Responses of Dennis Moore to GLAA 2006 Questionnaire
for DC Mayoral Candidates
| Yes/No | Substance | Record | Championship | Total |
| 1.5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2.5 |
Public Safety
1. Will you support funding for mandatory gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) sensitivity and diversity training for all members of the Fire/EMS Department, starting with the first budget you submit to the Council?
Yes. It is critically important that subtle and overt insensitivity, disrespect and discrimination against any District GLBT citizen be checked through systemic professional training and career counseling. The Moore Administration will have a zero-tolerance policy regarding gender, sexual preference, ethnic, disability and religious bias by any District of Columbia government employee, agency or funded organization. Violations of this policy will be met with thorough and swift enforcement, reprimand, prosecution, and termination when appropriate. Consistently valuing and aggressively protecting the human rights of every District citizen will be a standard I will actively promote and sustain as Mayor Moore.
2. Will you appoint a new Fire/EMS Department Chief who is committed to rooting out the Department’s deeply entrenched homophobia and transphobia?
Yes. But, first I will provide a 1-year benchmarked assessment period of improvements by the current Fire/EMS Chief, and immediate subordinates. If at the end of that period there aren’t appropriate and substantive improvements based on the benchmarks, the Chief will be immediately relieve of duty. Simultaneously, the Chief’s position will be filled by the subordinate with the best record of improvements based on the 1-year benchmarks.
3. Will you include representatives of the GLBT community in the search process when you appoint a new Police Chief and a new Fire/EMS Chief?
Yes. These GLBT representatives will come from the ranks of both the MPD and Fire/EMS departments, and will be composed of an equal number of five GLBT members of MPD and Fire/EMS agencies. An eleventh member elected by the council’s other ten members will head this GLBT Public Safety Advisory Council.
4. Are you committed to continuing the Gay & Lesbian Liaison Unit within the Metropolitan Police Department?
Yes. In fact, to be operationally effective throughout all District precincts, I seek to expand the GLLU to raise its level of sensitivity, outreach and effectiveness throughout our city-state. There will be no token half-step efforts to effectively respond to, and fully resolve, diverse GLBT issues within the MPD or Fire/EMS agencies.
5. Will you submit a budget request for the Office of Police Complaints that will be large enough to continue to avoid developing a backlog of cases?
No. I believe it would be most effective to create a temporary fully funded Board of Review and Resolution that will be charged with the responsibility of aggressively and effectively resolving the backlog of complaint cases. The board’s temporary status is rooted in their mandate to thoroughly review and resolve all outstanding complaints within an 18-month period to an effective and manageable level. Five GLBT members of MPD, five non-GLBT police officers, five civilian professional investigators and five regular civilian advocates will staff the board. The board will be fully and exclusively accountable to the mayor. After a thorough assessment of the Board of Review and Resolution’s 18-month effectiveness, the board will become permanent, and replace the Office of Police Complaints, if there are substantial improvements in case load resolution. Otherwise, the board will be dismissed and all unresolved cases will be turned over to the Office of Human Rights.
6. Will you ensure that the Department of Corrections enforces the District’s Human Rights Act against contractors who discriminate against transgender visitors to correctional facilities?
Yes. The Moore Administration will have a zero-tolerance policy regarding gender, sexual preference, ethnic, disability and religious bias by any District of Columbia government employee, or agency. This policy will apply fully to any DC government contracted, compensated or funded entity. Violations of this policy will be met with thorough and swift enforcement, reprimand, prosecution, and termination when appropriate.
7. Will you oppose legislation creating so-called “prostitution-free zones,” which would give the police, who routinely assume that every transgendered person is a prostitute until proven otherwise, virtually unlimited power to harass our transgendered residents?
Yes. As previously stated, and with emphasis, the Moore Administration will have a zero-tolerance policy regarding gender, sexual preference, ethnic, disability and religious bias by any District of Columbia government employee, or agency. Violations of this policy will be met with thorough and swift enforcement, reprimand, prosecution, and termination when appropriate. It will be my priority to provide leadership and effective motivation to create a substantive change from a culture of intolerance to one of respect for the human rights and dignity of every District of Columbia resident and visitor. The concept and legislation of “prostitution-free zones” is a superficial and a disguised form of discrimination that dilutes and distracts from truly effective public safety strategies. Our police officers must be empowered to effectively direct their efforts and resources to real safety issues that mutually threaten both GLBT and non-GLBT District citizens.
AIDS and Public Health
8. Will you ensure that the drive to make HIV testing routine among District residents includes funding for counseling and referrals to treatment facilities for those who test positive?
Yes. Consistent and thorough follow-up is a critical phase in reducing, and potentially eliminating, the rising levels of HIV and AIDS throughout the District. I believe, as Mayor Moore, it is important and most effective to have a holistic approach in aggressively and effectively saving the lives of the growing numbers of our infected citizens. My holistic approach will involve guaranteed full funding for testing, treatment, counseling, preventative information programs, expanded outreach to diverse GLBT and non-GLBT communities, as well as sensitivity training and information at all DC government levels.
9. Are you committed to continuing and strengthening the District’s condom distribution program?
Yes. This involves the outreach, information, counseling and prevention part of my holistic approach to HIV/AIDS reductions. By doing so, I am confident there will be major reductions in the District’s infection and death rates. This approach will yield an exponential health and socioeconomic dividend that will safeguard the lives of every DC citizen, as we become a healthier city-state. Substantially reducing the District’s HIV/AIDS infections and deaths will not be a secondary effort during the Moore Administration. I will not play moral politics, or politricks, regarding proven and innovative approaches that improve and protect the health of my family, friends, associates and constituents throughout the Nation’s Capital.
10. The District is being forced by the federal government to switch from a unique identifier system to a names reporting system for people testing positive for HIV. Will you support legislation to strengthen our medical privacy laws, such as by creating a private right of action for those whose confidentiality is violated by District government employees or contractors?
Yes. The strengthening of our medical privacy laws is a key element in my zero-tolerance policy regarding gender, sexual preference, ethnic, disability and religious bias by any District of Columbia government employee, or agency. This policy will fully apply to any DC government contracted, compensated or funded entity. Violations of this policy will be met with thorough and swift enforcement, reprimand, prosecution, and termination when appropriate.
Human Rights
11. Will you submit a budget for the Office of Human Rights (OHR) large enough to allow it to reduce to 270 days the average gap between the time that a discrimination complaint is filed and the time OHR issues a finding of probable cause?
Yes. In fact, it will be my mission to expand the Office of Human Rights through an increase in investigative personnel and a guaranteed fully funded budget. Having a fully and effectively staffed OHR, with dedicated funding, is a major component in my effort to enforce a zero-tolerance policy regarding diverse forms of discrimination. As Mayor Moore, there will be no half-step measures in my efforts to aggressively develop and effectively motivate a systemic and cultural change in how violations of human rights are viewed and resolved. At its core and substance, my efforts are dedicated to developing a District-wide climate of mutual respect and unity among diverse DC residents and government personnel.
12. Will you refuse to issue proclamations and otherwise decline to honor individuals or organizations that promote any sort of bigotry?
Yes. As a matter of standard policy and governance, the Moore Administration will provide no honor or support to any individual or organization engaged in subtle or overt forms of bigotry. Again, it is imperative to me as Mayor Moore that I practice my personal principles in believing any form of actionable or verbalized bigotry violates the dignity and rights of everyone. When these violations are left unchecked, a message of acceptance and support is reinforced. I will effectively and aggressively pursue the extra measure of publicly rebuking anyone engaged in hate promotion, as well as eliminate any DC government funding related to the promoters’ operations. My personal and political beliefs regarding bigotry are historically and morally rooted in the same principles from which Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., another traditional and empowerment oriented Republican, practiced.
13. Will you refuse to appoint to your Interfaith Council ministers such as Bishop Owens and Rev. Willie Wilson who have publicly hurled vile language against members of the District’s GLBT community?
Yes. Zero-tolerance means no tolerance. I will not allow the integrity of my personal beliefs, and standards of governance, be compromised by pretentious symbolism, politics and politricks on hate speech from anyone. Simultaneously, with regard to their public status, I will actively pursue every effective means of enlightening and motivating diverse individuals on the damages of any form of divisive rhetoric, hateful speech and discriminatory behavior to the socioeconomic success of a united city-state.
14. Will you invite representatives of GLAA to participate in the search process when you appoint a new Director of the Office of Human Rights, as Mayor Williams did in 2003?
No. Based on my standard, an invitation is considered a token half-measure. The full-measure will involve ensuring that GLAA representatives are integral major partners, in concert with other representatives, in the search, assessment and approval process of a new Office of Human Rights director. This standard will extend to other sectors of my administration where the expertise, insights and sensitivity of the GLBT community are essential to effective and equitable governance in the Moore Administration.
15. Are you committed to enforcing the provisions of the D.C. Human Rights Act forbidding discrimination on the basis of gender identity or expression?
Yes. All in line with my previously stated zero-tolerance policies and priorities.
Marriage and Family
16. Do you support legal recognition of marriages between partners of the same sex?
Yes. Simply and clearly, on the basis that every taxpaying citizen of the District of Columbia is an invested partner in the sustenance and support of our city-state, I will support legal recognition of marriages between partners of the same sex. Therefore, as a matter of common sense and commonly accepted legal principles, same-sex partners must be equitable recipients of the legal recognition provided to and enjoyed by all other District citizens. The rights of two consenting adults of the same gender to be married, as domestic partners, should be protected as a principle rooted in the basic and common rules of respect for all human rights that do not impede or violate the rights of others. Personally, and as Mayor Moore, this is my clear and morally uncomplicated understanding of the right of every adult human to partner with other adults they share a common and long term personal bond through a domestic partnership.
17. Will your Administration publicize and enforce the recently enacted laws that have significantly expanded the rights and responsibilities of domestic partners?
Yes. As a basic principle of equitable governance and full protection for every District citizen, domestic partners will be fully empowered to receive and benefit from the same rights enjoyed by all other DC residents. The bottom line for me, as the chief public advocate responsible for the protection of citizen interests, I will aggressively educate and effectively enforce all laws that protect and strengthen the rights of domestic partners. As taxpaying citizens and voting constituents, our fellow GLBT citizens are equal partners in the vitality, value and growth of the District of Columbia. Just as our society does not deny voting rights to GLBT citizens, we must not deny equal protection under the laws that they vote on. I clearly, and unambiguously, see my responsibility as sustaining those rights with the same integrity, vigor and consistency as will be sustained for non-GLBT District citizens.
18. Will you support legislation in the District to continue expanding the existing domestic partnership program to include all relevant rights and responsibilities of marriage in D.C. law?
Yes. But, this cannot be a token half-measure based on symbolism. I will only support legislation that effectively and substantively expands equitable enforcement of the relevant rights and responsibilities of marriage in District of Columbia law. My emphasis on this matter is rooted in my belief that this important issue must be significantly resolved so that all of us can more effectively direct our attention and energy to the common issues that affect both GLBT and non-GLBT District citizens -- common issues such as effective healthcare access, comprehensive public safety, genuinely affordable housing, high quality education, expanded employment opportunities, environmental protection, and genuine socioeconomic empowerment for diverse District of Columbia citizens.
19. Will you support the legislative and/or regulatory changes necessary to ensure that the District recognizes civil unions, domestic partnerships and similar legal relationships established in other jurisdictions?
Yes. I also will be attentive to those legislative and regulatory measures that are unique to the GLBT community in the District of Columbia. What works in Kansas or California may not complement the specific needs and goals of our fellow citizens in the GLBT community.
Public Education and Youth
20. Do you oppose both federal and local voucher programs that fund students in religious schools that are beyond the protections of the D.C. Human Rights Act?
Yes. Taxpayer funded programs, supported by tax revenue generated from both non-GLBT and GLBT District citizens should not be used to support any entity that violates any part of the D.C. Human Rights Act. Frankly, for me, this is a legally equitable and fiscally responsible “no-brainer.” Again, this is another uncompromising element in my zero-tolerance discrimination policies as Mayor Moore. I will also make every effective effort to encourage and enlighten federal authorities to do the same.
21. Do you oppose the use of either federal or District taxpayer funds to promote “abstinence-only-until-marriage” sex education that undermines safer-sex programs by discouraging the use of condoms and that effectively tells gay and lesbian students that they must remain celibate forever because they may not legally marry?
I support substantive and effective programs that consistently and clearly educate both GLBT and non-GLBT District youth of the critical importance of protected-sexual activity, as well as functional options other than pre-marital sex -- while enabling direct parent or legal guardian involvement, including GLBT and non-GLBT youth advocacy groups, peer education and counseling programs. My immediate and long-term goal is to dramatically reduce the rate and quantity of diverse STD/HIV infections, unintended pregnancies, as well as pre-marital behaviors that result in domestic stress, violence or future domestic irresponsibility and infidelity as married or domestic partners. Condoms will be made available to non-adult GLBT and non-GLBT youth only after close consultations and receiving the written consent their parent or legal guardian.
Consumers and Businesses
22. Do you support the relocation of the many gay bars and businesses that were displaced by the new ballpark, even if local NIMBYs and homophobes oppose them?
I am confident and supportive of the formidable cultural, market and economic forces in the District’s GLBT community to create and develop venues that best complement licensed GLBT-oriented businesses. In fact, the Moore Administration will provide equitable support and advocacy for the rights of legal GLBT-oriented businesses and the commonly accepted rights of the communities where these businesses operate, or propose to operate. As mayor, it will be imperative that both GLBT and non-GLBT businesses maintain good business citizenship and community outreach. I will actively encourage both communities to reach out and develop equitable community partnerships. I will be consistent in my personal efforts and governance at bringing communities together on common goals and needs. This too, is a critical part of my zero-tolerance initiative that I believe will stimulate and develop mutually supportive GLBT and non-GLBT partnerships to protect the common human rights of all District of Columbia citizens.
23. Will you support legislation to curb the abuses of NIMBYs who are now allowed to file an endless series of baseless complaints to harass or extort bars and restaurants?
Yes. Additionally, I will aggressively and effectively take the initiative to host quarterly community forums and permanent coalitions aimed at creating direct open dialogue between GLBT and non-GLBT citizens. Building a consensus to create a permanent, cabinet-level, Mayor’s Diversity Advisory Council will follow this initiative.
24. Do you oppose the Youth Protection from Obscene Video Games Act (B16-0125), a clone of other laws that have consistently been struck down by the courts on constitutional grounds?
Yes. However, I will actively provide advocacy, and promote legal efforts, to diminish and restrict the distribution and marketing of violent and obscene video games to District children age 16 and younger. I believe, in the immediate and long term, that youth access and engagement through violent and obscene entertainment mediums has the potential to emotionally desensitize them. Speaking as a 53-year old father and grandfather, and longtime media professional, I know that this becomes a developmental process that can lead to youth and adult engagement in related violent and obscene behaviors. It is important for me, as a parent and public official, that I provide leadership and integrity on reducing the levels of violent, obscene and discriminatory behaviors that impact both GLBT and non-GLBT citizens throughout the District.
Record
Your record is part of your rating. Please list any actions that you have taken that may help illustrate your record on behalf of gay men, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgenders.
I have no public record as such. Yet, undoubtedly I have aggressively lived and consistently self-empowered the courage of my convictions to respect and appreciate the value of diversity and rights of all people. My intimate awareness and sensitivity comes from my own experiences with family members, long time friends and professional associates that have been an integral part of my life for 53 years. No doubt, I will instinctively employ my personal convictions and commitment to human rights in the equitable governance and empowerment of all District of Columbia citizens.