• April 24, 2004 -- Signed the Governmental Leaders’ Statement in support of our civil rights immediately after being asked to do so; then said, “As always, let me know how I can be helpful.” 

• May 23, 2004 -- Wrote a “Delaware Voice” column for the News Journal in support of LGB anti-discrimination bill H.B. 99, arguing that non-discrimination in the workplace was not only good for business, but the right thing to do.

• 2004-2006 -- Spoke at the Delaware Pride Festival each year.  He also had a booth from 2004 to 2007, and representatives at the Festival in 2008.

• 2005 -- Hired openly gay staffers in both the Delaware treasurer’s office and in his re-election campaign for treasurer.  He was derided on a radio station and on blogs for doing so, but forcefully reiterated his belief in hiring the most qualified person regardless of sexual orientation.

• 2005-2006 -- Stated his support for H.B. 36, the successor to the failed H.B. 99.

• June 15, 2007 -- Created an on-line petition in support of S.B. 141, the most recent LGB anti-discrimination bill.  The petition gathered signatures from Delaware and all over the world.

• June 15, 2007 -- Wrote an open letter to Sen. Chas. Copeland to refute the argument that S.B. 141 would be harmful to small businesses.

• June 20, 2007 -- Testified before the Senate Insurance and Elections Committee in defense of S.B. 141. His testimony was eloquent, passionate and contained factual information and quotations, indicating thorough research and preparation.

• November 8, 2007 -- Wrote on his own blog on behalf of the federal Employees Non-discrimination Act (ENDA) and S.B. 141.

• March 8, 2008 -- Wrote a letter to the editor at the Delaware State News in support of S.B.141 & S.B. 10 (DP benefits for state employees’ partners).

• March 11, 2008 -- Encouraged Lobby Day supporters lobbying for S.B. 141 & S.B. 10.

• October 19, 2008 -- In a forum with lt. gov. candidate Matt Denn and opponents William Lee and Charles Copeland, Jack reaffirmed his support for a sexual orientation antidiscrimination law.  Denn agreed; Lee and Copeland were opposed. 

• 2007-2008 -- Enjoyed widespread backing for his run for governor from the Delaware LGBT community, and was publicly endorsed by many of us.

“Everybody in Delaware – African-American, white, Hispanic, Asian, gay or straight – should know that I promise to protect your civil rights and expand your opportunities.” – Jack A. Markell