The Honorable Cheryl Jacques' Speech before the

Democratic National Convention

Wednesday, July 28, 2004

BOSTON, July 29 /PRNewswire/ -- The following is a transcript of a speech by The Honorable Cheryl Jacques, before the Democratic National Convention on Wednesday, July 28, 2004:

I'm Cheryl Jacques, and on behalf of my partner Jennifer, and our beautiful twin boys Timmy and Tommy, I'd like to say how proud I am to be back in my home state of Massachusetts-where I had the privilege of serving in the State Senate for more than a decade.

America has often been called a great experiment. What began with a revolution against tyranny right here in Massachusetts has transformed into an evolution of progress. Progress is not a ceiling to reach. It is an infinite frontier. Gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender Americans share the dream of a better, stronger, and more united America. We protect our country. We die for it.

That's why we seek the right to serve openly and honestly in our armed forces to defend our freedoms and the rights of all American families. We see a health care crisis that can be alleviated through more personal responsibility. That in part is why we're working for marriage equality - so we can do what families do best-- care for each other in sickness and health. We want a fully fortified battle against HIV and AIDS that spares this generation the ravages of the last. We want to ensure that violent hate crimes are aggressively prosecuted.

We are optimistic. We are innovators. We envision new technologies, cures for diseases, and better products to enrich people's lives. We work hard. We contribute to our communities. We pay our fair share of taxes. We simply ask that we're never fired because of who we are.

Today, in 36 states, it is legal to fire the star employee simply because the boss thinks he or she is gay. That is wrong! There are some who criticize our American dream and that is their right. The flag on my lapel shields me from neither criticism nor dissent. This flag is a clarion call to every human being that equality and freedom triumph over oppression and discrimination.

John Kerry and John Edwards share the dream of a better America with schools that inspire, an economy that roars, security where the homeland comes first, and equal rights for all. They know that the Constitution is a vessel of freedom, not a tool for discrimination. Together we will send a message for all Americans to hear, that the light of inclusion will once again wipe away the darkness of division.

Thank you.

Source: Democratic National Convention Committee

CONTACT:  Peggy Wilhide of the Democratic National Convention Committee,
+1-617-366-3100

Web site:  http://www.dems2004.org/