State Senator Daylin Leach (D. PA-13), who is running for Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz's (D. PA-13) seat, is looking out for LGBT athletes going to the Olympics:
http://www.delcotimes.com/...
State Sen. Daylin Leach, D-17, of Upper Merion, has plans to introduce a three-part series of resolutions aimed at protecting the rights of homosexual athletes and spectators at the Winter Olympic Games in Russia next year.
Leach began circulating a co-sponsorship memorandum Monday for the resolutions dubbed “To Russia with Rainbows.” The Olympic games are scheduled to be held in Sochi, Russia from Feb. 7-23, 2014.
“These resolutions are in response to the newly passed legislation in Russia which prohibits ‘propaganda of non-traditional sexual relationships’ and threatens with imprisonment anyone who even advocates for gay rights or discusses being gay in any context,” Leach stated in his co-sponsorship memo to Senate colleagues.
Leach said that while Russia is generally free to pass any law it wishes to govern its own territory and citizens, this law is different because it would threaten the freedoms and well-being of American athletes, coaches, staff and fans who travel to Russia for the Olympic games. - Delco Times, 8/19/13
Here's a little more background info:
http://fox43.com/...
Leach drafted the package of resolutions, called “To Russia with Rainbows”, with three goals in mind:
1. To condemn Russia’s failure to guarantee that athletes and other citizens will be safe from arrest, prosecution or other legal or extra-judicial harassment based on being gay, speaking out for equality and human rights in any Olympics-related forum, wearing any sign, rainbow, or other item expressing or symbolizing support for gay rights or gay people.
2. To urge the International Olympic Committee to suspend Rule 50, which prohibits political protests or displays at the Olympic Games, to the extent it would prohibit, restrict, or limit any athlete’s reasonable, non-disruptive expression of support for the basic human rights, equality, or solidarity with gay athletes at the games.
3. To encourage athletes, coaches and Olympic staff to wear modest expressions of support for their LGBT teammates, such as rainbow pins, jewelry, or T-shirts, to the extent that these expressions would not be otherwise prohibited by the rules of the Olympic Games. - Fox 53, 8/19/13
This is just one of several reasons why we need to make sure Leach wins his primary in this very blue district. Recently some big name Pennsylvania politicians have been getting behind Pennsylvania's Liberal Lion's campaign for congress:
http://www.politicspa.com/...
Today belonged to State Sen. Daylin Leach who scored three endorsements, including those of former Congressman Joe Hoeffel and State Rep. and prominent LGBT activist Brian Sims.
“I have endorsed Daylin’s campaign and agreed to be its Chair because I know that Daylin Leach is the progressive leader that we must have in Congress,” Hoeffel said in a statement published on Daylin’s campaign website. “We NEED someone who will show the courage to stand up the Tea Party and far right wingers that seem to dominate the debate in the U.S. House of Representatives these days — and Daylin is the only candidate running who has the record of taking them on, and beating them.”
Hoeffel was Schwartz’s predecessor in the U.S. House and the 2004 Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate against then-Republican incumbent Arlen Specter. Hoeffel remains a prominent voice in the thirteenth district and his support is a big win for the Leach campaign.
State Representative Brian Sims (D-Phila.), a prominent voice for the LGBT community in Pa., also threw his support behind Leach.
“Daylin Leach has been a leader on LGBT civil rights in the Pennsylvania legislature for the last decade, which is why I have endorsed him,” Sims said. “This is a pivotal time in Washington for issues of equality, and we need proven leaders like Daylin who have a record of fighting for our rights. I know that Daylin will be our champion in DC.” - Politics PA, 8/15/13
If you would like to get involved or donate to Leach's campaign, you can do so here:
http://votedaylin.com/