WASHINGTON–The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest gay,
lesbian, bisexual and transgender civil rights group, today announced
that the organization will endorse Senator Barack Obama (D-Ill.) for
president of the United States. The decision was made by the HRC Board
of Directors based on Senator Obama’s support for GLBT equality, his
demonstrated leadership, and his unwavering commitment to civil rights.
"HRC is proud to throw our full support behind Senator Obama’s
presidential campaign," said HRC President Joe Solmonese. "Senator
Obama has consistently shown that he understands, as we do, that, GLBT
rights are civil rights, and human rights. Senator Obama has said
that embracing ‘our gay brothers and sisters’ is true to Martin Luther
King’s vision; I know that Senator Obama’s vision is one of equality,
fairness, and justice for all of us," he said. "We have just
witnessed a historic primary contest in which two champions of our
community demonstrated that they hear our voices and share our
dreams. For millions across this country, their candidacies—as
the first woman and the first African American to be top contenders for
the nomination of a major party—have already been life-changing,
inspiring, and groundbreaking. Senators Obama and Clinton both
remained our allies whether they were campaigning in New Mexico or
Nebraska; in California or Kansas. They are, quite simply, heroes
to anyone fighting for equality,"
Senator Obama supports federal benefits and protections for same-sex
couples, a fully-inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act and hate
crimes legislation, comprehensive sex education, the repeal of the
military’s "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell" policy, and increased funding for
HIV/AIDS. He opposes the federal marriage amendment and bans on
adoption by GLBT people. Senator Obama participated in
HRC’s and Logo’s historic presidential forum in 2007, and submitted HRC’s
presidential questionnaire.
"The Human Rights Campaign has been at the forefront of the fight for
GLBT equality and opportunity, and I am proud to have its endorsement,"
said Senator Obama. "Too often, the issue of GLBT rights is
exploited by those seeking to divide us. But at its core, this
issue is about who we are as Americans. I look forward to working
with HRC to end discrimination against GLBT Americans and to ensure
that all of our citizens are treated with dignity and respect."
Solmonese concluded, "I’ve been consistently impressed by Senator
Obama’s willingness to speak about GLBT issues in front of diverse
audiences. Matters of life and livelihood for GLBT Americans are on the
line in this election and after eight years of an anti-gay stranglehold
on the presidency, Sen. Obama’s message of fairness and acceptance is a
breath of fresh air."
The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights
organization working to achieve gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender
equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end
discrimination against GLBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves
fundamental fairness and equality for all.