State of Wyoming Archives: on Civil Rights
Cynthia Lummis:
No place for racism, but no right to destroy
Q: Is racism a threat to domestic security in the US?A: Simply put, there is no place for racism in our society. Many people in our country are angry, frustrated and saddened right now. This is an important moment in our country.
A moment where we must stand for justice. And to do so, we as Americans have a right to peacefully assemble and protest. However, we don't have the right to destroy businesses and communities. And it doesn't bring change.
Source: AFA iVoterGuide on 2020 Wyoming Senate race
Nov 3, 2020
Merav Ben-David:
Systemic racism prevalent in America
On race: "Systemic racism has been a problem for quite a while--not only are we seeing the effects of slavery from 400 years ago, but also the treatment of
indigenous people in our country," said Ben-David, adding she would have a tribal affairs liaison in her office, if elected to the Senate.
Source: WY News Exchange on 2020 Wyoming Senate debate
Oct 9, 2020
Yana Ludwig:
Increase protections for the LGBTQIA community
Human rights: We need increased and restored protections for immigrants, the LGBTQIA community,
the incarcerated, and people of all religions and none.
Source: Ballotpedia.org Connection on 2020 Wyoming Senate race
Sep 9, 2019
Yana Ludwig:
Reparations for our Indigenous populations
I favor reparations and the restoration of serious consideration of treaty rights with our Indigenous populations. We also need to look seriously at police reform and the high rates of people of color shot every year by law enforcement,
rarely with any consequences for the police. Any conversations we have about gun control I believe need to happen within the context of police reform, and with respect for basic Second Amendment rights.
Source: Ballotpedia.org Connection on 2020 Wyoming Senate race
Sep 9, 2019
Yana Ludwig:
More talk about LGBTQ issues
Though she is, so far, the first candidate with major party ties to announce, Ludwig notably faces an uphill battle in deep-red Wyoming. In a state where billboards and rallies push for "a right to life," Ludwig wants to increase access to
abortion in a state where options are limited. While politicians in Wyoming are often reluctant to talk about LGBTQ issues, Ludwig--who herself is a bisexual woman--wants to stand for those, as well as for immigration rights and racial equality.
Source: Casper Star-Tribune on 2020 Wyoming Senate race
Jun 12, 2019
Bill Dahlin:
There's plenty of bathrooms; don't allow transgenders
All six candidates said they opposed a failed Senate bill in the last session that would have allowed transgenders to use their public restroom of choice throughout Wyoming. "There's plenty of
bathrooms, it's not necessary," Bill Dahlin said.They agreed Wyoming should focus on its aging population and doesn't need additional hate-crime legislation.
Source: Gillette News Record on 2018 Wyoming gubernatorial race
Aug 14, 2018
Mary Throne:
Stood alone in sole support of LGBTQ discrimination ban
After emotional testimony in support and condemnation the Jackson Town Council reaffirmed its unanimous support for an LGBTQ discrimination ban. The ban would criminalize discrimination based on actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity.
Kathy Russell spoke on behalf of the Wyoming Republican Party to urge the council to rely on existing legislation in matters of discrimination. Most candidates made the same argument. Just one, Democrat Mary Throne, explicitly supported the idea.
Source: Jackson Hole News & Guide on 2018 Wyoming Gubernatorial race
Jul 4, 2018
Michael Enzi:
We need civility for gays; not more laws
Sen. Mike Enzi told a group of high school students last week that it's fine to be a member of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer community--but if you're too open about it, don't be surprised if you get picked on. Enzi was speaking to
students at Greybull High School when a student asked him what he was doing to support LGBTQ people in Wyoming. The Greybull Standard published a rough transcript of the event:Q: How do you plan to help Wyoming live up to its name as 'The Equality
State' for the LGBT community?
A: Everything can't be done by law. What we need to have is a little civility between people. We always say that in Wyoming you can be just about anything you want to be, as long as you don't push it in somebody's face.
I know a guy who wears a tutu and goes to bars on Friday night and is always surprised that he gets in fights. Well, he kind of asks for it. That's the way that he winds up with that kind of problem. The biggest thing that we need is civility.
Source: Huffington Post on 2018 Wyoming Gubernatorial race
Apr 25, 2017
Mary Throne:
Gender wage gap must be addressed
I think the gender wage gap is a real problem for Wyoming because it shows a substantial opportunity gap. If we want to attract families to Wyoming there have to be opportunities for both men and women.
I think [the gap] is a sign that we don't have equal opportunities here.
Source: Better Wyoming interview on 2018 Wyoming Governor race
Oct 8, 2016
Charlie Hardy:
Supports same-sex marriage and all sexual identities
Hardy is a populist with left-of-center views of many issues, including the minimum wage--he wants it raised--same-sex marriage, which he supports, with the government licensing couples to form a union and churches dealing with religious issues,
and abortion, which he said is a private matter for a woman to decide.Hardy said he is not convinced that he is out of step with most residents in the state. In fact, he rejects the theory that the Cowboy State is filled with deeply conservative
people devoted to the Republican Party. "Because I don't believe that's where the majority of Wyoming is," he said. "That's what our image is."
Hardy said people of all sexual identities deserve respect. God made people differently,
Hardy said, and to not accept that is an "insult to God." "We're all different people," he said. "I think we need to respect the uniqueness of every person."
Source: Powell Tribune coverage of 2014 Wyoming Senate race
Mar 18, 2014
Keith Goodenough:
Wyoming is worst state in terms of pay equity for women
Wyoming has been rated the worst state in the nation in terms of pay equity; on average, women here only make 63 cents for every dollar a man makes. Is it always good to be number one? There are limits to what the
Legislature can do since most jobs are in the private sector, but some action could be taken in terms of making sure that public sector employment is equal and that laws against pay discrimination are enforced.
Source: Wyoming Tribune Eagle, “Legislature Ignores Women’s Issues”
Mar 1, 2005
Tim Chesnut:
Civil unions ok; same-sex marriage ok
Chestnut indicated support of the following principles regarding same-sex marriage:- Include sexual orientation in Wyoming's anti-discrimination laws.
- Q: Should Wyoming recognize civil unions between same-sex couples?
A: Yes. - Q: Should Wyoming restrict marriage to a union only between a man and a woman?
A: No.
Source: Wyoming 2004 Congressional National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 2004
Tim Chesnut:
No Affirmative Action in state-based decisions
Q: On Affirmative Action: Should race, ethnicity or gender be taken into account in state agencies' decisions on public employment?A: No.
Q: In State college and university admissions?
A: No.
Q: In State contracting?
A: No.
Source: Wyoming 2004 Congressional National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 2004
Dave Freudenthal:
No civil unions; define one-man-one-woman marriage
Q: Should Wyoming recognize civil unions between same-sex couples? A: No.
Q: Should Wyoming restrict marriage to a union only between a man and a woman?
A: Yes.
Source: 2002 Wyoming Gubernatorial National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 2002
Dave Freudenthal:
No affirmative action in state contracts nor colleges
Q: Affirmative Action: Should race, ethnicity, or gender be taken into account in state agencies’ decisions on: Q: College and university admissions
A: No.
Q: Public employment
A: No.
Q: State contracting
A: No.
Source: 2002 Wyoming Gubernatorial National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 2002
Page last updated: Oct 14, 2021