Santorum rescinds support for employment diversity statement

Adam Behsudi,  Advocate.com    
August 10, 2006  Santorum rescinds support for employment diversity statement    

Less than a week after signing the employment diversity statement, a joint project of the Gender Public Advocacy Coalition and Human Rights Campaign which seeks to eradicate discrimination in the work place based on sexual orientation and gender identity, U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum (R-PA) voided his signature saying in a new statement that his office has not adopted the diversity statement. GenderPAC executive director Riki Wilchins and GenderPAC volunteer Adrian Shanker were disappointed and frustrated with the Senator's new decision.

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Relevant Statements

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.'"
Richard John Santorum
The Senator in his new statement faxed to GenderPAC

"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. 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."
Riki Wilchins
Executive director of the Gender Public Advocacy Coalition on Santorum's new decision

"I am very frustrated with my senator's flip-flopped message to his constituents. Pennsylvanians deserve representatives that have a strong record in supporting equality for all. This latest move doesn't come close."
Adrian Shanker
GenderPac volunteer on Santorum's decision change