(Richmond, Virginia) James Parrish, Executive Director of Equality Virginia, announced today that the Board of Directors of Equality Virginia PAC voted unanimously at its meeting on June 26, 2011 to endorse Delegate Adam Ebbin for election to the Virginia Senate from the 30th Senate District.  Delegate Ebbin currently is seeking the nomination in a three-way Democratic primary to be held August 23, 2011.  The Democratic nomination in this heavily Democratic district is seen as setting a clear path to election in the fall.

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“Although both of the other candidates running in the primary are 100% supportive of EV on the issues, only Adam Ebbin is an out gay candidate, and he is currently the only out gay member of the Virginia legislature,” said Mr. Parrish. “When Adam Ebbin rises on the floor of the Virginia House, his presence, as its only openly gay member, is critical, not only because of the different perspective he may bring to the discussion, but because his very presence as a colleague and friend can be an important factor in changing hearts and minds on issues related to full equality for Virginia's gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender residents,” Mr. Parrish added.  “His leadership on our issues is unparalleled, and all Virginians are advantaged by his public service and hard work on a range of issues, including protections for our senior citizens, enhanced wage enforcement for working people and the environment.”

The EV PAC Board was encouraged that Delegate Ebbin’s opponents in the primary, Rob Krupicka and Libby Garvey, both actively sought the PAC’s endorsement.  Both Mr. Krupicka and Ms. Garvey are strong straight allies of the GLBT community who have shown leadership in advocating for full equality for GLBT Virginians.