Maryland State Assembly Delegate Tiffany Alston has found herself in hot water. From the Washington Blade:
State prosecutor Emmet Davitt announced a series of charges against Alston today, including: one count of felony theft; one count of misdemeanor theft; one count of fraudulent misappropriation by a fiduciary and two election law violations. The prosecutor alleges that Alston used campaign funds for personal uses, including $3,560 to cover wedding related expenses. The felony charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
Last time Ms. Alston made the news was in May. She was among the key Delegates marriage equality supporters were counting on to support the bill. When the bill came up for a vote, Alston forgot what
she'd said during her campaign:
"From the beginning of my campaign I have told the people that elected me that I personally supported the same sex couple’s right to marry. I believe all people should be treated equally regardless of their sexual orientation. ... I have resolved that if and when the chairman calls the vote I will be ready to vote based on what I believe to be right."
And when the committee vote came up, Alston voted against treating all people equally. The bill never made it to the floor. Anticipating a failed vote, it was tabled so it could be introduced again in 2012.
Guess Alston did what she "believed to be right."
Guess we can now wonder how finely attuned Ms. Alston's moral compass actually is.
I hope Ms. Alston had a very nice wedding. The LGBT community of Maryland won't be having any in 2011, and for that they can thank Ms. Alston and all the other Delegates who seem to have faulty moral compasses.