A coalition of Long Island lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender advocacy groups endorsed Democratic congressional candidate Steve Stern on Tuesday.
Equality Long Island, the political branch of the Long Island LGBT Network, an association of non-profit organizations in Long Island and Queens, cited the Suffolk County legislator’s “proven track record of going to bat for the LGBT community on Long Island” in supporting him to represent the North Shore’s 3rd Congressional District.
The endorsement follows Stern’s backing last month from Rep. Steve Israel (D-Huntington), whom he is running to replace in the district stretching from Whitestone, Queens, to Kings Park.
“Now more than ever, we need a congressman who is strong enough to fight against Tea Party efforts to eliminate LGBT rights in Washington,” Equality Long Island CEO David Kilmnick said in a statement. “For years, Steve Israel was our champion in this fight and we know that we’ll be able to turn to Steve Stern to continue this effort for years to come.”
The Long Island LGBT Network is comprised of five non-profit groups that provide services and support for youth and adults of minority sexual and gender identities. Equality Long Island is its nonpartisan political arm, engaging in lobbying, organizing and education to support LGBT rights on Long Island.
Stern previously sought an endorsement from the Stonewall Democratic Club, New York City’s oldest LGBT Democratic Club, which endorsed Democratic primary challenger Jon Kaiman in April.
“Equality Long Island and the LGBT Network have long been powerful advocates for the LGBT community and their endorsement is a continuation of my lifelong fight to ensure all Americans are treated equally, regardless of whom they love,” Stern said in a statement.
Stern, of Dix Hills, also has support from several current and former Suffolk County lawmakers, the Huntington Town Democratic Committee and Port Washington politicos and philanthropists Martin and Laurie Scheinman.
Stern and former North Hempstead Town Supervisor Kaiman are joined on the June 28 primary ballot by Jericho attorney Jonathan Clarke, town Councilwoman Anna Kaplan and former Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi.
