EqualityMaine joins Maine People’s Alliance, Planned Parenthood in endorsing Cassie Julia in Democratic primary for Waterville state legislature seat
For Immediate Release: June 7, 2024
As PRIDE celebrations continue across Maine, EqualityMaine cites incumbent Bruce White’s votes against protecting reproductive and gender-affirming care providers from attacks in endorsement announcement
EqualityMaine, the state’s oldest and largest statewide organization dedicated to advancing full equality for LGBTQ+ Mainers, has endorsed Cassie Julia for Maine State Representative for House District 65, representing Waterville.
As PRIDE month celebrations take place throughout the state, Equality Maine joined Maine People’s Alliance and Planned Parenthood Maine Action Fund PAC in endorsing Julia.
Statement from Lisa Margulies, Esq., Vice President of Public Affairs, Planned Parenthood Maine Action Fund PAC
"We are proud that EqualityMaine has joined Maine People’s Alliance and our Planned Parenthood Maine Action Fund PAC in endorsing Cassie Julia in this critical primary.
Rep. Bruce White has a career voting record of 18.5% on policy related to sexual and reproductive health care in Maine as well as reproductive rights. As EqualityMaine noted in their press release Thursday, Rep. Bruce White vote against key bills during the most recent legislative session including LD 227, which protects Maine’s providers of reproductive care and care for transgender people from attacks based on other states’ laws. This vote was an affront not only to the medical professionals who provide this essential, life-saving care throughout the state, but also to Mainers who seek this care.
In contrast, as EqualityMaine noted, ‘Cassie Julia is the only candidate in this primary who has pledged to fight for all Mainers’ right to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health care. Her commitment to reproductive rights and bodily autonomy is crucial at a time where access to reproductive healthcare is under attack – even right here in Maine.’
Not only did lawmakers face political threats for considering LD 227; they also faced threats of violence. Some of White’s own colleagues relied on harmful and false rhetoric in their opposition to this bill, and White voted with those colleagues who pointed their most dangerous rhetoric at patients and providers of gender-affirming care.
Mainers will continue to celebrate PRIDE this month, and Mainers deserve elected leaders who will fight for the rights of all every day of the year. EqualityMaine is right: ‘We need every elected voice to support equality consistently.’
Cassie Julia is the only candidate Mainers can count on to fight for our rights and to fight for all Mainers to receive the care they need and deserve.”
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The Planned Parenthood Maine Action Fund Political Action Committee promotes and preserves a health care landscape and a political climate favorable to women’s health by working to identify and elect supportive candidates seeking executive and legislative offices.
The PPMEAF PAC is operated by the Planned Parenthood Maine Action Fund, an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit membership organization formed as the advocacy and political arm of Planned Parenthood of Northern New England in Maine. The Action Fund engages in educational and electoral activity, including voter education, grassroots organizing, and legislative advocacy.
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Paid for by Planned Parenthood Maine Action Fund PAC
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The top funders of the Planned Parenthood Maine Action Fund PAC are John and Linda Coleman and Margot and Roger Milliken.
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