THE VOICE OF CHICAGO'S GAY, LESBIAN, BI, TRANS AND QUEER COMMUNITY SINCE 1985

In late August, the NRCC urged outside groups to attack Jones because of her sexual orientation and featured a photo of Jones and her partner on the NRCC website. Her opponent Tony Gonzales has accused her of having a "transgender agenda," a talking point also outlined on the NRCC website. Earlier this month, the NRCC launched a homophobic TV ad against Jon Hoadley, a gay candidate running for U.S. House against incumbent U.S. Representative Fred Upton in Michigan. Another homophobic ad was launched against him today. Both Gonzales and Upton refuse to denounce the anti-LGBTQ attacks.

Mayor Annise Parker, President & CEO of LGBTQ Victory Fund, released the following statement about the anti-LGBTQ campaign tactics and the refusal of Republican candidates to denounce them:

"The national fundraising arm of the Republican Party has declared war on LGBTQ candidates this election cycle — and homophobia and transphobia are their weapon of choice. It is despicable that Republicans would attack a military veteran simply because she believes the trans soldiers who risked their lives beside her deserve fair treatment when they return home. Their appeals to bigotry — especially when aimed at LGBTQ people who fought for America — is the ultimate evidence that winning elections is more important to them than the values most Americans hold.

"The NRCC leadership should think beyond November and recognize they are alienating an entire generation of LGBTQ people and their allies. The candidates refusing to denounce the homophobic and transphobic attack ads launched in their name — especially Tony Gonzales and U.S. Representative Fred Upton — must know their silence is as destructive as the ads themselves. That they accept bigotry for a perceived political gain is a reflection on their character and will not be forgotten."

LGBTQ Victory Fund

LGBTQ Victory Fund works to change the face and voice of America's politics and achieve equality for LGBTQ Americans by increasing the number of openly LGBTQ elected officials at all levels of government.

victoryfund.org .