WASHINGTON – Today the Human Rights Campaign – the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization – announced its endorsement of Christine Quinn for Mayor of New York City.  As Speaker of the New York City Council, Quinn has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of all New Yorkers.  HRC pointed to Quinn’s unrivaled record and experience leading the City and specifically highlighted her leadership in negotiating on-time and balanced budgets, reducing wasteful government spending, and preventing teacher layoffs and firehouse closings. 

“New York needs Christine Quinn because she approaches every issue she cares about with passion and drive,” said HRC President Chad Griffin. “Whether it’s equality for all New Yorkers, great public schools or twenty-first century infrastructure, Chris is ready to fight for the city New Yorkers deserve.”

“Whether its keeping neighborhood firehouses open or teachers in the classroom, balancing budgets or protecting our taxpayers, or ensuring that all New Yorkers, regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation are treated equally, my number one priority has been –and always will be –the people of New York,” said Quinn. “I am so very honored that the Human Rights Campaign is backing my candidacy and I look forward to their partnership over the coming months.”

HRC has a long and proud history of fighting in New York City and around the country for causes and candidates it supports.  HRC placed 30 field organizers on the ground and invested more than $1 million, standing alongside Chris Quinn in the successful fight for New York marriage equality in 2011.  Over her 20 years of public service, Quinn has also fought to end bias-motivated violence against LGBT New Yorkers and worked hard to secure and protect funding for HIV/AIDS services in New York City.

“New York is a diverse city that demands a leader who will stand up for everyone,” added Griffin.   “Chris Quinn is that candidate.”

If victorious, Quinn will succeed Mayor Michael Bloomberg.  Over the course of his three terms in office, Bloomberg has embraced the LGBT community. He was a champion in the fight for marriage equality in 2011 and continues to lead in the fight for full equality in New York and across the country.

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.