Jan 10, 2014

Equality NC Responds to Anti-LGBT Group's Endorsement of Senate Candidate

Raleigh, N.C. – Equality NC responded today to news that Concerned Women for America (CWA), a D.C.-based anti-LGBT group, has endorsed Rev. Mark Harris in North Carolina's Republican primary for U.S. Senate.

“Mark Harris possesses valuable experience and the leadership needed in Congress,” Penny Nance, CWA's CEO, said in a press release. “Dr. Harris is a pro-life, pro-family conservative who will lead on critical issues from the moment he arrives in Washington.”

Harris said he was "honored" to receive the group's endorsement.

Equality NC quickly responded, saying any endorsement from, and praise for, a group the Southern Poverty Law Center has classified as a hate group -- citing anti-LGBT statements equating homosexuality with pedophilia and accusations "homosexual activists" fabricate hate crime reports -- should make North Carolinians reconsider their vote.

"The endorsement of Republican Senate candidate Mark Harris by the virulently anti-LGBT Concerned Women for American, as well as his praise for this certified hate group, should give all fair-minded North Carolinians pause as they head to the polls this year," said Chris Sgro, executive director of Equality NC.

"The CWA has consistently attacked North Carolina's LGBT and allied communities using outright lies and outrageous vitriol, and is representative of the extreme positions Mr. Harris has also taken in his support for the anti-family Amendment One. This unprecedented agenda of hate has no place in our state as we continue to push for equality for all North Carolinians."