Grassroots Support for Debra Continues to Grow

Torrance – Equality California Political Action Committee (PAC) endorsed Debra Bowen today for the May 17, special election to replace Jane Harman in the 36th Congressional seat. The PAC, which is a sponsored committee of Equality California, cited Bowen’s commitment to full equality for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community as reason for their backing.

“Equality California PAC only endorses candidates who support full equality for the entire lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community, and Debra Bowen has a long track record of standing with our community when we’ve needed her most,” said Jim Carroll, Equality California Interim Executive Director. “We are confident that she will remain a vocal champion for equality in Congress and a committed leader that all Californians can count on.”

Bowen also recently received the backing of California LGBT leaders, former State Senator Sheila Kuehl and State Senator Mark Leno.

"As a member of Congress I will continue to support equality for all Americans regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity,” said Bowen. “Americans should not be discriminated against for who they are and I will support bills that provide equality to all citizens including the LGBT community.”

Debra Bowen has a long history of supporting equality for the LGBT community including opposing Proposition 22, voted in favor of AB 849 (Leno) to allow same-sex couples to marry in California, and she co-authored Assembly Joint Resolution 85 (Leno), which opposed any federal legislation that would restrict the rights of same-sex couples, including marriage.

Bowen supports the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), and strong punishment for those who commit hate crimes against LGBT Americans.

The Equality California PAC is a sponsored committee of EQCA, a nonprofit, nonpartisan, grassroots-based, statewide advocacy organization whose mission is to achieve equality and civil rights of all lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Californians. www.eqcapac.org