Issues

Issues

Statement condemning the passage of Florida Senate Bill 254

mgrnlogo2Statement Condemning the Passage of Florida Senate Bill 254

 

The Maine Green Independent Party (MGIP) strongly condemns the passage of Florida Senate Bill 254, which bans gender-affirming care for transgender youth and adults in the state of Florida. This bill is a blatant attack on the human rights and dignity of transgender people, who deserve respect and support for their identity and expression. It is also a violation of medical ethics and contradicts the scientific consensus and best practices of professional associations such as the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), which endorse gender-affirming care as safe and effective.

 

We stand in solidarity with the transgender community in Florida and across the country, who are facing an unprecedented wave of discriminatory legislation that seeks to erase their existence and deny them access to essential health care. The MGIP affirms the right of every person to selfdetermination and bodily integrity, regardless of their gender identity or expression.

 

People across the the country are seeking care out of state because of extreme laws that criminalize health care. We call upon the state of Maine to enact a shield law that protects the recipients and providers of medical treatment against civil or criminal charges from states where health care is banned.

 

Sincerely,

Lyn Maravell, MGIP Co-Chair

Fred McCann, MGIP Co-Chair

Statement in support of anti-war protests in July, August and September

mgrnlogo2Statement in support of protests occurring in July, August, and September in Maine:

 

 

U.S. proxy war in Ukraine against Russia - $120 billion so far - No War with China

 

The Maine Green Independent Party is deeply concerned about the ongoing war in Ukraine, which has caused immense suffering and devastation. We urge all parties to stop the continuing escalation of hostilities and to seek a peaceful and lasting solution to the conflict.

 

We are also alarmed by the rising tensions between the U.S. and China over various issues, such as Taiwan, the South China Sea, human rights, trade, and technology. We believe that a war would be disastrous for humanity and the planet, and would threaten the security and stability of the entire world.

 

We believe that peace is possible and necessary, and that war is not inevitable or acceptable. We stand in solidarity with all those who work for peace and justice, and who oppose violence and aggression.

 

Sincerely, Lyn Maravell, MGIP Co-Chair

Fred McCann, MGIP Co-Chair

 

Saturday July 22 at 1:30pm Augusta (Civic Center intersection on Route 27 at I-95)

 

Saturday August 19 at 1:30pm Ellsworth (Route 1 intersection with Main St.)

 

Saturday September (exact date TBD) Skowhegan (Margaret Chase Smith bridge at confluence of Routes 2 & 201)

Greens oppose Uganda anti-homosexuality act

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The Maine Green Independent Party (MGIP) strongly condemns the recent passage of the Anti-Homosexuality Act in Uganda, which criminalizes same-sex relations and imposes harsh penalties, including the death penalty, for those who support LGBTQ rights. This law is a blatant violation of human dignity and fundamental freedoms, and it goes against our shared values of of social justice, diversity, and respect for all life.

We stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ community in Uganda and around the world, who face discrimination, violence, and persecution for their sexual orientation and gender identity. We call on the U.S. government and the international community to take action to pressure the Ugandan government to repeal this draconian law and protect the human rights of all its citizens. We also urge our fellow Mainers to support organizations that are working to provide aid and advocacy for LGBTQ people in Uganda and other countries where they are oppressed.

The MGIP believes that love is love, and that no one should be denied the right to love and be loved because of who they are. We will continue to work for a more peaceful, just, and inclusive world, where diversity is celebrated and everyone can live freely and authentically.

Statement in support of protests occurring on May 6th and 20th in Maine

U.S. proxy war in Ukraine against Russia - $120 billion so far - No War with China

 

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May 1st, 2023

 

The Maine Green Independent Party is deeply concerned about the ongoing war in Ukraine, which has caused immense suffering and devastation. We urge all parties to stop the continuing escalation of hostilities and to seek a peaceful and lasting solution to the conflict.

 

We are also alarmed by the rising tensions between the U.S. and China over various issues, such as Taiwan, the South China Sea, human rights, trade, and technology. We believe that a war would be disastrous for humanity and the planet, and would threaten the security and stability of the entire world. We believe that peace is possible and necessary, and that war is not inevitable or acceptable.

 

We stand in solidarity with all those who work for peace and justice, and who oppose violence and aggression.

 

Sincerely,

Lyn Maravell, MGIP Co-Chair

Fred McCann, MGIP Co-Chair

Co-chair testifies against anti-trans bills

 

Senator Carney, Representative Harnett and members of the Joint Standing Committee on Judiciary, my name is Jake Kulaw and I live in South Portland. I am writing to testify in opposition of LD 926 and LD 1401 because these bills would exclude transgender girls from participating in and playing in any interscholastic sport in all Maine public schools and universities, including intramural sports. When we tell transgender girls and women that they can’t play girls sports, it sends the message that they don’t belong.

 

This bill mirrors efforts in other states to ban trans girls from participating in school sports and once again puts the humanity of transgender people up for public debate. This must not move forward as it is an attack on the very existence of transgender girls and women. Laws targeting transgender girls violate the US constitution and Title IX. It will also override sport governing bodies. Furthermore, this bill attempts to politicize transgender people’s lives. Maine transgender youth should not be used to advance hatred, fear and bigotry.

 

This bill is bad for all Mainers. There was a decision that everyone is welcome and should have equal opportunity to contribute and lead successful lives. In 2014 Maine’s Supreme Court affirmed the right to equal educational access for transgender girls in schools.

 

On a personal note, I was assigned female at birth. When I was in high school I was on the Boys track team as there was no Girls track team at that time. I not only made the team, I also competed with other boys on my team and in my state. I earned a starting spot, beating out some of my male teammates. Why? Not because of my gender but perhaps due to the fact that I worked hard and have a greater number of fast twitch fibers. As a high school person who was assigned female at birth I competed and beat boys in competition. Please stop making the assumption that males are inherently better or stronger than females. This is highly insulting to women and girls. Thank you for your time. Again, I strongly oppose the passage of LD 926 and LD 1401. They are fear based and centered around hatred and bigotry. All Mainers, including out transgender athletes deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. I stand in solidarity with our transgender community.

 

Sincerely, Jake Kulaw

 

Jake Kulaw is a co-chair of the Maine Green Independent Party, serving through 2022.

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