Political Quotes

“Springfield, MA, police officer Michael Carney fought for 2\1/2\ years to get his job back--and he won. After he took a medical leave of absence, Springfield officials refused to reinstate Officer Carney because the veteran officer had revealed he was gay. But Officer Carney was determined to return to the force. Because he lived in Massachusetts, one of only 17 States to protect employees against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity, Officer Carney is now back on the job, serving and protecting the people of Springfield, MA. I am also pleased to say Nevada law also includes robust protections against this type of discrimination. Officer Carney testified before the House of Representatives in 2007 and shared his story. This is what he said: I'm a good cop, but I have lost 2\1/2\ years of employment fighting to get that job back because I am gay. I never would have been able to do that had I not lived in Massachusetts or one of the handful of other States that protect . . . employees from discrimination. Sadly, not everyone is able to fight back like Officer Carney. In 33 States, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people can be fired and harassed just for being who they are. West Virginia coal miner Sam Hall was terrorized by his coworkers for 7 years because he was gay. Mr. Hall just wanted to make a living, but supervisors told him he would have to endure the persecution if he wanted to keep his job.…”