WASHINGTON – Today the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, launched two video ads featuring Rossana Rosado – publisher and CEO of the nation’s oldest Spanish-language daily newspaper, El Diario La Prensa– for its Americans for Marriage Equality campaign.  Both videos, a version in English and a version in Spanish, can be viewed online at www.hrc.org/marriageequality.

“For years the government told committed and loving gay and lesbian couples that they are not worthy of marriage,” said HRC President Joe Solmonese.  “All couples should be able to enjoy the protections and privileges that come with a legal marriage certificate – not just some.”

Federico Sainz de la Maza, HRC’s VP of Communications and Marketing, added “En nuestra comunidad, la familia siempre es lo más importante.  Que el gobierno siga discriminando contra las familias y parejas lesbiana y gay es intolerable.”

Rossana Rosado has been Publisher and CEO of El Diario La Prensa since 1999, after having served as the paper’s Editor-in chief for a number of years – the first woman to hold the position.  The list of her journalism accomplishments includes an Emmy, a Peabody Award for Journalism and the New York Press Club President’s Award.  She also served on Mayor Bloomberg’s transition team and as one of six co-chairs for Gov. Spitzer’s transition team.  Founded in 1913, El Diario la Prensa is the nation’s oldest Spanish-language daily newspaper and the largest in New York. 

This is the fourteenth video released by HRC for the Americans campaign.  Past videos feature The Rev. Al Sharpton, Lloyd Blankfein, U.S. Sen. Al Franken, Michael K. Williams, Aisha Tyler, Dee Rees and Kim Wayans, Scott Fujita, Josh Charles, Katori Hall, John Leguizamo, Julian Bond, Mo’Nique, and Mayor 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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