need a Voting Rights Act for the 21st century
In 2000 I watched as the Supreme Court stole the election and changed the course of history. We need a Voting Rights Act for the 21st century,'"
Lieberman says in his announcement video referencing the Florida recount battle that ensued following the 2000 presidential election in which his father was on the ticket.
Source: CNN.com coverage of 2019-20 Georgia 2-year Senate race
Oct 3, 2019
Matt Lieberman:
Supports same-day voter registration & Election Day holiday
As a businessman and former teacher, Lieberman is running on a left-of-center domestic platform, with voting rights as a main cause, given Georgia's recent history.
He said he would support national legislation to ensure same-day voter registration and making Election Day a national holiday.
Source: Times of Israel on 2019-20 Georgia 2-year Senate race
Nov 15, 2019
Michelle Nunn:
Support equal pay, and do it now
People should get paid for the work the do--not who they are.Equal pay is respect for hard work, and every minute we let go by without it hurts Georgia families.
We should be able to come together in a bipartisan way to make life better for millions of Americans--and grow our economy in the process.
But Congress isn't going to act on its own. That's why it's crucial for all of us to speak out about how important it is to support equal pay, and to do it now.
Urge Congress to support equal pay now, without delay: Families in Georgia and across the nation need our help today.
Source: 2014 Georgia Senate campaign website, MichelleNunn.com
Jul 2, 2014
Michelle Nunn:
Equality, ending gender-based violence can transform world
"Achieving real equality for women and eradicating gender-based violence can transform the world in many ways" stressed Michelle Nunn, President and CEO of CARE USA. "The highest and most powerful good that we can do is to invest in local women's
grassroots movements who are creating social and societal change." This was the main message during the roundtable discussion on gender-based violence, hosted by Global Washington.
Source: Global Washington on 2019-20 Georgia 2-year Senate race
Aug 25, 2014
Nathan Deal:
Welcome everyone, instead of "religious liberty"
Gov. Nathan Deal vetoed the "religious liberty" bill that triggered a wave of criticism from gay rights groups and business leaders. In a press conference at the state Capitol, Deal said House Bill 757 doesn't reflect Georgia's welcoming image as a
state full of "warm, friendly and loving people"--and warned critics that he doesn't respond well to threats of payback for rejecting the measure.The governor's veto infuriated religious conservatives who considered the measure,
House Bill 757, their top priority. Last year's Supreme Court ruling legalizing same-sex weddings galvanized their efforts. In stark terms, the governor said earlier this year that he would reject any measure that "allows discrimination in
our state in order to protect people of faith." Rooting his critique in biblical language, he urged fellow Republicans to take a deep breath and "recognize that the world is changing around us."
Source: AJC on Georgia legislative voting records: HB 757
Apr 9, 2016
Paul Broun:
Government shouldn't redefine marriage
Question topic: Marriage is a union of one man and one woman. No government has the authority to alter this definition.
Broun: Strongly Agree
Source: Faith2Action iVoterGuide on 2014 Georgia Senate race
Jul 2, 2014
Rick Allen:
Marriage is a union of one man and one woman
Q: Marriage is a union of one man and one woman. No government has the authority to alter this definition?
Allen: Strongly Agree
Source: Faith2Action iVoterGuide on 2014 Georgia Senate race
Sep 30, 2014
Raphael Warnock:
No such thing as equal rights for some; yes to Equality Act
As a civil rights advocate, he believes that there's no such thing "as equal rights for some." That belief has led him to advocate on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community, to mourn in moments of tragedy and to celebrate in times of triumph, as after the
Supreme Court's recognition of marriage equality. He will fight for and support the Equality Act to protect members of the LGBTQ+ community from housing, financial, and employment discrimination.
Source: 2020 GA Senate campaign website WarnockForGeorgia.com
May 17, 2020
Raphael Warnock:
Nexus of taken a wrecking ball to African Americans
The time is now to build a health care system that expands affordable access for all, and places care for the most marginalized among us at the center. We need leaders who will be busy doing everything they can to fight not just this global pandemic,
but the disparities in our health care system that exacerbated it. Our failure to address the nexus of income inequality, health care inequality, and racial inequality has put everyone at risk, but has taken a wrecking ball to African Americans.
Source: American Independent on 2019-20 Georgia 2-year Senate race
Apr 14, 2020
Raphael Warnock:
Protesters calling for change, believes change is possible
Warnock said, protesters across the country are calling for the status quo to change. "It won't change unless we elect leaders who are focused on fighting for Georgians, not fighting for their corporate interests or their political party,"
Warnock said. "And I believe change is possible. Anytime you have NASCAR saying 'we don't want the Confederate flag' and you have Mitt Romney saying, 'Black Lives Matter,' things are changing."
Source: NARAL on 2019-20 Georgia 2-year Senate endorsements
Aug 3, 2020
Raphael Warnock:
Fraud almost nonexistent; really about voter suppression
For William Barr, the top cop in our country, to somehow suggest that vote by mail leads to fraud is wrong on its face. But it's part of what we've seen with the Republicans as we've dealt with this whole issue of voter suppression. They've used the
language of voter fraud. Everybody knows that voter fraud through voter ID, for example, is almost nonexistent. It's really a way of trying to suppress the vote. But it won't work. We're pushing back here in Georgia.
Source: Democracy Now on 2019-20 Georgia 2-year Senate race
Jul 29, 2020
Raphael Warnock:
Protect LGBTQ+ from housing, financial, job discrimination
Q: Protect against discrimination based on sexual orientation?Raphael Warnock: Yes. Will "protect members of the LGBTQ+ community from housing, financial, and employment discrimination."
Kelly Loeffler: Not if it interferes with religious faith. "People of faith should be protected."
Source: CampusElect on 2019-20 Georgia 2-year Senate race
Nov 3, 2020
Raphael Warnock:
Endorsed by Human Rights Campaign
[The HRC, a pro-GLBT organization, said]: "We need pro-equality champions like Jon Ossoff and Rev. Raphael Warnock to help usher in a pro-equality majority in the U.S. Senate," said
Human Rights Campaign President Alphonso David. "Both Ossoff and Warnock will prioritize the passage of the Equality Act if elected, and their historic races will be our highest priority in the coming weeks and months.
Source: HRC on 2019-2020 Georgia Senate endorsements
Nov 5, 2020
Rick Allen:
Support traditional marriage between a man and woman
Traditional family values are the very foundation of our democracy and need to be protected.
I strongly support traditional marriage as a sacred union between a man and woman and will fight any efforts to redefine marriage at a federal level.
Source: 2014 Georgia House campaign website, RickWAllen.com
Nov 4, 2014
Shane Hazel:
Let gay couples defend pot farms with machine guns
Q: What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?A: Gay married couples should be able to defend their cannabis farms with fully automatic weapons. To ensure safety in America we should disarm the government.
Their track record is abysmal. The US federal government is run by thieves & murderers and they are the last people that should be armed or have security.
Source: AFA iVoterGuide on 2020 Georgia Senate race
Nov 3, 2020
Sonny Perdue:
Activist judges should let people define marriage
Governor Sonny Perdue issued the following statement today regarding the striking down of Georgia's Same Sex Marriage Amendment [A voter referendum supported limiting marriage in Georgia to one man and one woman; a court ruling overturned that
referendum vote]."I am very disappointed by this decision to countermand the people of Georgia's voice in defining marriage in our state as a union between a man and a woman. This decision highlights the effect activist judges can have on
our system of governance. The people of Georgia knew exactly what they were doing when an overwhelming 76% voted in support of this constitutional amendment. It is sad that a single judge has chosen to reverse their decision.
I am carefully assessing the options to ensure that the will of the people will not be thwarted."
Source: Governor of Georgia press release on Same Sex Marriage
May 16, 2006
Stacey Abrams:
No discrimination, including against LGBTQ
We must demand that our workplaces never discriminate based on a person's race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, or immigration status. A proud LGBTQ* ally, Stacey co-sponsored civil rights legislation in
Georgia, fought against "religious freedom" legislation, and co-signed bills to prohibit employer termination of LGBTQ* Georgians based on their status.
Source: 2018 Georgia Governor website StaceyAbrams.com
Aug 17, 2017
Stacey Abrams:
Reflect on terrible Confederacy in museums, not monuments
Rep. Abrams on Twitter: "The removal of the bas relief [sculptures] of Confederates from Stone Mountain has been a constant debate since the state bought the property in 1958. Paid for by founders of the 2nd KKK, the monument had no purpose other than
celebration of racism, terror & division when carved in 1915. We must never celebrate those who defended slavery and tried to destroy the Union. Confederate monuments belong in museums where we can study and reflect on that terrible history,
not in places of honor across our state. The managers of Stone Mountain have taken steps to educate with a powerful audio tour to return the listener to the horrors of slavery. But the visible image of Stone Mountain's edifice remains a blight
on our state and should be removed. State leg led by the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus have pushed for action for decades. I supported action then & I renew calls now."
Source: WABE on Twitter post for 2018 Georgia gubernatorial race
Aug 16, 2017
Stacey Abrams:
No discrimination, including against LGBTQ
We must demand that our workplaces never discriminate based on a person's race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, or immigration status. A proud LGBTQ* ally,
Stacey co-sponsored civil rights legislation in Georgia, fought against "religious freedom" legislation, and co-signed bills to prohibit employer termination of LGBTQ* Georgians based on their status.
Source: 2018 Georgia Gubernatorial website StaceyAbrams.com
Sep 1, 2017
Stacey Abrams:
Welcome everyone, instead of "religious liberty"
Gov. Nathan Deal vetoed the "religious liberty" bill that triggered a wave of criticism from gay rights groups and business leaders. In a press conference at the state Capitol, Deal said House Bill 757 doesn't reflect Georgia's welcoming image as a
state full of "warm, friendly and loving people"--and warned critics that he doesn't respond well to threats of payback for rejecting the measure.The governor's veto infuriated religious conservatives who considered the measure,
House Bill 757, their top priority. Last year's Supreme Court ruling legalizing same-sex weddings galvanized their efforts. In stark terms, the governor said earlier this year that he would reject any measure that "allows discrimination in
our state in order to protect people of faith." Rooting his critique in biblical language, he urged fellow Republicans to "recognize that the world is changing."
Rep. Abrams voted NO; passed Senate 37-18-1 Mar.16; passed House 104-65-11 Mar.16
Source: AJC on Georgia legislative voting records: HB 757
Apr 9, 2016
Stacey Abrams:
Basic fairness: we must ensure that every vote is counted
Georgians on all sides of the aisle are deeply concerned about the integrity of our election system. As a matter of basic fairness, we must ensure that every eligible Georgian's vote is counted, and pledge to
prevent the widespread irregularities faced by Georgia voters in this election cycle from happening ever again. Our democracy--and our people--deserve no less.
Source: Medium e-zine on 2018 Georgia Governor race
Nov 12, 2018
Stacey Abrams:
Voter suppression is an existential crisis in the US
voting rights are essential and fundamental to democracy. We are facing an existential crisis in the United States. When our democracy is shredded by a
naked pursuit of power that allows states to suppress the right to vote, and handicaps or neuters our only federal response, which was the Voting Rights Act, we face a crippling challenge to our democracy.
Source: Council on Foreign Relations on 2022 Georgia Governor race
May 10, 2019
Stacey Abrams:
Those who paid debt to society should be re-enfranchised
What I want to point out is that Florida had the most egregious laws when it came to felony voter re-enfranchisement. I do believe that anyone in America who is an American citizen, who's a taxpayer, who has paid their debt to society,
should be re-enfranchised, and it should not be an obstacle course. I'm proud of the state of Florida for taking the step to make that re-enfranchisement possible.
Source: Democracy Now on 2020 Georgia Gubernatorial race
Jan 31, 2019
Stacey Abrams:
Upholding military transgender ban is an abomination
Q: Supreme Court voted to temporarily uphold the trans ban in the military. Your thoughts?ABRAMS: I think it's an abomination. These are men and women who have protected our country for the last few years, since President Obama opened up the
military. What the conservative bloc of the Supreme Court has done is said that they are willing to put us in harm's way to suborn discrimination and bigotry coming from the White House. There is no rational purpose for this. There is no rational need.
Source: Democracy Now on 2020 Georgia Gubernatorial race
Jan 31, 2019
Ted Terry:
Made Election Day a city holiday
Georgia Mayor Ted Terry has a hell of a track record. He has doubled the size of the small town just outside of Atlanta, made Election Day a holiday,
raised the minimum wage to $15 an hour, helped to democratize the city council with millenials and minorities, and decriminalized possession of small amounts of marijuana.
Source: Under the Radar Mag on 2020 Georgia Senate race
Dec 19, 2019
Ted Terry:
Registered 8000 new Americans as voters over six years
Since I've been mayor we've registered more than 8,000 new Americans over the span of six years in the Clarkston area.
Basically people who were refugees, who got to that 5-year mark, where they've been lawful residents and now can apply for citizenship.
Source: Under the Radar Mag on 2020 Georgia Senate race
Dec 19, 2019
Ted Terry:
Prioritize Equality Act; overturn transgender military ban
Terry would make passing the Equality Act one of his first priorities. The bill would amend the Civil Rights Act to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, housing, public accommodations and
public education. The mayor helped pass similar legislation, making it the third of now five Georgia cities to have such protections. Terry also supports overturning the ban on transgender troops in the military.
Source: ProjectQ.us blog on 2020 Georgia Senate race
Jul 24, 2019
Teresa Tomlinson:
Expand Voting Rights Act; end voter suppression
- I support legislation to correct the damage caused to the Voting Rights Act by the Shelby County v Holder case, and expand the protections of the Voting Rights Act to all 50 states.
- I support Congressional efforts to ensure our elections are
free from interference by foreign governments or their agents.
- I support efforts to ensure the integrity of the voting process and improve our election security, including hand-marked paper ballots as the superior alternative for every election.
-
I support efforts to end voter suppression and gerrymandering tactics that dilute the basic democratic concept of "one person, one vote," and which disproportionately affect minorities and other vulnerable communities.
-
I support efforts to expand the right to vote to as many eligible people as possible by providing for automatic voter registration and same day registration.
- I support efforts to make voting easier for early voting and Saturday voting efforts.
Source: 2020 Georgia Senate campaign website, TeresaTomlinson.com
Jan 12, 2020
Teresa Tomlinson:
Add sexual orientation & gender identity to Civil Rights Act
Tomlinson said as a senator she would vote for the Equality Act, which would add sexual orientation and gender identity as protected classes to the Civil Rights Act of
1964. "It's high time and it must be done because we've seen too many states lag behind," she said. "Even though the polling is high for equality and tolerance, for some reason the power structure lags behind."
Source: Times-Enterprise on 2020 Georgia Senate race
Aug 7, 2019
Tom Price:
Against LGBT rights, same-sex marriage
Price has spent his career opposing lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender, or LGBT, rights. He's voted for a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage, voted against protecting LGBT people from employment discrimination, and indicated he
agreed with a false claim that LGBT rights legislation would have a negative effect on "medical health."
Source: AmericanProgress.org on 2019-20 Georgia 2-year Senate race
Jan 18, 2017
Tom Price:
Would allow LGBT discrimination under civil rights laws
Price is a co-sponsor of the First Amendment Defense Act, or FADA, a law that would allow individuals and corporations alike to ignore civil rights laws and discriminate against LGBT people. FADA would undermine future advancements
in civil rights law for LGBT people and gut existing federal nondiscrimination protections in many areas, including employment, housing, and the homeless shelters and hospitals.
Source: AmericanProgress.org on 2019-20 Georgia 2-year Senate race
Jan 18, 2017
Tom Price:
Supports football coaches proselytizing at high school
In response to concern that state employees leading students in religious activities is commonplace and not an isolated event, Collins replied, "They're right. In Hall County and throughout Georgia's 9th district, we-- cherish our right to worship in
our own way." Collins said he felt disgusted that while "innocent lives are being lost in Iraq and other places at the hands of radical religious terrorists, a bunch of Washington lawyers are finding the time to pick on kids in Northeast Georgia."
Source: The Humanist on 2019-20 Georgia 2-year Senate race
Aug 25, 2014
Valencia Stovall:
Welcome everyone, instead of "religious liberty"
Gov. Nathan Deal vetoed the "religious liberty" bill that triggered a wave of criticism from gay rights groups and business leaders. In a press conference at the state Capitol, Deal said House Bill 757 doesn't reflect Georgia's welcoming image as
a state full of "warm, friendly and loving people"--and warned critics that he doesn't respond well to threats of payback for rejecting the measure.The governor's veto infuriated religious conservatives who considered the measure,
House Bill 757, their top priority. Last year's Supreme Court ruling legalizing same-sex weddings galvanized their efforts. In stark terms, the governor said earlier this year that he would reject any measure that "allows discrimination
in our state in order to protect people of faith." Rooting his critique in biblical language, he urged fellow Republicans to "recognize that the world is changing."
Rep. Stovall voted NO; passed Senate 37-18-1 Mar.16; passed House 104-65-11 Mar.16
Source: AJC on Georgia legislative voting records: HB 757
Mar 16, 2016
Valencia Stovall:
Racism is a threat to domestic security
Q: Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
A: Yes it is a threat because it brings about discrimination based on a person's race.
Source: AFA iVoterGuide on 2019-20 Georgia 2-year Senate
Nov 3, 2020
Vernon Jones:
Constitutional amendment defining marriage
Q: Do you support a federal constitutional amendment defining marriage as between a man and a woman?A: Yes.
Source: Georgia Congressional Election 2008 Political Courage Test
Jul 2, 2008
Vernon Jones:
Lawsuit: he wanted a "darker administration" as county CEO
Four DeKalb workers filed a lawsuit that claimed Jones worked to replace white managers in the Parks Department with African Americans. The lawsuit said Jones and other county officials said they wanted
a "darker administration" to reflect "the new DeKalb County." Six years later, a federal court jury awarded two of those employees $185,000 in damages.
Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution on 2022 Georgia Governor race
Aug 23, 2020
Page last updated: Feb 18, 2023