Human Rights Campaign Endorses “Equality Fighter,” Gabrielle Giffords, for Congress
Human Rights Campaign Contacts:
Brad Luna, Phone: 202-216-1514, Cell: 202-812-8140
Jay Smith Brown, Phone: 202-216-1580, Cell: 202-716-1650
Human Rights Campaign Endorses Equality Fighter, Gabrielle Giffords, for Congress
“Every single time we have needed someone in the fight for equality, Gabrielle Giffords has been there ready to lead,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese
WASHINGTON — The Human Rights Campaign Political Action Committee announced its endorsement today of former State Senator Gabrielle Giffords in her campaign to replace openly-gay Congressman Jim Kolbe as Representative for the 8th District of Arizona.
“Every single time we have needed someone in the fight for equality, Gabrielle Giffords has been there ready to lead,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. “Whether it was cracking down on hate crimes or protecting employees against discrimination in the workplace, Senator Giffords never hesitated. We look forward to her bringing the same tenacity and unwavering support for the value of equality to the United States House of Representatives.”
“I am honored to receive the endorsement of the Human Rights Campaign, an organization that fights for the equal rights of all Americans. Everyone knows that discrimination is wrong for America, and we deserve a Congress that reflects that belief,” said Senator Giffords.
Solmonese continued, “The Human Rights Campaign is proud to endorse Gabrielle Giffords for Congress and we urge 8th District voters to not only vote on election day with equality in mind but start working towards it today by volunteering and becoming active in the campaign.”
Senator Giffords has been a leader in the Arizona state legislature on the issue of stopping discrimination. During her time in the legislature she has fought to:
- Provide judges with the ability to increase charges against people committing hate crimes (SB 1210, in 2003);
- Protect Arizonans in the work place by prime-sponsoring legislation to prohibit employment discrimination (HB 2415, in 2001);
- Make it illegal to fire someone on the basis of gender and/or sexual orientation (HB 2704, in 2001)
To ensure the election of fair-minded leaders like State Senator Gabrielle Giffords, the Human Rights Campaign’s Political Action Committee mobilizes GLBT and allied voters throughout the country. In addition, HRC-PAC provides fundraising assistance and campaign staff support to targeted races. To become involved with the Human Rights Campaign please visit our website at www.hrc.org. To become active in the Giffords for Congress campaign please visit new.giffordsforcongress.com.
The Human Rights Campaign is the largest national lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender political organization with members throughout the country. It effectively lobbies Congress, provides campaign support and educates the public to ensure that LGBT Americans can be open, honest and safe at home, at work and in the community.
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