'This campaign against discrimination will affect Wisconsin families for years to come,' said HRC President Joe Solmonese.

WASHINGTON - The Human Rights Campaign is proud to announce a $50,000 contribution to Action Wisconsin to fight an amendment to the state constitution that would deny civil unions and marriage to same-sex couples. The Brico Fund, a Milwaukee-based organization working to drive change that creates a more just and equitable society, has also donated $75,000 to Action Wisconsin and the Milwaukee-based Center Advocates. These contributions are also challenges to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender and progressive communities to match the levels given to Action Wisconsin and Center Advocates for the fight.

Action Wisconsin - the statewide LGBT advocacy group - will use the funds to hire a campaign manager, build a data system to manage voter information and put together a robust field plan to mount a campaign against discrimination in the Wisconsin Constitution.

"This campaign against discrimination will affect Wisconsin families for years to come," said HRC President Joe Solmonese. "It's so important for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and allied Wisconsinites to get involved now, before it's too late. We challenge you to meet the need by donating your time and money to this effort."

"We're excited to see the energy of Action Wisconsin being put toward promoting tolerance and justice," said Anne Summers, executive director of the Brico Fund. "Being involved in this fight against putting discrimination in the Wisconsin Constitution is so important to us. We urge all progressive Wisconsinites to join the fight."

"We are very thankful for this major investment in the Wisconsin campaign from such a strong state and national partnership," said Action Wisconsin Executive Director Christopher Ott. "These contributions will allow us to increase the already unprecedented level of support we are finding for our work to reject discrimination in Wisconsin."

The constitutional amendment, which would deny marriage as well as civil unions and domestic partner benefits to same-sex couples, was passed by the Wisconsin Legislature in 2004. The measure must pass again this legislative session. If passed, it could be on the ballot as soon as November 2006.

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.