US: Lesbian equality lawyer wins Massachusetts Democratic primary
A Massachusetts equality lawyer who fought against the Defence of Marriage Act could be on her way to becoming the first out Attorney General in a US state.
Lawyer Maura Healey, who lives with her same-sex partner, is running to replace incumbent Martha Coakley as Massachusetts’ attorney general.
Despite being considered an outsider in the race, the candidate – who was backed by the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund and the Human Rights Campaign – trounced former state senator Warren Tolman by 62.4 percent to 37.6 percent in last night’s Democratic primary, securing the party’s nomination
Though she will still have to face Republican John Miller in November’s election, the state has not voted in a Republican Attorney General since 1967.
If successful in November, Healey would be the first openly gay state Attorney General in US history.
Chuck Wolfe of the Victory Fund said: “All of us at Victory are thrilled about Maura’s inspiring win tonight.
“The wealth of experience and energy she brings to the table make her a formidable general election candidate, and we are proud to stand with her trailblazing campaign every step of the way.”
Stephen Peters of Human Rights Campaign added it would send “a message of hope and empowerment to LGBT citizens in Massachusetts and across the country”.
