WASHINGTON – Today the Human Rights Campaign – the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender civil rights organization – released a web ad featuring actor Michael K. Williams for its Americans for Marriage Equality campaign.  In the ad, Williams, who is perhaps best known for his portrayal of Omar Little on the HBO drama series The Wire, says “Gay and lesbian couples have the same values – like family and commitment.  They want to build strong families through marriage.”  The video can be viewed online at http://www.hrc.org/MarriageEquality.

“The idea that a gay or lesbian couple should face institutional discrimination by the government is wrong,” said HRC President Joe Solmonese.  “We should be doing everything in our power to support all families – not just some.  Michael K. Williams is spot-on in saying that gay and lesbian couples want the same things as everyone else – love and commitment.”

Williams is an actor, best known for his work on HBO’s The Wire as Omar Little – a stick-up man known for following a strict moral code, who happens to be gay.  Many refer to Williams’ ‘Little’ as one of the great television characters of our time.  Born in Brooklyn, NY, Williams has also starred in multiple episodes of Law & Order, Third Watch, and recurring roles on HBO's The Sopranos and Boardwalk Empire, where he stars as Chalky White.

This is the tenth video released by HRC for the Americans campaign.  Past videos feature Aisha Tyler, Dee Rees and Kim Wayans, Scott Fujita, Josh Charles, Katori Hall, John Leguizamo, Julian Bond, Mo’Nique, and Cory Booker.

About 53% of the American public supports marriage for same-sex couples, according to a number of nonpartisan polls, including Gallup, CNN, and Washington Post/ABC News.

Americans for Marriage Equality is a public engagement campaign featuring prominent Americans who support committed gay and lesbian couples getting married.  The campaign draws from a cadre of supportive professional athletes, film and music celebrities, and political and civic leaders. 

For more information on the campaign or to see the videos, visit www.hrc.org/marriageequality.

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.

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