CHICAGO–The Equality Illinois PAC, the political arm of Equality Illinois, has endorsed Ram Villivalam for the Illinois State Senate 8th District Democratic primary.
“Ram Villivalam will be a champion for all residents of the 8th district, including LGBTQ residents,” said John Litchfield, chair of the Equality Illinois PAC, in a statement released Tuesday. “Villivalam’s record of pro-equality leadership speaks for itself. As Outreach Coordinator for U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider, he worked with legislative staff to introduce legislation that would protect and expand the rights of LGBTQ people. As Legislative Coordinator at SEIU Healthcare, Villivalam supported LGBTQ-affirming legislation on behalf of the union. We know he will be a champion for the LGBTQ residents of the 8th district.”
Villivalam is challenging incumbent State Senator Ira Silverstein. EI-PAC stated that Silverstein had not voted for marriage equality ,to protect LGBTQ youth from conversion therapy or the recent laws modernizing the state birth certificate law or banning the “gay panic” defense.
“At this time of heightened fear and anxiety about our civil rights, LGBTQ Illinoisans need their elected officials to be fighters,” Litchfield said. “We know Villivalam will be that leader to help advance justice and equality for LGBTQ people, and we are proud to endorse him.”