Organizing for America | Jamie Citron's Blog: Human Rights Campaign Endorses Barack Obama

Human Rights Campaign Endorses Barack Obama

By Jamie Citron - Jun 7th, 2008 at 2:13 pm EDT

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PRESS RELEASE - Human Rights Campaign Endorses Sen. Barack Obama for President of the United States 6/6/2008

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.

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"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.

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Uhh, a little late | Report to Admin

By Spam Jun 7th 2008 at 2:26 pm EDT

Now that the nomination race is over, their endorsement is meaningless. .... Good job Human Rights Campaign (eye roll)

Re: Uhh, a little late | Report to Admin

By Robert from Rochester, MI Jun 7th 2008 at 8:28 pm EDT

We are all in a time of healing. The HRC endorsement was important to me. That's why it matters.

Re: Uhh, a little late | Report to Admin

By Steve from Wilmington, DE Jun 9th 2008 at 4:05 pm EDT

I am tired of hearing and reading about all of the support of various candidates prior to elections. Haven't we all heard enough of politicians promising us equality and then doing absolutely nothing to advance it once in office. If Senator Obama can get this country to actually respect and enforce the 14th amendment for EVERYONE then he will go down in history as a true hero of the people. However, being the sceptic that I am, I need to see some proof first. What has he actually done while in the US Senate and in the Illinois statehouse to advance LGBT issues.

HRC | Report to Admin

By Barbra from Edison, NJ Jun 8th 2008 at 6:23 pm EDT

They could have shown a little class and respect for truly healing by waiting until after Hillary came out and endorsed Obama. But class is not the way of the (some) Human Rights Campaign.

I truly hope that the LGBT outreach of the Obama campaign mirrors the general outreach that the campaign had in the primary.

Why it matters | Report to Admin

By PaminTX Jun 11th 2008 at 7:18 pm EDT

It is very important that Joe Solmonese and HRC have stepped forward to endorse Sen. Obama. I have been doing everything I could for Sen. Clinton during the primary and was disappointed in the result.
Even with Sen. Clinton's encouragement I wasn't sure if I was even going to participate at all in the general election until I saw this endorsement. Now my political heart is beating once again.

Content on blogs in My.BarackObama represents the opinions of community members and in no way should be interpreted as endorsed or approved by the campaign.