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I have always fought for the right of people to be able to be treated equally in America. Long before there was a television show or a march in Washington. In 1985, I was the sole sponsor of the Civil Rights Act to make sure we enforced that in America. I am for partnership rights. I am for civil union. I am for the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. I am for the hate crimes legislation.

John Kerry#22

AdvocacyCivil rightsEqualityLegislationLgbtqRights

About this quote

What does it mean?
Kerry outlines his long-standing support for civil rights and LGBTQ equality measures.
In plain terms
I have fought for equal rights and civil unions long before it was popular.
What can you take from it?
Stand for equality consistently even before it is politically mainstream.

Where it applies

  • legislative sessions
  • equality campaigns
  • historical reviews

Putting it to work

  • sponsor equality bills
  • support civil unions
  • enforce non discrimination

Questions to consider

  • What rights do you think should be universal?
  • How do you measure progress on equality?

Another view

Policy changes can lag behind social acceptance.

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