(El Partido Verde-Arco Iris – promoted by eli_beckerman)
We in the Green-Rainbow Party are occasionally asked about the ‘Rainbow’ in our name. A few days ago an inquiry came into the party’s e-mail address from a person who suggested dropping the ‘Rainbow’ because including it in the party name might turn off some people. The party’s Treasurer, Merelice, offered reply (A) below. I was copied on her reply and felt a great deal of pride for the party that I affiliate with and whose slate I campaign on as a candidate.
Last month, a different inquiry came to the party from a voter who was concerned that the party did not adequately promote gay/lesbian issues. I wrote the reply (B) which follows (A) in the next section.
(A) Thanks for your thoughts.
I don’t know how far back your political knowledge of Mass. goes, but in 1983, Mel King ran for mayor of Boston and formed the Rainbow Coalition. The following year Jesse Jackson ran for president and took the Rainbow Coalition concept national.
The Rainbow Coalition in Boston continued to exist as a multi-issue organization. Then in the 1990s, it became the Rainbow Coalition Party. The MassGreens were also getting more organized as a political party. When Nader ran as a Green candidate for president, the Rainbow Coalition Party endorsed him.
The Rainbow Caolition Party was largely known for its social justice platform, but the environment was also an important component of their work. The MassGreens were always know as an environmental party, but they also emphasized social justice issues. The two parties began negotiations to join forces and worked together on some campaigns and issues.
It was decided to combine into one party and so the MassGreens became the Green-Rainbow Party. We’re proud of our joint identity. The rainbow remains a universal concept in addition to being related to GLBT movements, and given the GRP’s commitment to gay rights as part of all human rights, that is not a negative connotation. It is often helpful to explain that the GRP is the Massachusetts affiliate of the Green Party of the U.S.
I hope this explanation helps you appreciate the richness and value of our name.
Merelice, Treasurer (and former member of the Rainbow Coalition Party)
—————
(B) Hello!
The Green Party of the United States was the first, and still is the only, national party to put marriage equality firmly on its platform – almost twenty years ago – where it has proudly remained. The national party also has given voting rights to the LGBT community as a caucus on its National Committee on equal footing with its state affiliates.
If you are doing formal research on this or would like to learn more I’d be happy to put you in touch with leaders of the party’s Lavender Caucus.
Both the national Green Party and its Massachusetts affiliate, the Green-Rainbow Party, value diversity and the recognition of the LGBT community as part of that diversity.
I am a Green-Rainbow candidate in Massachusetts this year, running for State Representative in the 4th Berkshire District. An important part of my campaign is being forthright about myself as a gay green candidate who cares about our local residents, towns, farms, and businesses. My husband and I are proud that Massachusetts was the first state to institute same-sex marriage. I’m especially proud the Green Party of the U.S. and the Green-Rainbow Party have long had marriage equality in their platforms. Neither ruling political party is as resolute in its support.
Please read the ‘about’ page on my web site.
http://www.scottlaugenour.org/…
If you are in my district and are aware of an issue I should bring up, please let me know. I introduce my husband on the campaign trail and am pleased to witness acceptance of our equality from across the spectrum of community and politics. This may lead many in MA to think that the issue is ‘settled’ but we know it remains important to be vigilant and protective of the rights we’ve won.
I forwarded your note to the people who manage the Green-Rainbow Party’s web site because I feel that there should be clearer information about the party’s position on LGBT issues.
I can’t imagine the party taking any other position that being firmly against any discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. Equality is equality is equality and we’re for it!
#
With the right to marry whom you choose now the law in the commonwealth, and even the GOP gubernatorial canmdidate supporting the same, it probably didn’t seem as critical to put our position on the site as it would have in the past. But I can guarantee that this one issue on which everyone in the party agrees wholeheartedly. I personally couldn’t support any candidate–and that included Barack Obama–who did not give his or her unequivocal support to the same.
The Green Party of the Unites Sates makes its unequivocal position on the rights of all here. (I’m not sure that GRP has endorsed d & e).
Good news today, by the way, thanks to Martha Coakley and a Boston federal court!!
#
Write ’em up!
Actually, we could use better-defined stances on most everything. That is, for every no, a yes: whenever we reject anything, which we do a LOT of, I’d like to see us present a viable, well-conceived, executable and politically-feasible alternative based on VALID research, and one presented, not in terms that accord with our ideology, but in words that are guaranteed to appeal to the majority of voters–because it addresses their specific needs and concerns.
I’m not sure what specific policies were endorsed by StateCom in the past–nor what, precisely, needs to be addressed. Though there is doubtless some legislation that may enhance the quality of life for everyone out there (I’m actually opposed to “hate crimes” bills myself…). If you have something on your mind, though, you ought to write it up– and this isn’t a bad place to post even initial thoughts before drafting a concrete proposal, as you’ll get some feedback hetre first. I’m sure that you’d have the Party’s backing on most related issues, though, so run with it.
One of the chief pleasures of and real advantages to the GRP is that the Party really is all ears, and depends on individual members to keep us on our toes, to point out what’s missing in our platforms, and to create their own proposals for debate and endorsement. Ball’s in your court (adn in everyone else’s).