ENC's Achievements

The 80's

In the 1980's, Equality NC Foundation (then NCHRF) got its start providing legal assistance to gays and lesbians facing discriminatory enforcement of the Crime Against Nature law and expulsion from the military.

In 1980, the group launched a national get-out-the vote effort called "Gay Vote '80." Two years later, it sent out its first survey of legislative candidates; only 13 returned surveys, and only 6 answered positively to all of the questions.

In the mid-1980's the group spearheaded an effort to repeal the state's Crime Against Nature law and worked on local efforts, including securing non-discrimination policies in Raleigh and Durham. The group also supported the early NC pride marches, put together the first NC AIDS Quilt, and published the first statewide directory of LGBT organizations.

The 90's

1992 marked Equality NC PAC's entry into electoral politics, endorsing 33 legislative candidates. Crime Against Nature reform was again a top legislative priority through the 90's, in addition to fight against negative legislation, including "abstinence only" sex education and the so-called "defense of marriage act." Successes included passage of domestic violence protections for same-sex couples who live together and protecting the victims' rights of same-sex couples.

During the mid-90's the group's electoral work expanded to endorsements in primary races and local races of statewide signifigance, including the state's first openly gay Mayor, Mike Nelson of Carrboro.

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.

That year the group also organized the most extensive week of action of any of the 50 states participating in Equality Begins at Home, with more than 60 events statewide, including the first statewide LGBT Lobby Day at the General Assembly.

2000 and Beyond

In 2000, Equality NC expanded its electoral work to be active in the races for Governor, Council of State and the judiciary. In 2002, Equality NC PAC endorsed legislative candidates statewide, and played a decisive role in two targeted primary races that were decided by just a few votes.

The group also dramatically expanded its educational and outreach work, offering programs such as Family Project trainings for same-sex couples and parents on how to legally protect their relationships and panel discussions on a variety of topics. The group also produced a short film, Privacy: A Basic Right, which documented the impact of the Crime Against Nature law on LGBT North Carolinians.

Equality NC worked closely with local organizers to secure domestic partnership benefits for employees of the city of Durham and Orange and Durham Counties

In 2004, Equality NC led a successful effort to block an anti-LGBT constitutional amendment on marriage, making North Carolina the only state in the southeast to block such an amendment. Attorney General Roy Cooper made history by fulfilling a campaign promise to Equality NC PAC and adopting a non-discrimination policy that includes sexual orientation for employees of the Department of Justice.

Also in 2004, Equality NC PAC worked hard to elect North Carolina's first openly gay state legislator, Sen. Juila Boseman (D-New Hanover). The group made its largest candidate contribution in its history. Equality NC also successfully lobbied the towns of Chapel Hill and Carrboro to add gender identity or expression to their non-discrimination policies, making them the first jurisdictions in the southeast with inclusive policies.

In 2005, Equality NC secured a record number of sponsors for a pro-LGBT bill, with 24 Representatives signing onto our employement discrimination bill. Again the group was succesful in blocking an anti-LGBT constitutional amendment in the legislature.

Equality NC continues to grow and expand our work to secure equal rights and justice in North Carolina, while honoring our history and those that have come before us.