Not surprising, given the rabid homophobia of the Cuccinelli/Jackson/Obenshain ticket, and the strong support from the Democratic ticket for LGBT equality. Still, it’s good news!
LGBT Advocacy Organization Supports Democratic Ticket In November’s Statewide Election
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 21, 2013
Kevin Clay | kclay@equalityvirginia.org | 804.643.4816
Equality Virginia’s Political Action Committee announced its endorsements for statewide elections today. According to Executive Director James Parrish, the next four years could be a crucial turning point for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in ending workplace discrimination, gaining marriage equality, extending adoption rights and protecting youth.
“Virginians have a very clear choice this November to show their support for our lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community,” Parrish said.
EVPAC endorses Terry McAuliffe for Governor; Senator Ralph Northam for Lieutenant Governor; and Senator Mark Herring for Attorney General. All three candidates have shown public support for LGBT issues.
“In this election, the GOP’s ticket has made their position obvious on LGBT issues and the media has brought it to the forefront of the campaign,” Parrish adds. “Our Democratic candidates for statewide office each have platforms that include working towards our fundamental human rights – not against them.”
Gubernatorial candidate McAuliffe spoke at Equality Virginia’s Commonwealth Dinner where he addressed the crowd on workplace fairness. McAuliffe has committed to reinstating an executive order last issued by Kaine that would protect state employees from discrimination.
Although Virginia banned legal recognition of gay and lesbian couples through a constitutional amendment in 2006, McAuliffe supports marriage equality and shares his position with 56% of Virginians according to a recent Washington Post poll.
“I believe everyone should be treated fairly. I personally favor civil marriage for committed couples of the same-sex. I understand that this is an issue that Virginians of goodwill come down on both sides of and it is an issue where, like many Virginians, my views have changed from earlier in my life." McAuliffe said publicly in February.
Northam, Lieutenant Governor candidate, has been a longtime ally in the General Assembly and scored a 100% on Equality Virginia Advocate's 2013 Legislative Scorecard. Northam is a supporter of marriage equality and workplace protections.
"There is no excuse to discriminate against Virginians based on whom they love or to stigmatize the children of same-sex couples as unequal because their parents cannot marry,” he shared on his campaign website. “This discrimination and callousness must end. We must cherish and promote all Virginia families and children across the Commonwealth. That is why I will continue to fight for marriage equality."
Herring, Attorney General candidate, also has a longstanding record of supporting and voting in favor of equality in the General Assembly and scored a 100% in EVA's 2013 legislative scorecard. He has been proactive in sharing anEquality Agenda to address LGBT issues in his new role.
“As I travel across the Commonwealth, the message is consistent and clear: Virginians are ready for fundamental change in the office of Attorney General,” Herring said. “That change starts with having an Attorney General who will promote equality, rather than sow division."
Equality Virginia’s Political Action Committee seeks equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Virginians through supporting pro-equality candidates in public office. Since 1989, EVPAC’s affiliate organization has worked to end discrimination, protect families and build safe communities. More information is online at EVAdvocates.org. Connect on Facebook.com/EqualityVA or Twitter @EqualityVA.
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