FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, October 7, 2016
Victory Institute Condemns Trump’s Meeting with Ousted Anti-LGBTQ Governor Pat McCrory
Wednesday, December 7 (Washington, D.C.)— Victory Institute today condemned the meeting between President-elect Donald Trump and former North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory – who lost his re-election because of his unwavering support for discrimination against LGBTQ people. The latest potential anti-LGBTQ appointment comes as Victory Institute convenes LGBTQ elected officials from around the nation to strategize opposition to the anti-equality agenda of the new administration. The meeting – at Victory Institute’s International LGBTQ Leaders Conference in Washington, DC – is the largest gathering of LGBTQ elected officials in the world.
Victory Institute President & CEO Aisha C. Moodie-Mills released the following statement about Trump’s meeting with McCrory:
“Voters ousted Governor McCrory for his relentless attacks on LGBTQ Americans – and it is unconscionable for the president-elect to now consider him for a cabinet appointment. The gubernatorial race was a referendum on the discriminatory anti-LGBTQ bill he championed – ensuring that bigotry would be McCrory’s defining legacy. Appointing this man – who damaged his state’s economy and reputation to defend discrimination – is contrary to Donald Trump’s claim he wants to represent all Americans.”
“Unfortunately, McCrory is just another in a long list of potential appointees adamantly opposed to equality for LGBTQ Americans. Trump’s appointees either have anti-LGBTQ records or have expressed contempt for LGBTQ Americans. We have grave concerns about Trump’s appointments, and our community will not stand by as our rights and equality are dismantled. LGBTQ elected officials, and the entire LGBTQ community, will unite in opposition to any anti-equality agenda. Tomorrow we gather in Washington, DC to create a roadmap for the next four years.”
Governor McCrory came to national attention when he signed the anti-LGBTQ bill, Public Facilities Privacy & Security Act (HB2), legislating discrimination in government buildings. The so-called “bathroom bill” authorized residents to only use restrooms that correspond to the sex assigned to them on their birth certificate. It also overturned the laws of local jurisdictions protecting LGBTQ people from discrimination.
Victory Institute’s International LGBTQ Leaders Conference takes place on Thursday, December 8 through Saturday, December 10. Among the speakers: Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Secretary of the Army Eric Fanning, six openly LGBTQ members of Congress and many more. For a complete agenda and speakers, visit www.lgbtleaders.org.
Members of the media interested in attending the conference should contact Danielle Moodie-Mills at dmoodie-mills@skdknick.com.
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Gay & Lesbian Victory Institute
The Gay & Lesbian Victory Institute works to increase the number of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in public office and to provide programming, service, and other support to ensure their success.
victoryinstitute.org
