Massachusetts state Rep. Carl Sciortino (LA '00) last night drew on his experiences in politics and as an undergrad on the Hill in denouncing California's recently passed Proposition 8.
Speaking to the Tufts Democrats in Eaton Hall, Sciortino highlighted the roadblocks that hindered opponents of the referendum, which invalidated same-sex marriage in the Golden State.
"Our side had been very much out-fundraised," said Sciortino, who is openly gay. "I love it that there are people showing up [at] rallies in California now, but I wish they had been there before [Election Day]. It's frustrating."
Recently elected to his third term as a state representative, Sciortino spearheaded opposition movements to Proposition 8. He traveled to California this fall, helping grassroots campaigns in a number of counties.
Sciortino first sought public office in 2004 after then-incumbent state Rep. Vincent Ciampa refused to declare support for gay marriage or civil unions.
On a more optimistic note, Sciortino emphasized the significant impact grassroots work can have in fighting for the LGBT agenda or any other type of campaign. He related an anecdote about one woman, Ashley, who was the sole volunteer campaigning against Proposition 8 in Tahoma, Calif.
Comparing early poll numbers to the final results in Ashley's county, Sciortino said she had won over some voters.
"It's an example where a single person organized in their community, in their own way in a situation that was critical, and made a difference," Sciortino said.
Senior Gregory Chambers enjoyed hearing the alum speak, and was especially roused by the anecdote about Ashley.
"I thought that it was really great that [Sciortino] came. I think it's really great when representatives come and speak to the communities that they represent. In particular, I thought the story he told about Ashley was inspiring — how she was the only volunteer, but she got so much done," Chambers said.
After speaking for thirty minutes, Sciortino opened the room up for a question-and-answer session. Students peppered him with remarks and questions. The discussion ranged from the meaning of marriage to the necessity of term limits to keep representatives accountable.
One audience member asked Sciortino, who majored in biology, what it was like to transition from studying science to serving in public office. The representative responded with an anecdote: "During my first six months in office, we had a debate on stem cell research. I literally brought my intro biology book from Tufts into the chamber."
Tufts Democrats Secretary Lucy Perkins, a sophomore, enjoyed the story. "I liked how he talked about being a biology major and falling into politics," she said.
Sciortino spoke with pride about the progressive nature of his campaigns. "It's an honor to be out there fighting for people in my district," he said.
In reference to the possibility of a federal law allowing same-sex marriage, he remarked, "I don't think there's an appetite for changing that yet."
Sciortino referred to the dichotomy between his desire to allow gay couples to do as they please and the entrenched system that classifies marriage as being between a man and a woman. "How do you separate something like marriage, which is very historical and religious and very much a part of our economic system? How do you untangle those two?" he asked.
But Sciortino spoke with optimism about setting precedents through litigation in courts and paving the way for future victories in equality of health care and employment for same-sex couples.
