Maxwell receives endorsement from Equality Pennsylvania

Downingtown mayor is seeking the Democratic nomination in primary race for state representative

DOWNINGTOWN » Equality Pennsylvania, the Commonwealth’s leading LGBTQ advocacy organization, has endorsed Downingtown Mayor Josh Maxwell for state representative in the 74th Legislative District.

“As a progressive candidate and lifelong supporter of LGBTQ rights, I am honored to receive the endorsement of Equality Pennsylvania,” said Maxwell, a Democrat. “Now more than ever, there is no excuse for Democrats to remain silent on issues affecting the LGBTQ community, and as state representative, I would join the LGBT Equality Caucus and stand with the LGBTQ community every day.”

Pennsylvania remains the only state in the northeastern United States to permit discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations for LGBTQ individuals and families.

As mayor of Downingtown, Maxwell worked with Downingtown Borough Council and passed the borough’s first LGBTQ-inclusive nondiscrimination ordinance in 2013. In his work to end sexual and domestic violence, Maxwell has ensured that resources are available to survivors regardless of orientation, gender identity, or partnership status. He has consistently supported marriage equality and officiated a number of same-sex weddings as mayor. He asks the couples to make a donation to the Domestic Violence Center of Chester County for his officiant services.

“Josh has pledged to work with his colleagues to pass legislation and advocate for fairness, equality, equity, and justice,” said Interim Executive Director of Equality Pennsylvania John Dawe. “These are the core values of Equality Pennsylvania and we are excited to stand behind a candidate who shares them.”

Equality Pennsylvania is the Commonwealth’s leading organization fighting for equality, equity and fairness for LGBTQ individuals and families. Founded in 1996 as the Center for Lesbian and Gay Civil Rights, the organization has grown to more than 35,000 members across the state.

“As the endorsed candidate, I want members of the LGBTQ community to know that I am on their side, and always listening,” Maxwell said. “The endorsement is a commitment as much as it is an honor, and I will always be looking for opportunities to help.”

The 74th Legislative District is located in Chester County, including Downingtown, East Caln, Parkesburg, Modena, and Coatesville. At the Chester County Democratic Committee convention earlier this year, Maxwell received more than 51 percent of the endorsement vote from local committee people.

Dan K. Williams, pastor of New Life in Christ Fellowship in Coatesville, East Fallowfield resident Frank Pryor, both Democrats, and Coatesville resident Amber Little-Turner, a Republican, all have also announced their candidacy for the 74th District.

Republican state Rep. Harry Lewis Jr., who currently represents the 74th District, is not seeking reelection.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Equality Pennsylvania, the Commonwealth’s leading LGBTQ advocacy organization, has endorsed Downingtown Mayor Josh Maxwell for state representative in the 74th Legislative District.