August 28, 2014

The Honorable Charles B. Rangel

United States House of Representatives
163 West 125th St., Suite #737
New York, NY 10027

Dear Congressman Rangel,

After hearing of your recent endorsement of Council Member Fernando Cabrera in the upcoming Primary election
for NYS Senate District 33, we are reaching out to explain why we are supporting NYS Senator Gustavo Rivera in
his re-election campaign.

We are proudly standing with NYS Senator Rivera because he stands with all of us in demanding civil rights and full
equality for all New Yorkers and he has proven his commitment throughout his tenure in the State Senate.

During the fight for marriage equality in NYS, Senator Rivera stood by the LGBT community, serving as a key ally
in Albany and his commitment to our community continues today.

Senator Rivera is an unequivocal supporter of the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA), pledging
to continue to fight to see GENDA approved. He also supports legislation banning so-called "conversion therapy" for
minors, eliminating the use of condoms as evidence in prostitution cases and ending the prohibition on using
Medicaid funds for gender transition-related health care services - all vitally important issues to our community.

Senator Rivera not only stands up for the LGBT community but serves as an important voice for progressive values
including women's equality and reproductive rights.

Council Member Cabrera does not stand with the LGBT community.

In fact, he actively works against all of us and many of his policy positions are in opposition to the long march
toward equality seen throughout your career.

Council Member Cabrera advocated against the NYS marriage equality bill as it was pending in Albany and has
continued to express discriminatory and regressive views on marriage, protections for the transgender community
and women's rights.

By working with the Family Research Council and the American Family Association to undermine the ongoing fight
for equality for all New Yorkers, Council Member Cabrera has made it clear that he does not stand with us.

Congressman, your endorsement in this race tarnishes your long history of supporting LGBT rights and illustrious
record of supporting progressive candidates for office.

The choice is clear, Congressman. Please join us in supporting the candidate that stands with all of us, NYS Senator
Gustavo Rivera.

Sincerely,

Senator Brad Hoylman Assemblywoman Deborah Glick Assemblyman Danny ODonnell
Council Member Corey Johnson Council Member Carlos Menchaca Council Member Ritchie Torres
Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer Stonewall Democratic Club of NYC Empire State Pride Agenda
Lambda Independent Democrats Bronx Rainbow Independent Democratic Association