Equality PA Endorses Shapiro for Attorney General, McGinty for Senate

Harrisburg - March 30, 2016 - With proposals across the country to roll back hard-won protections, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) Pennsylvanians need champions fighting for them at the state and federal level. Today, Equality PA is proud to announce its support for two important champions for equality: Josh Shapiro for Pennsylvania Attorney General and Katie McGinty for United States Senate. Both candidates have a strong track record of fighting for LGBT Pennsylvanians in the past, and both of them will be much-needed advocates in the state and national Capitols in the future.

Katie McGinty for United States Senator

Katie McGinty has a lifetime of public service, including many landmark achievements for the LGBT community, and would be the first woman elected to the United States Senate from Pennsylvania.

"From fighting to protect and expand the Affordable Care Act, to passing federal legislation like the Equality Act, LGBT Pennsylvanians need Katie fighting for them in the Senate, " said Ted Martin, Executive Director of Equality PA. "Whether it was working to assemble one of the most diverse cabinets in the history of the Commonwealth with Gov. Wolf, or expanding Medicaid coverage to thousands of LGBT Pennsylvanians, or fighting to pass nondiscrimination protections, Katie has a proven track record of standing up for what is right. Equality PA is proud to join local LGBT groups like the Liberty City LGBT Democratic Club Philadelphia and a long list of advocates for the LGBT community—including Rep. Brian Sims, Gov. Rendell, Gov. Wolf, Sen. Bob Casey, and President Obama—in supporting Katie. "

"I am grateful to the tireless advocates at Equality Pennsylvania both for their endorsement in this race and for the work they have done for over twenty years to secure fair treatment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Pennsylvanians, " said Katie McGinty. "In the Senate, I will look to organizations like Equality Pennsylvania as I proudly work with them for equality for every person and in every aspect of life."

Josh Shapiro for Pennsylvania Attorney General

Montgomery County Commissioner Josh Shapiro has worked tirelessly to advance LGBT rights in the Commonwealth, and he has previously received Equality PA's endorsement for Pennsylvania State Representative and Montgomery County Commissioner.

"Josh Shapiro has aggressively worked to make Pennsylvania more equal for LGBT people, " said Jessica Rothchild, Board President of Equality PA. "By cosponsoring and pushing for legislation protecting LGBT people from discrimination and hate crimes in the state legislature, to issuing marriage licenses before Pennsylvania's marriage discrimination law had been overturned, Josh has always been a staunch ally. As Pennsylvania's chief law enforcement officer, Josh will be able to crack down on discrimination against LGBT people, and he can highlight the inequality that exists in our laws that still refuse to protect our community from hate crimes and other attacks. Equality PA is proud to join a growing list of LGBT advocates and allies, including the Liberty City LGBT Democratic Club, Gov. Rendell, Gov. Wolf, Sen. Bob Casey, and President Obama in supporting Josh."

"I've spent my career protecting the rights of all Pennsylvanians, especially the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender members of our communities and Commonwealth and am proud to have Equality PA's support in this campaign, " said Commissioner Shapiro. "As Attorney General, I'll continue to protect the LGBT community and uphold the rights of all Pennsylvanians. I'll diversify the Office of Attorney General, so it fully reflects the people it serves. And I'll restore integrity to our system so that all Pennsylvanians can get a fair shake in our justice system, regardless of where they live, the color of their skin or who they love. "

ABOUT EQUALITY PENNSYLVANIA

With 60,000 members across the commonwealth, Equality Pennsylvania is the leading organization advancing equality and opportunity for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Pennsylvanians.

Twitter- @EqualityPA

Facebook- facebook.com/equalitypa