[Portland, OR] – The Human Right Campaign PAC (HRC PAC), a national leader in the fight for LGBTQ+ equality and the country’s largest LGBTQ+ organization, has announced their endorsement of Tina Kotek for Oregon Governor. This endorsement follows endorsements already made by Basic Rights Oregon, LPAC and LGBTQ Victory Fund.
In 2013, Tina made history when she became the nation’s first openly lesbian Speaker of any statehouse in the country. She was also Oregon’s longest-serving House Speaker up until stepping down from that position earlier this year.
Tina has been a tireless champion for LGBTQ+ equity and equality in the Oregon Legislature:
- Protecting LGBTQ+ individuals, especially children, from abuse by banning conversion therapy.
- Fighting for justice by banning the LGBTQ+ panic defense, an atrocious legal maneuver that conceals hate crimes and reinforces homophobia and bigotry.
- Advocating for more welcoming school environments by passing a landmark anti-bullying law.
- Ensuring equity in our health care system by preventing health insurance companies from restricting coverage for the transgender community.
- Advancing transgender rights by passing legislation to outlaw discrimination based on gender identity.
“Tina Kotek is a proven leader, a dedicated public servant, and has been a trailblazer even before her historic run for Governor of Oregon,” said Joni Madison, interim president of the Human Rights Campaign. “As Speaker, she was resolute in her dedication to progress and justice and few can match her record of securing real change for all Oregonians. We are proud to endorse Tina Kotek for Governor because Oregonians deserve someone who is single-minded about bettering their lives. Kotek’s record assures us she will continue her life’s work – making a more just and equitable Oregon– when she is in the governor’s mansion.”
“I am honored to have the endorsement of the Human Rights Campaign,” said Tina Kotek, candidate for Governor. “I have worked to protect and lift up LGBTQ+ Oregonians during my time in the legislature. From preventing discrimination in health care because of gender identity to protecting all children in school by passing comprehensive anti-bullying legislation, I believe in creating an Oregon where everyone can succeed. As Governor, I will continue to work alongside HRC to ensure that everyone, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation, has an equal opportunity to thrive.”
To date, Tina Kotek has earned the endorsements of over 30 organizations, including labor unions and civil rights organizations. Tina has also earned the support of over 60 state and local elected officials.
For a full list of Tina’s endorsements, please visit: www.tinafororegon.com/endorsements