WASHINGTON - The Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, and Equality Delaware are pleased to announce a strengthened partnership to conduct community outreach regarding civil unions and matters of importance to the LGBT community in Delaware. HRC has provided a grant of $10,000 to Equality Delaware, and the two organizations will work closely together over the coming months as civil unions legislation is introduced and considered in the Delaware General Assembly.

"We are pleased to have supported the formation and growth of Equality Delaware and look forward to our work together on civil unions this year," said HRC President Joe Solmonese. "Every family in Delaware should have the rights, responsibilities and protections that will come with civil unions."

"Our campaign to protect all Delaware families will be strengthened by this significant grant from the Human Rights Campaign," said Equality Delaware Board President Lisa Goodman. "We value our partnership and know that working together we can educate Delawareans about the need for civil unions to protect LGBT families and make the First State a more fair and welcoming place to live, work and raise families."

Announcement of the grant comes as Equality Delaware hosts town hall meetings about civil unions in Wilmington today and in Rehoboth on Saturday. The Wilmington town hall meeting is scheduled to begin at 5:30 on Thursday, February 17th, at the First & Central Presbyterian Church at 11th and Market Streets. The Rehoboth town hall meeting will begin at 3 PM on Saturday, February 19th, at the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center located at 37 Baltimore Avenue.

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.

Equality Delaware is a statewide volunteer organization dedicated to promoting and ensuring dignity, safety, and equality for all lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Delawareans.