Santorum rescinds support for employment diversity statement
Less than a week after becoming the 170th member of Congress to affirm that his office does not discriminate in its employment practices based on an individual’s "sexual orientation or gender identity and expression," U.S. senator Rick Santorum, a Pennsylvania Republican, on Wednesday rescinded his signature on a diversity statement. "Every person deserves the opportunity to pursue their career and succeed, regardless of whether they are gay, transgender, or fit expectations for masculinity or femininity," said Riki Wilchins, executive director of the Gender Public Advocacy Coalition. "We were surprised but pleased when Senator Santorum affirmed that his office does not discriminate based on sexual orientation or gender identity or expression. We are disappointed by the senator's new decision and hope he will reconsider in the future."
The diversity statement is a joint project initiated in 2003 by GenderPAC and the Human Rights Campaign that has received bipartisan support on Capitol Hill from members of the House and Senate. Santorum's signature came after a meeting during the week of July 24 between the senator and GenderPac volunteers. After the meeting, Santorum posed for a picture with them. A copy of the senator's statement was faxed to GenderPAC on August 1, and the signature was confirmed the following morning by Santorum's openly gay senior aide, Robert Traynham.
On Wednesday, Santorum faxed GenderPAC a new statement that read in part, "To be clear, my office has not adopted the proposed 'diversity statement' nor the agenda of your organization.... My name should no longer be reported as having adopted the 'diversity statement.'"
"I am very frustrated with my senator's flip-flopped message to his constituents," said GenderPac volunteer Adrian Shanker. "Pennsylvanians deserve representatives that have a strong record in supporting equality for all. This latest move doesn't come close."
Currently 24 U.S. senators and 145 U.S. representatives—19 Republicans and 148 Democrats—have endorsed the diversity statement. (The Advocate)
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