From the Pride Fund to End Gun Violence PAC:
WASHINGTON, DC, May 3, 2016 — Pride Fund to End Gun Violence PAC – America’s only national LGBTQ political organization solely focused on gun violence prevention – announced last night three new endorsements in Virginia national and state-level races: Lindsey Davis Stover in Virginia’s 10th congressional district, Chris Hurst in the Virginia state legislature’s 12th district and Steven Jansen in Virginia’s 13th legislative district. Pride Fund endorsed all three candidates based on their commitment to championing LGBTQ equality and support of common sense gun safety reform.
“Lindsey Davis Stover is the courageous leader that the residents of Virginia’s 10th District need in Congress,” said Jason Lindsay, Pride Fund Executive Director. “It is vital that Congress pass common sense reforms that protect our communities and reinforce responsible gun ownership. We must keep guns out of the hands of violent offenders, domestic abusers, suspected terrorists and the dangerously mentally ill,” said Lindsay.
“This is a moment in time where courage is required to stand up for the rights of all Americans regardless of their race, sex, gender identity or sexual orientation. We need leaders in Congress who are willing to pass common sense reforms that protect our communities and reinforce responsible gun ownership. Doing nothing is not an option,” said Stover. “I am honored by this endorsement from Pride Fund which has taken tragedy and turned it into action.”
“The support of Pride Fund was integral to our victory in November,” said U.S. Rep. Stephanie Murphy (D-FL) during last night’s announcement. “They endorse the candidates who they know will fight for LGBTQ rights and common sense gun reform to ensure the safety of all Americans.”
“Virginia can and must do better to protect all communities from discrimination and should prohibit discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation and gender,” said Chris Hurst. “I’m proud to have Pride Fund’s endorsement in my campaign to serve the 12th district of Virginia.” Hurst decided to run for state delegate after his late girlfriend, Alison Parker, was killed in a senseless act of gun violence. Hurst supports background checks and barring individuals convicted of hate, bias-motivated, and domestic violence-related crimes from purchasing or owning a firearm.
With Virginia’s 13th district’s staunch rejection of Donald Trump in 2016, 2017 is a prime opportunity to elect a Democratic candidate who will stand up and speak out for gun violence prevention and LGBTQ equality. “I’m honored to accept the endorsement of Pride Fund and to work together as we strengthen LGBTQ rights and protect our communities from violence,” said Steven Jansen. “As a former prosecutor and current gun violence prevention advocate, I have devoted my life to helping make our communities safer and fairer for everyone, no matter who you are or who you love. I commend Pride Fund for being a leader in this fight.”
Pride Fund has thoroughly reviewed the platform and records of these candidates to assess their commitment to protecting the rights of the LGBTQ community and improving the safety of all Americans. Lindsey Davis Stover, Chris Hurst and Steven Jansen represent the kind of leaders we need, who won’t prioritize the special interests of the gun lobby over the safety of the American people.
About the Pride Fund to End Gun Violence
Pride Fund to End Gun Violence (Pride Fund) is a Political Action Committee (PAC), organized for the purpose of raising and spending money to elect pro-LGBT candidates at the national level who support sensible gun reforms.
Sign up for the Blue Virginia weekly newsletter
