Aug 26, 2015
LGBT Leaders Announce Charlotte Candidate Endorsements
LGBT Advocates and Allies Hosted Media Event Highlighting Upcoming Electoral Work
MEDIA CONTACT: Jonah Hermann, Equality NC, (920) 860-1416 -or- jonah@equalitync.org
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Today, as efforts mount to finally pass critical non-discrimination protections for LGBT Charlotteans, the pro-LGBT equality organizations Equality NC, MeckPAC, and the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), announced their endorsements in key Charlotte City Council races. At a press conference that was held at the Charlotte Mecklenburg Government Center, the organizations also announced a targeted campaign on behalf of pro-equality candidates.
Leaders from all three organizations had the following comments on this critical campaign:
Chris Sgro, executive director of Equality NC said, “We are pleased to be working alongside MeckPAC and HRC in these efforts, as well as with LGBT and allied folks across the City. Charlotte is the second largest city in the nation that does not have protections in their city ordinances that protect its LGBT citizens. Equality NC is committed to electing a city council that will not compromise on these vital protections.”
Scott Bishop, of HRC added, “It is simply unacceptable that the city council failed to pass the non-discrimination ordinance last March. The people of the Queen City should feel safe and welcomed in every part of this community.”
Crystal Richardson of MeckPAC said, “As a life-long resident of Charlotte, I am excited to get to work in electing a city council that works for everyone. Over the next few weeks, this coalition will be winning the fight for Equality the old fashioned way, with people talking to people.”
Endorsed candidates include Vi Lyles, James Mitchell, Julie Eiselt, and Billy Maddalon in the at-large races and LaWana Mayfield, Al Austin, and John Autry in district races.
ABOUT EQUALITY NC: Equality NC is a statewide organization working to secure equal rights and justice for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender North Carolinians. For more information, please visit www.equalitync.org