Washington - Today the Human Rights Campaign - the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization - announced its endorsement of Rahm Emanuel for Mayor of Chicago. The former White House Chief of Staff and member of Congress representing Chicago's northwest side has a consistent record of support for LGBT Americans and was instrumental in enacting hospital visitation rights for same-sex couples nationwide.

"Rahm Emanuel has been a champion for equality throughout his career in public service," said HRC President Joe Solmonese. "His dedication to the LGBT community and his commitment to fairness for all Chicagoans makes him a stellar choice for Mayor."

"From passing hate crimes legislation, to extending visitation rights to LGBT couples, to repealing Don't Ask, Don't Tell, we have worked together to advance equality for LGBT Americans. I look forward to continuing to work with HRC to advance the cause of equality in every community and neighborhood in Chicago if I have the privilege of serving as Mayor," said Rahm Emanuel.

While in Congress, Emanuel was a consistent supporter of LGBT equality and scored 100% on the HRC Congressional Scorecard for each of the three terms he served. More recently, he was a key driver behind the President's executive order on hospital visitation protections for same-sex couples. Additionally his campaign website points out his support for the civil unions law in Illinois and that he "continues to believe that full marriage equality, in name and in rights, should always be the goal."

"Confronted by my family's story, it was Rahm Emanuel who saw an injustice and brought it to the President's attention in order to make the lives of same-sex couples better," said Janice Langbehn, the catalyst for the hospital visitation regulations who was shut out of the emergency room as her partner Lisa Pond was dying. "I have no doubt that he will bring that same kind of enthusiasm and passion to his job as mayor of Chicago and I am proud to endorse his candidacy."

"As a Chicagoan, I know Rahm Emanuel will be a great partner with our local LGBT community as we work together to improve the lives of all our citizens," said John Barry, a member of the HRC Board of Directors.

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.

Paid for by the Human Rights Campaign (http://www.hrc.org).