We're here, we're queer -- and we're voting Libertarian

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 7th, 2004
P.O.C. Steve Gordon
(256)227-8360
communications [at] badnarik.org

WE'RE HERE, WE'RE QUEER ... AND WE'RE VOTING LIBERTARIAN
Pink Pistols endorses Badnarik for President

Boston, MA - Some politicians think that the Second Amendment is obsolete. Some politicians think that the Second Amendment is for duck hunters and competitive shooters. But one presidential candidate knows who the Second Amendment is for: Everyone, especially those who, disarmed, face victimization.

"The Right to Keep and Bear Arms is the cornerstone of civil society," says Michael Badnarik, the Libertarian Party's 2004 presidential nominee. "It's the ultimate recourse, not only against foreign invasion or repressive government, but against bigotry when bigotry becomes aggression."

Pink Pistols, a national organization dedicated to educating the alternative sexual community on the need for armed self-defense, has endorsed Badnarik's candidacy.

"We're excited to endorse the only candidate in this election who stands for equal rights -- and the means to defend those rights -- for everyone," says Douglas L. Krick, founder of Pink Pistols. "With the 'major' parties competing to see who can be most strident in encouraging different standards for the queer communities, it's more important than ever that we stand up for ourselves -- and support candidates who stand with us."

Badnarik, 50, of Austin, Texas, welcomes that support. "Pursuit of political reform is best exercised through the ballot box and the jury box," he says. "But ultimately the cartridge box must be there, especially when lives are at stake. In America today, it's still considered acceptable in many places to attack gay men and lesbians for no other reason than who they are. When that happens, the victim can't wait for a police officer or a jury to try to sort things out."

Badnarik is also on record in favor of same-sex marriage. "It's a religious and community matter -- the government shouldn't be in the business of licensing marriage, or of excluding anyone from it. That came about as a means of preventing interracial marriage -- racism imposed by government. It's no different when applied to consenting adults of the same sex."

Pink Pistols currently operates 43 chapters in 29 states. Its members support gun rights and armed self-defense.

Badnarik expects to be on the ballot this November in 49 or 50 states and the District of Columbia. More than 600 Libertarians currently serve in public office nationwide.

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Web References:

Badnarik-Campagna 2004:
http://www.badnarik.org

Pink Pistols:
http://www.pinkpistols.org