San Francisco, January 22, 2024 — Today, the Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club announces the significant decision to rescind our March Primary endorsement of President Joe Biden. In a special meeting held on Sunday, attended by over 100 activists and members, the Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club overwhelmingly voted to rescind the endorsement of Joe Biden for the March 5, 2024 primary election. This decision, overturning our endorsement vote previously held in October 2023, reflects widespread outrage and international indignation over the President's handling of the Israel-Gaza conflict which has now soared to over 25,000 civilian deaths.
Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club Rescinds Biden Endorsement Amidst Gaza Crisis
San Francisco, January 22, 2024 — Today, the Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club announces the significant decision to rescind our March Primary endorsement of President Joe Biden. In a special meeting held on Sunday, attended by over 100 activists and members, the Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club overwhelmingly voted to rescind the endorsement of Joe Biden for the March 5, 2024 primary election. This decision, overturning our endorsement vote previously held in October 2023, reflects widespread outrage and international indignation over the President's handling of the Israel-Gaza conflict which has now soared to over 25,000 civilian deaths.
The Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club, as the first Democratic club in San Francisco to denounce the Hamas attacks, condemns sexual assault and other violence committed against Israeli civilians, including the kidnapping of more than 240 hostages. We condemn the Israeli mass killing of tens of thousands of civilians and mourn the tragic loss of life in Gaza and Israel. Genocidal acts violate international law, and the mass killing, forced displacement, and sexual violence against a captive, stateless population shake our common humanity.
Focused on the crisis in Gaza, we condemn President Biden's misguided and perilous actions, and inaction, which undermine the long-term interests of both Israelis and Palestinians. Despite officials privately suggesting a charitable interpretation of Biden's approach, the outcome is deemed a demonstrable failure. His support for Israel and participation in war cabinet meetings have resulted in a trickle of aid to Gaza. Reports of counseling restraint to Israel lack evidence especially in the backdrop of the president's push for billions of unconditional additional military funding for Israel's war effort which has pummeled refugee camps, hospitals, and civilians. Moreover, Biden's call to reject anti-Palestinian sentiments appears incongruent with his public stance, which has legitimized the Israeli government’s actions causing human suffering.
While our stance doesn't extend to the November 2024 general elections, we aim to send a powerful signal to President Biden and the Democratic establishment that our base demands to be heard. As an LGBTQ organization, we cannot stand idly by when the President suggests that Palestinian lives are less valuable than Israeli lives, implying that the application of international law becomes optional and human rights are restricted. Our decision to rescind our endorsement of Joe Biden in the primary election reflects our collective voice urging swift action and a comprehensive reevaluation of policies to address the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.
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Jeffrey Kwong 415-290-5595