American Bridge releases their first state legislative “oppo dump” focused on Republican lawmakers’ LGBTQ records, read it here.
Today, American Bridge 21st Century — a progressive opposition research group — released the first in a series of “oppo dumps” targeting vulnerable state-level Republicans. The report targets eight lawmakers and includes their legislative record, campaign contributions, statements, and questionnaire responses on LGBTQ equality.
“The fight for LGBTQ equality starts in our state legislatures, but for too long these far-right lawmakers have tried to send Arizona backward,” said Katie Parrish, spokesperson at American Bridge. “These seats are vulnerable for a reason — these out-of-touch Republicans have introduced unpopular anti-equality bills, peddled misinformation and used toxic rhetoric to demonize the LGBTQ community. It’s time to oust these lawmakers who stand in the way of progress and equality.”
Report Highlights:
- Rep. Anthony Kern (LD-20) warned his supporters of an LGBTQ takeover and claimed Democrats would use pornography to teach children sex ed. He has used his Rules Committee chairship to kill 11 bills protecting LGBTQ Arizonans from conversion therapy and discrimination in housing, health care and employment.
- Rep. Jay Lawrence (LD-23) has repeatedly and vocally opposed transgender equality in schools and said he supports conversion therapy for children.
- Sen. Sylvia Allen (LD-6) — who won by a slim 1.8% margin in 2018 — has used her chairship of the Education Committee to kill bills that would portray the LGBTQ community in a fair and respectful manner.
American Bridge’s Oppo Dump is a component of the group’s new state legislative program which aims to help Democrats flip the Arizona Legislature through comprehensive candidate research and tracking. The organization will release additional dumps this summer to expose Republican state lawmakers’ records on women’s rights, health care and education.
Published: Jun 25, 2020 | Last Modified: Jul 23, 2020