Post submitted by Ianthe Metzger, Former Press Secretary, State & Local 

Today, the Human Rights Campaign released the following statement after Phil Murphy won New Jersey’s gubernatorial race:

“Murphy made advancing LGBTQ equality a key part of his vision for the future of New Jersey, and his commitment to equality makes him a model for elected officials nationwide,” said JoDee Winterhof, HRC Senior Vice President for Policy and Political Affairs. “HRC was proud to endorse Phil Murphy’s campaign, and we look forward to working with him in the effort to advance equality in the Garden State.”

HRC estimates there are approximately 2.3 million pro-equality LGBTQ and allied voters in New Jersey. Murphy is a strong pro-equality leader, who believes that no one in New Jersey — from military veterans to small business owners to aspiring parents — should be treated differently because of who they are or whom they love. He has committed to vigorously expanding and enforcing anti-bullying and LGBTQ non-discrimination protections, and recently spoke out strongly against President Trump’s unconscionable transgender military ban — calling it “simply disgusting.”

Murphy’s public commitments to the people of New Jersey on LGBTQ equality include:

• Update forms to allow transgender people to select their gender on birth and death certificates and ensure that access to facilities is non-discriminatory;
• Ensure that all residents, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, have equal access to healthcare and fertility treatment;
• Expand state contract set-asides to include LGBTQ-owned businesses, to make sure LGBTQ business leaders have a fair shot to get ahead; and
• Reclassify veterans dishonorably discharged due to the discriminatory “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy to an honorable discharge – so that they will be eligible for the state benefits they and their families are owed for fighting for our country.