| Senator Kirsten Gillibrand has been a strong leader in the U.S. Senate on LGBT issues. She has called for a repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell and also came out strongly for equal rights and in support of full marriage equality.
It is because of her advocacy and support in the U.S. Senate that the LGBT community considers her a friend. Today, the Human Rights Campaign endorsed Gillibrand.
The Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, announced today the endorsement of Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) in the 2010 U.S. Senate race. Gillibrand is the first U.S. Senator from New York to support full marriage equality for same-sex couples.
"Senator Gillibrand has emerged as one of the strongest advocates in the Senate for full equality for the LGBT community," said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. "From her personal lobbying of the New York legislature in support of marriage rights to helping garner support for a Senate hearing on repealing 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell,' Gillibrand has time and again stood for fairness for all."
"I am very honored to once again have the endorsement of the Human Rights Campaign," said Sen. Gillibrand. "Equality, civil rights, and equal justice for the LGBT community must be a clarion call for our party and our generation. This is the civil rights march of our generation. We must continue to push every day to repeal DADT, repeal DOMA, and provide equal protections in the work place for all Americans. There is far more support for our cause than people realize. Let's continue working together to write a new chapter of equality in this country."
Here are some key points regarding Gillibrand's record on LGBT issues:
• Support of equal marriage rights for same-sex couples;
• Helping lead efforts to repeal the discriminatory "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy of the U.S. military. At Sen. Gillibrand's urging, the Senate Armed Services Committee announced it would hold the first hearing on the policy in 15 years;
• Cosponsor of the fully inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA);
• Cosponsored and voted for the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act;
• Supports full repeal of the so-called Defense of Marriage Act.;
• Cosponsor of the Uniting American Families Act, to allow same-sex couples in bi-national relationships to sponsor a partner for legal immigration to the U.S.;
• Opposes amending the U.S. Constitution to discriminate, including opposition to the Federal Marriage Amendment;
• Cosponsor of the Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act; and
• Cosponsor of Early Treatment for HIV Act.
This is a big endorsement from the LGBT community. Getting the support of HRC shows that Gillibrand has been a great advocate for the LGBT community in the U.S. Senate and recognizes her past work in the House. Her support of equal rights is important, especially in New York, as we have our own fight for marriage equality brewing and having a sitting U.S. senator from our state out in front on these issues helps the pro-equality movement. |
