FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Brandon Day | [email protected] | 804.643.4816
RICHMOND – September 28, 2015– Equality Virginia Political Action Committee (EV PAC) announced today its endorsements for four key competitive races that will determine the leadership for the Virginia Senate election. In its decision, the LGBT advocacy organization took into account where each candidate stands on ending workplace and housing discrimination, banning “conversion therapy” practices and creating more inclusive schools for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Virginians.
“The majority of Virginians support equality for gay and transgender Virginians,” said James Parrish, Executive Director of Equality Virginia Advocates. “The success of these four endorsed candidates will ensure the Virginia Senate is reflective of this support.”
EV PAC endorses Senate candidates: Gary McCollum v. Frank Wagner (SD-7), Dan Gecker (SD-10), Jill McCabe v. Dick Black (SD-13), and Jeremy McPike (SD-29).
EV PAC supports the challengers in Districts 7 and 13, because the incumbents have historically voted and spoken against gay and transgender rights. In the previous legislative session, incumbents Frank Wagner and Dick Black voted against a bill on second-parent adoption, putting children of gay and lesbian parents at risk, and against a workplace non-discrimination bill to protect LGBT employees.
“The candidates endorsed by EV PAC understand the importance of LGBT equality, especially in comparison to their opponents. Our elected leaders strengthen our business community, schools and the Commonwealth as a whole by valuing the rights of gay and transgender Virginians, said Parrish. “We will do everything we can to ensure these candidates win the vote in November.”
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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.