Forum for Equality and State Representative Joseph Marino Endorse JP Morrell

Today, both the Forum for Equality and Louisiana State Representative Joseph Marino announced their endorsements for JP Morrell for New Orleans City Council At-Large, Division 2 in the Nov. 13 election. Early voting is is Oct. 30 through Nov. 6, excluding Sunday. 

JP Morrell served in the Louisiana Legislature with Representative Marino, who said:

"Take it from an actual Independent: JP is independent. I've served with JP for years, and he has never shied away from the problems that face the people of our state. I was there when he stared down the NRA to protect victims of domestic violence. There is no quit in him, and JP is fearless when it comes to defending his constituents."

"New Orleans needs an independent voice who isn't scared to do something new – to tackle the problems that have faced the city for years without bowing to the pressures of people who would hold New Orleans back from greatness."

"Robert F. Kennedy one said, 'Some men see things as they are and say, why; I dream things that never were and say, why not.'  JP is the leader who knows what New Orleans should be to the people that live in the city, and he has the sense of urgency to get it there."

The Forum for Equality, Louisiana’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) human rights organization dedicated to the establishment of a society free from discrimination and to the support of good government, also announced its endorsement of JP Morrell, saying:

"JP is a tireless fighter for true equality for everyone.  It's the reason  he was awarded the Acclaim Award by the Forum for Equality years ago. He has fought for the LGBTQIA+ community his entire 13 years in the legislature, never backing down."

"More importantly, he is not a silent ally.  He is loud and proud of his advocacy, constantly arguing that our rights are human rights. He authored legislation regarding equality in marriage, adoption and education.  JP has always had our back in Baton Rouge, and we are excited, at the Forum for Equality, to endorse him for New Orleans City Council At-Large, Division 2."

JP Morrell has been a relentless advocate for policies that place people first. He started serving our community as a public defender right out of law school and later was elected to the State Legislature in 2006 – where he helped pass a historic package of laws to increase protections for the survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, and a constitutional amendment undoing a Jim Crow-era law in Louisiana. Morrell never backed down from impossible fights when he knew what was best for the people of our city.

Morrell will be on the ballot as the only official candidate of the Democratic Party in the race, and he is also endorsed by New Orleans Coalition, Independent Women's Organization (IWO), AFL-CIO, Alliance for Good Government, Independent Democratic Electors Association (IDEA), UNITE HERE, Voters Organized to Educate (VOTE), United Teachers of New Orleans (UTNO), New Orleans East Leadership (NOEL), Forum for Equality, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), the Southeastern Louisiana Chapter of the National Association of Building and Constructions Trades (NABTU), NOLA Rainbow Advocates, and over 200 women leaders and advocates, among others (below).