About Equality NC PAC
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Vision | Mission | History | Board | Staff
Vision: Equality NC
PAC believes in equal rights for all citizens regardless of sexual
orientation or gender identity. We believe in the power of individuals
to create change.
Mission: Equality NC PAC works to secure equality and justice for lesbian, gay, bisexual
and transgender people through:
- Educating and empowering citizens and legislators
about laws, legislation and relevant issues.
- Providing information about the General Assembly and the courts.
- Encouraging participation in the electoral process.
- Lobbying elected officials.
- Endorsing and supporting candidates.
History: Equality NC PAC was founded in December, 1990,
by Joe Herzenberg, Mike Nelson, Ruth Ziegler, Mandy Carter, Jesse White, David Jones,
Tom Warshauer, and Eric Rosenthal. Founded in the wake of the lesbian, gay, bisexual,
and transgender mobilization for the 1990 Helms-Gantt race for U.S. Senate, the organization
sought to use that energy to effect change at the state level. Since then, Equality NC PAC
has been active in state legislative races and other races of statewide importance.
The organization also has maintained an active lobbying presence in the NC General Assembly,
advancing issues including Crime Against Nature reform, hate crime, non-discrimination, HIV/AIDS
funding and education, and others. In 1999, Equality NC made history when the Matthew Shepard
Memorial Act, which would have added sexual orientation to the State's hate crime law, became the
first pro-gay bill ever voted on in the NC House. The bill lost by only 10 votes, paving the way
for future victories. In 2000, Equality NC expanded its role to be active in the races
for Governor, Council of State and the Judiciary. In 2002, Equality NC PAC
endorsed legislative candidates statewide, and may have played a decisive role in two
primary races that were decided by just a few votes. Equality NC PAC focused our
resources on turning out pro-LGBT voters in these key races.
Beginning in 2003, Equality NC PAC turned over its lobbying role to our parent
organizaiton, Equality NC. Equality NC PAC will continue to work to elect candidates who
support equality and justice for LGBT North Carolinians.
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