Harrisburg – The Board of Directors of Equality Pennsylvania (EQPA) has unanimously voted to endorse the reelection of President Barack Obama in 2012. President Obama is the first endorsed candidate by Equality Pennsylvania in the 2012 election cycle.
Adanjesus Marin, Chair of the organization’s 501c4, which makes candidate endorsements, noted, “Under President Obama’s leadership, our community has seen the passage of the Mathew Shephard Hate Crimes Act, the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, the end of the executive branch defense of DOMA, and numerous administrative changes to increase equality for the LGBT community. Not one of the four remaining Republican primary contenders can say the same for their commitment to equal rights.”
Less than a month ago, the Obama Administration announced that a new fair housing rule impacting the LGBT community will go into effect next month. It is the latest expansion of LGBT rights at the Federal level. President Obama has also stated his support for the Employment Non Discrimination Act, and has been public about his support for curbing bullying against LGBT youth.
The Obama campaign received the endorsement with open arms. Pennsylvania State Director Bill Hyers responded, “The President and Equality Pennsylvania share many common goals, chief among them a belief that we must do everything we can to create an equal playing field for all Americans. Throughout the next year we’ll employ that same energy and unity, working together to do everything we can to ensure the President has four more years to promote equality for the LGBT community.”
Equality Pennsylvania plans to help the President win Pennsylvania with an aggressive plan to register LGBT voters and turn them out at the polls, in support of the President, and other candidates EQPA has yet to endorse. The Primary Election is on April 24th, and despite the fact that President Obama has no Democratic challenger, Equality Pennsylvania encourages its members to vote for the President. In similar news, Equality Pennsylvania President, Adrian Shanker, is on the ballot to be an Alternate Delegate to the National convention for the 15th Congressional District. Shanker said, “I have no reservations in my support for the re-election of President Obama. He has done great things in the last three years and 9 months won’t finish the job. He needs another four years to bring us the equality we all deserve, and I will be proud to join him in Charlotte, and at the polls, to support my President.”
Equality Pennsylvania is the statewide voice for LGBT Equality in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and works collaboratively to establish a comprehensive network of individuals and organizations united in securing equal rights for the LGBT community. For more information: www.equalitypa.org. Equality Pennsylvania is a proud member of the Equality Federation.