Washington– The Human Rights Campaign – the nation’s largest civil rights organization dedicated to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) equality – mourns the loss of one of America’s greatest visionaries, and a tremendous ally to the LGBT community, Steve Jobs.  Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese issued the following statement:

“Steve Jobs’ life and career touched the lives of millions of people across the globe.  From his unparalleled contributions to technology and communication, to his steadfast support for the fight for LGBT equality, Jobs has truly embodied the spirit of our great nation. The world is without a doubt a better place because he lived in it.”

In 2008 under Job’s direction, Apple donated $100,000 to fight Proposition 8, which aimed to end same-sex marriage in California by amending the constitution to define marriage as between a man and a woman – one of the first major corporations to donate to the fight.  During his tenure as CEO, Apple scored a perfect 100 on HRC’s Corporate Equality Index.

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.